Avoid Having Your Dog Become a Pup-Cicle During Winter Hiking

Bringing your dog along on a hike is a great experience. They love exploring and will probably show you a few things you might have missed on the trail, too.

Hiking with your dog in winter, however, poses new challenges for the dog owner. Here are a few tips for you to keep in mind when hiking with Fido this winter. You can learn more in my forthcoming book, Best Dog Hikes Alabama.

1. The Basics

Always check with the volunteers or organizations that manage the trail you will be hiking before heading out. Some trails will be closed in freezing weather or if snow is expected or deep. Still other trails may be closed or access restricted as the ground begins to thaw to prevent erosion.

How long should the hike be? The general consensus for an average dog is, when temperatures are below freezing, keep the walks short, like 10 to 15-minutes. Above freezing, 30 to 45 minutes. Of course you can extend the trip if your dog can handle the cold. In any event, make sure to take frequent breaks.

2. Protect Their Paws

A lot of hikers scoff at putting booties on their dog, but they can really make a difference in your dog’s experience on that wintery trail. Ice and snow can get packed between their pads causing extreme discomfort and heat loss. And by the way, booties are good to use around the house, too, if you live in an area where rock salt is used on sidewalks. That salt can burn their pads.

3. Gear to Consider

If you have a short hair dog, it is a good idea to outfit them with a jacket. Long hair dogs may overheat with that extra layer on.

If you’re traveling in an area where there will be snow, use a bright colored leash and collar so you can see them if you walk them off leash or they accidentally get away. During hunting season, have them wear an orange vest.

4. Hydration and Snacking

It’s very important to keep yourself and your pup hydrated in winter. Pack along at least double the normal amount of water you would carry for them in warmer months.

That cold weather is also going to cause your pup to burn a lot of calories. It is important to give them plenty of high calorie snacks on the trail. Bring snacks that are crunchy/chewy. Soft snacks can freeze hard.

5. Carry an Insulated Pad

Do you like sitting on the cold ground or snow? Neither does your dog. Bring along an insulated pad for them to sit and lay on during your breaks.

6. Hike Trails with Solid Footing

Doing a short hike in the snow can be fun, but it won’t be fun for long for your dog. Icy trails are dangerous for both of you and snow causes dogs to jump through it rather than walk causing them to burn more energy and tire quickly.

7. Know When to Say When

The most important thing to know is when to call it quits and cut the hike short because your dog is in distress and becoming dangerously cold. Short hair dogs are more prone to cold weather emergencies, but long hairs can also develop serious illness. Watch for these signs:

• ·         Barking and whining for no reason
• ·         Stops walking frequently
• ·         Noticeable shivering
• ·         Cold paws, nose, ears, tip of the tail
• ·         Discoloration of paws, nose, ears, tips of the tail. This could be a sign of frostbite.
• ·         Your dog is anxious and looks for shelter