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
