For adventurous folks who like to travel with their pups, winter months can feel so daunting when it comes to taking a snow trip. But if you already know that your dog enjoys the cool weather and snowy terrain, there are plenty of snow activities you can do with your furry pals. Here are the 8 best tips to help you have a safe snow day with your pup!
- Protect their feet
- Make sure they’re warm
- Hydrate and bring snacks
- Find dog friendly areas
- Avoid fresh powder, slippery ice, and thin ice
- Beware of rock salt and antifreeze
- Don't leave your dog outside alone
- Stay safe and know their limit
Playing in the snow for long periods of time can make a dog's feet freeze right up and in some cases hurt. If you plan on having them accompany you while snowshoeing or on a long hike, it might be best to look into little snow booties for their feet! I recommend shopping around, but try to find a style that’s easy to take on and off. And if your pup walks with a wobble or goofy high-steps, don’t fret! They will take some getting used to, but it’s worth not having their puppy pads freeze over. And if boots seem a little too extreme for the amount of snow play you plan to have, try trimming their foot fuzz or try a paw protectant!
Unless your pups breed was made for snowy weather, it is likely that they will get cold being outside for too long. And don’t let the long coat fool you, even some of the thickest fur can’t stand up against single digit temps. Before embarking on that snowy adventure, try finding an insulated jacket or vest. If you’re only going to be outside for a short period of time, a fleece jacket might do. And if you’re going on long adventures, bring that same fleece jacket to add as a base layer to their vest or other warm coverings.
3. Hydrate + Bring Snacks
I know what you might be thinking: “It’s not even hot out, why would I have to bring water and snacks on the trail?” Even in the coldest weather, dogs exhaust a good amount of energy. Between running in snow (Which by the way, have you ever ran in powdery snow? It’s so hard!) and being bundled up in their winter coat, dogs can overheat and get tired very easily. Make sure that you are queued into signs of exhaustion and dehydration, you don’t want an emergency evacuation to ruin your fun weekend in the snow.
It is best to do your research beforehand and see if the trails and parks you’re planning to visit are dog friendly. Some areas may be in restoration or the wildlife may be particularly sensitive to dogs. And if you’re planning to hike, make sure the trails are safe for your pets especially after a fresh snowfall or when the trails are super icy.
5. Avoid Fresh Powder + Slipper Ice + Thin Ice
When dogs have to navigate through powdery snow, they typically sink down and have to jump to make any headway. Although this can be super adorable, watching your pup jump up and then disappear down into the snowy unknown, it’s incredibly exhausting for them. And if the trail is too icy, your dog can slip and fall which is a potential for injury. Even worse, they can pull you along with them if you don’t have your footing! Lastly, thin ice. It might seem cute to let your pup slip and slide across that frozen pond, but the ice can easily crack and your dog can fall in expediting the hypothermia process. If possible, visit a location with solid walking trails - less fresh snow or slippery ice - and stay off of iced over ponds and lakes.
6. Beware of Rock Salt + Antifreeze
Rock salt and antifreeze might make the walkways safe for pedestrians, but it could be harmful to you pup. Neither should be ingested and make sure to wash their paws when you get home with warm water and moisturize if your pup has dry, cracked skin.
7. Don’t Leave Your Dog Outside Alone
Leaving your dog outside alone in the cold can potentially be dangerous. Being out in the cold for long periods of time can lead to frostbite and hypothermia. It’s good note that dogs can lose their scent during cold weather. If they run off, they may not be able to find their way back.
8. Stay Safe and Know Their Limits
If you’re planning a long or extraneous adventure, pack a puppy first aid kit. The benefit of having a kit on hand is that most of the items included can be used on yourself as well if need be. It’s also good to know the signs of hypothermia in dogs which may include uncontrollable shivering, slow motor functions, and shortness of breath. Make sure to pack an extra jacket or have an emergency rescue blanket on hand just in case.
