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Going hiking alone or with friends can be a great experience, but as with almost anything, it’s even better with a dog.
However, as the cold weather and snow settles in and we make ready for winter, it’s important to keep safety in mind if you plan on braving the snow-covered trails and frigid temperatures with your canine companion.
Dr. Victoria Cussen, the senior director of applied behavior research at the ASPCA, shared some advice with Spectrum News 1 on how to keep your furry friends safe on those winter-time treks.
She said you should consider a coat or sweater for your dog if you’re planning on a colder hike. While a number of factors dictate whether this is necessary (the breed and thickness of the fur, for example), she said you should consult your animal’s vet if you’re not sure.
“The jacket should fit properly, otherwise it may be uncomfortable or could cause irritation to the dog’s skin,” she said via email. “Look for winter gear that does not limit movement, sight, or the ability to breathe or bark. Your dog should be able to run, play, and jump normally.”
She also suggests dog boots or, if your dog is sensitive about their feet, a wax paw protectant.
“Snow and ice sometimes get packed between dogs’ toes, which can be very painful; paw protectants can help prevent snow balls from forming between pads (as can keeping the hair between the pads trimmed short),” she said via email. “Paw protectants can also help protect from salt and chemical ice-melting agents.”
Like with humans, dogs can develop hypothermia, and Cussen said dog owners should bear in mind: “It is too cold for you, it’s too cold for your dog.”
She said the following could be signs of hypothermia and that you should put your dog in a warm blanket and reach out to your vet for further advice:
- Shivering
- Inactivity
- Paleness of the skin
- Lethargy
- Muscle stiffness
- Shallow breathing
- Fixed and dilated pupils
“After being outside in sleet, snow, or ice, thoroughly wipe your dog’s legs, feet, and belly to prevent any ingestion of salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking themselves,” she said via email.
She also suggested the following tips when hiking with your dog:
- Ensure their collar is on with rabies tags and identification
- Be careful if off-leash hiking when snowing due to visibility concerns
- Only off-leash hike where it is allowed
- Check local hunting regulations before hiking in an area (put your dog in a “hunter orange vest” if hunting is allowed in the area)
- Consider putting a bell on the dog’s harness as it “alerts wildlife and prevents unexpected encounters – especially in the winter when snow can muffle the sound of you and your dog approaching”
- Identify veterinary clinics in the area before a hike
- Bring a bowl and plenty of water
- Consider bringing an emergency sling to carry your dog if it is injured
“Weather patterns can change rapidly in winter months – be sure to check the forecast before heading out with your pup, even if you looked the night before,” she said via email.
You can check out the ASPCA’s more general cold weather tips here.
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Cody Thompson
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