Winter Hikes With Your Dog
Essential tips to enjoy safe hiking adventures with your dog
Taking your dog for a hike through a wintry landscape can be great fun, and here are a few important points to consider so both you and your dog will enjoy the experience.
Follow these guidelines
Dog is suited to winter weather
- Not every dog is suited to hikes on slippery, snow-covered paths
- Your dog must be physically fit
- Puppies and elderly dogs should stay at home
Slowly increase your hiking distances
- Tailor your hikes to the needs of the individual dog: start with shorter distances and see how well your dog copes
- The distance can be increased gradually (always based on your dog’s needs)
3. Paw protection
- paw pads should be kept in good shape
- wash your dog's paws after hiking
- buy dog shoes if necessary
Suitable dog clothing
- Only necessary for dogs that get cold quickly
- Clothing must be moisture-repellent and warm
- Check the weather forecast in advance to make sure your dog wears the right clothing
5. Check your dog for signs of freezing
- if your dog feels unwell, trembles and walks slowly, or takes a cramped posture
- stop hiking immediately, go with your dog to a warm place and take steps to warm them up
6. Take water and a bowl with you
- carry water in an insulated bottle, so it doesn’t freeze
- eating snow is not a good alternative to drinking water, as it can be harmful to your dogs’ stomach
Take winter-proof snacks and food with you
- If necessary, carry snacks in your trousers or in the inside pocket of your jacket (body heat prevents them from hardening)
- The snacks and food must meet your dog’s calorie requirements during the hike
- Don’t forget a bowl
Insulated pad
- Your dog can lie on this during rest breaks, as direct contact with the cold ground should be avoided (though this depends on the breed: Nordic dogs can handle lying on snow)
Leash and chest harness
- Keep your dog on a leash in high-risk areas so that they can’t put themself in danger (see below)
10. Caution in areas with lakes, streams and the risk of avalanches
- familiarize yourself with the hiking terrain: frozen lakes can be dangerous if the ice cover is too thin; streams may not be easy to see under a layer of snow; avoid avalanche areas altogether
First aid kit
- For medical issues that could occur in winter (such as paw injury caused by ice)
Ignore skiers and snowboarders
- Train your dog beforehand to not to run after skiers or snowboarders
