Winter Hikes With Your Dog
Essential tips on enjoying 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:
1. Winter-suitable dog
- 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
2. 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
4. 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
7. 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
8. 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)
9. Leash and chest harness
- keep your dog on a leash in high-risk areas so that it can’t put itself in danger (see 10 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
11. First aid kit
- for medical issues that could occur in winter (such as paw injury caused by ice)
12. Ignoring skiers and snowboarders
- train your dog beforehand not to regard skiers and snowboarders as quarry to be chased
