With the pandemic limiting inside gatherings, many pups are hitting the trails for the first time this winter. Sure you may be experienced hiking in the spring through fall, but winter brings its own unique set of safety challenges for dogs. So before heading out, here are precautions to take so that everyone enjoys the adventure.
Snow clumping up on paws tends to be the biggest issue for dogs when hiking, and licking will only exacerbate the irritation. We find that trimming the fur between the pads really helps to reduce clumping. To further reduce it, some hikers apply Musher’s Secret to their dog’s paws. We have not had much luck with using that wax, but I do have friends who swear by it. Another option is putting booties on your dog. But before going on a hike, it is best to let the dog get confident wearing them. Also if you’re going to have the dog wear booties make sure they provide traction. Otherwise, there is a risk of serious injury. Personally, Asa and I prefer to not use wax or booties. Instead we limit the distance of our hikes and our Mom and Dad take take periodic breaks to check our paws. Also check your pup for clumping snow on the underside of their bodies.
As Golden Retrievers, our thick double coat keep us warm, especially with the physical activity of a hike. Therefore, for us wearing a coat is not necessary, as long as we are not outside for an extended period of time. However, for some dogs, the added warmth of a dog coat is needed. Also a coat will help with the clumping snow on the under belly. Be sure if wearing a coat though that it is sized properly so as not to restrict mobility. Again, it is best to get the dog accustomed to wearing it before hitting the trails.
Although Asa and I do not wear coats, we often wear blaze-orange vests, to make us easy to spot if we get into deep snow or thick brush. The blaze orange vests will also make dogs visible to other hikers, cross country skiers, and snowmobilers that may also be using the trails. We suggest your dog wear a bell too. Again, this helps to locate your dog, and makes his presence known to other people in the area.
No matter what the season, you should always carry with you an emergency first aid kit. However, in the winter adding hand and foot warmers to the kit, as well as a blanket are advisable in case you or your dog get hurt and need to wait for help. Never use chemical warmers on a dog, except in an emergency situation. Also be sure to monitor the dog around the warmers if you’re using them, because the chemical is poisonous.
During cold weather it is easy to become dehydrated without realizing it. Therefore as with summer hikes bring plenty of water for you and your dog. Also bounding through deep snow burns a lot of calories, so be sure to have nutritious dog treats available to maintain energy on long hikes. Ok, even if you’re not going far, bring dog treats, because we love a delicious snack!
If you plan to use cross country skis, snowshoes or ice cleats be aware of your dog’s location at all times. The sharp edge on fast moving skis can slice paws, and spikes on snowshoes and cleats can also cause serious injuries. Our Mom and Dad prefer to use YakTrax Walk for short hikes. The cleats have steel coils instead of spikes, and give good traction. Also, just like your dog, you also should practice wearing your new gear before heading out for an adventure. Get yourself and your dog use to the new gait of your movement, and even just the strange appearance, to avoid treading on curious paws and noses on a hike.
Finally, use common sense! If the weather is too cold or the snow is deep, limit the time and distance that you are out hiking with your dog. If your dog is not accustomed to hiking in the snow, begin at a location that the dog is familiar with so he can get use to the new snow covered terrain. Also stay away from lakes and ponds, and minimize the time spent in icy areas. In addition to the danger of the dog falling into frigid water that may not be completely frozen, there is the risk of serious injuries to your dog’s ligaments from slipping. So just leave the ice skating to Snoopy, because none of us want to look like Scooby Doo spinning on our bellies across the ice!
And as always, even though it is winter, you must still obey the rules! If the rules call for you to be leashed, do it. It is important to respect your fellow dogs and humans too. So if you’re not 100% on your recall, it’s best to probably stay leashed even if the rules permit otherwise. Another reason to keep yourself leashed to your human, is there could be hidden hazards under the snow, that are best maneuvered as a team. Finally, snow is never an excuse not to pick up the poop. Bag it and bring it with you, because when the spring thaw comes, the snow may magically disappear but the dog waste doesn’t! Waste left behind is the number one reason dogs end up getting banned from places!
