Winter Hikes With Your Dog
Essential tips to enjoy safe hiking adventures with your dog
Sharing a snowy adventure with your dog can be a joyful bonding experience. However, take a moment to consider a few key factors, as your dog’s comfort, safety, and enjoyment depend on it.
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)
Paw protection
- Paw pads must be kept supple
- Wash the paws after every hike
- 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
Check your dog for signs of cold
- Signs include: your dog feels unwell, trembles and walks slowly, takes a cramped posture
- Stop hiking immediately, go with your dog to a warm place and take steps to warm them up
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)
Be extra cautious in areas with lakes, streams and the risk of avalanches
- Familiarise 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
