Helpful Tips for Hiking With Your Pup in the Winter
Dec 8, 2022
Cold temperatures don’t mean the hiking fun has to stop! If you love exploring the outdoors with your furry friend, continue reading these helpful tips for hiking with your pup in the winter.
A Familiar Trail
The summer is a pleasant time to journey through new hiking trails and push yourself. But if you’re thinking about finding a new trail in the winter, it’s best to choose a well-known one.
The winter brings expected weather. With snow and ice covering the ground, it’s hard to see your footing. If you choose a trail you’ve explored before, you know the ins and outs of how the trail runs. Unfamiliar hiking trails bring risks of enduring dangerous sections you couldn’t foresee.
If you hike on familiar trails, you know the obstacles and the right paths to take, allowing you to keep yourself and your pup safe.
Water and Treats
Bring along a collapsible water bowl and a few water bottles. Throughout the hike, take frequent breaks to catch your breath and drink water. Also, don’t forget to bring treats for your dog and snacks for yourself. On these breaks, you need to focus on replenishing your body so you don’t lose energy. Your dog feels the same and loves the extra treats along the way.
Winter Gear
You should choose warm winter clothing to protect your body from the cold. Pets need the same attention to keep them warm, too! Most short-haired dogs need a warm sweater or jacket. Other pups with a heavy fur coat may not need an extra layer at all, as their heavy fur coats should protect their bodies perfectly.
If there’s snow on the ground, consider giving your dog a pair of booties. The cold ground and snow can get stuck in between their paws. A simple pair of booties give pets an extra layer of protection and protects their paws.
Too Cold for a Hike
When it’s below freezing, it’s best to take a short walk with your pup for a maximum of 15 minutes. If the temperature is above freezing, try going for a longer hike. It’s recommended to hike from 30 to 45 minutes on average. If your dog enjoys the cold, you can always hike a little longer while taking frequent breaks on the hike.
When your hike is all done, keep extra blankets in the car to warm back up! The cold weather doesn’t mean the hiking adventures have to stop. With these helpful tips for hiking with your pup in the winter, you can hike all year long!
Disclaimer: healthcareforpets.com and its team of veterinarians and clinicians do not endorse any products, services, or recommended advice. All advice presented by our veterinarians, clinicians, tools, resources, etc is not meant to replace a regular physical exam and consultation with your primary veterinarian or other clinicians. We always encourage you to seek medical advice from your regular veterinarian.
