It’s officially winter! Well, at least according to the calendar – some places are still waiting for their first snow. Depending on who you ask, that’s either a good thing or a bad thing!
If you do have wintery weather already, and you enjoy taking your canine pal with you when running and hiking, you have a winter wonderland to enjoy just outside your door. While winter can be incredibly fun for pooch-owning parents, it does require a slight change in routine and/or approach. Blustery winds, snow, ice, and even road salt can impact your fun and cause your pup to feel uncomfortable when outside, and cold weather can sap his energy faster.
It’s no fun to be tired and sore, so we put together a few fantastic tips on building a safe adventure with your furry friend. Happy travels with your favorite furry ice king or queen!
Your Priority: Paw Protection
Running and hiking on snowy terrain can make your dog’s paws cold, achy and sore. Although your dog’s paws are significantly hardier to the cold than your own feet, they are not impervious to the cold. From cut feet to ice balls that collect deep in between their toes, these painful winter experiences make it exceptionally difficult for her to get the exercise needed.
To beat puppy paw problems, give your pup the gift of dog boots. Leather soles go a long way to keeping the paws comfortable, and some even come with built-in traction, too.
If you’re concerned that your playful pup won’t be happy with new footwear, give it some time. Most dogs get used to them after walking around in a funny way for a just a few minutes. It’s a bit like wearing glasses for the first time; there’s an adjustment period!
For the best results (especially if it’s your first pair of dog boots), choose a brand that’s easy to get on and off quickly. Avoid anything that goes too high up the leg or that forces the lower leg into an unnatural position, and be sure to size them correctly. Just make sure they aren’t too easy to slip off; the last thing you want is your pup tossing them off into a snowbank!
Dog boots aren’t working? You have a second option – paw protector balms. Usually made with vaseline or wax, these protectors slather on like chapstick, creating a barrier between the paw and the road. Most protectants contain a combination of moisturizers, moisture barriers, beeswax, and healthy oils.
Food & Water Matter More
Even if you’re going on just a short hike or run, you should pack a few provisions. You never know when something unexpected will happen that will make your time out on the cold longer. Snacks and water are crucial to have with you if you are planning a longer journey, including backcountry hiking or cross-country skiing.
Also worth mentioning is the fact that both running and hiking naturally burn more calories in the cold winter air. Bodies (including your own) have to work to create warmth and produce enough energy to get through your adventure when it’s cold; the colder it is, the more calories you burn. As a rough rule of thumb, plan to allocate at least 50 percent more food than you normally allocate in response. Warming his food after a hike or a run is also a fantastic way to help him get warm quickly!
As fun as hiking, running and exercising in the winter is, it can also be exhausting. In fact, it’s easy for your pet to get overly exhausted or even dehydrated during the winter. This is especially true if there is deep and/or powdery snow involved. Bring bottled water along with you – never give snow unless it’s boiled first. Even though it’s frozen, snow can contain harmful pathogens that make your pet sick.
Be Alert to Winter Hazards
If your normally playful and excited pooch starts to lag behind or has a difficult time keeping up, be mindful of your dog and pay attention to the these signs. He may be telling you that the run or hike is pushing him too hard.
Another sign that your furry friend is getting exhausted is if he or she sits down and refuses to take another step. Follow your best friend’s cues and take the time to rest for a bit. Offer him or her some water and a snack, or head home. Next time you head out, curb back the adventure by just a few minutes to match his natural capabilities. Your pet’s energy levels are an important cue revealing just how your dog is feeling.
You should also be mindful of the terrain, incline, and difficulty of your adventures. A dog who gasps, wheezes, or experiences reverse sneezing while climbing a hill for an hour may lack the endurance for such an adventure. A pup who still has energy after a run, on the other hand, may be ready for a more difficult adventure. Judge your outings on how your pup displays behavior before and afterward.
Bring Out the Winter Clothing
Chances are that your pup will become cold at some point while you’re out on a hike or run. Even if your furry friend is a winter-friendly breed with a thick, rich double coat, it’s likely (and even recommended) that you bring dog-centric clothing along for warmth. If your dog is a short haired breed or one that doesn’t tolerate the cold very well, a sweater and/or coat will make your best friend significantly more comfortable.
We can’t go without saying that coats can be pretty stylish, too! Pick from an endless array of styles and materials and go completely practical or dapper and dashing when you make your purchase.
Jackets aren’t the only option, either (and in fact, they may not even be the best choice for running). Fleece, neoprene, denim, and waterproof rain jacket materials each have their place depending on the weather, and come in everything from simple t-shirts to advanced running jackets for sporting dogs.
Even if you don’t bring a jacket, you should bring something that allows you to make a warm and dry place for your dog to rest. A waterproof blanket or an insulated throw with a waterproof backing will create an instant resting spot. A “space blanket” will reflect heat back for longer stays outside.
Pick a Trail With Your Dog in Mind
Trails with deep, powdery snow can be fun for you, but they’re particularly exhausting for your pooch. This type of snow is far too easy for your dog to sink down into, sometimes all the way to his or her chest. That can create a dangerous situation if it’s deep enough, but even if it isn’t, it still demands more of your pooch in energy reserves.
In order to manage deep snow, your dog needs to jump up and over the snow to travel through it. While this strategy is fine for a short amount of time, it will soon exhaust your precious friend, leaving both of you feeling frustrated.
Also beware icy trails. Like you, your dog can slip, fall, and potentially, break bones in his or her legs. Surgery to repair these injuries can be extremely expensive (not to mention painful and demanding of resources at home).
For dogs who are prone to hip problems, including canine hip dysplasia, difficult trails and runs could aggravate or even accelerate their issues. If you find your disabled pup struggling or limping after a run, reassess your location choice to better suit his or her needs.
Instead, search out trails that are partially cleared or that have some type of footing so your dog can gain traction if he or she needs to do so. Clear pavement or grass is ideal, but even rough, snow-covered gravel may be suitable enough to keep traction and prevent injuries.
Hiking and running are both dog-friendly activities, but only if you scale them to your dog’s needs. Like any other activity, too much of a good thing or the wrong location can introduce serious risks or even cause injuries. When in doubt, speak with your breeder or vet about appropriate activities. If you haven’t adopted yet, seek out a breed who can keep up with your high-activity life – both of you will benefit for years into the future.