Whether you've never been on a winter hike with your fur-friend,
or if you're just looking for some extra safety tips, our guide to winter
hiking with your pooch is here to answer all your questions – as well as some
you didn’t think to ask.
Ensure Your Pooch is Physically Fit
The first step when planning a hike in winter with your pooch
is to ask yourself: is my dog physically fit? During the winter season trails
may be very slippery or, deepening on where you live, covered in snow. In both
cases, a winter hike will usually take longer, so your dog must be fit enough
to handle the trail conditions.
Find Out About Their Breed Type
Secondly you want to think about your dog's breed. Dogs with
a thick coat, such as Siberian Huskies, thrive in cold temperatures and enjoy
the snow. On the other hand, short-haired dogs, or breeds without an undercoat,
such as a Pug, will get cold faster and may not like being outside for too
long.
Unless your pup is a true winter dog, there is a good chance
they will get cold, especially on those days when the temperature dips below
single digits. A dog coat is a great investment and will ensure your
short-haired pooch stays cosy during your hike!
A Quick Vet Check
Depending on you hike location, a trip to the vet could be a
smart idea – you don’t want your pooch picking up on any viruses or risk coming
home with worms, fleas or ticks. Make sure you are update with any vaccinations
and preventatives well before heading out.
Furthermore, we suggest clipping your dog’s nails before
setting off on your hike. It’ll drastically reduce the chances of them getting
caught on anything and potentially hurting your pooch.
Determine a Hiking Location
Once you’ve determined that your dog is physically capable
of hiking, the next thing to consider is the location. Many trails don’t welcome
dogs or require leashes, so you’ll need to do your research ahead of time. Moreover,
look for places that are easy on the paws; avoid paths littered with sharp
rocks and off-trail routes with steep drops.
Pack a Doggy Day Bag
The last tip for taking your four-legged friend on a hike is
quite possibly one of the most important ones – packing a doggy day bag. There
are quite a number of things you can include in the bag, but we’ll give you the
essentials that you shouldn’t hike without!
Food – We suggest opting for dry food with high
protein content and fat levels to give your dog extra energy. Research recommends
increasing the portion size by up to 50% based on your dog’s fitness level, the
hike’s difficulty, and how much extra exercise they’ll be getting compared to their
regular routine.
First Aid Kit for Dogs – You’re the only ‘vet’ your dog has on the hike so don’t forget a first aid kit for your pooch. A first aid kit for dogs may include; gauze, heavy-duty bandages, a liquid bandage for split or cut paw pads, pet-friendly antiseptic, antibiotic ointment, tweezers for thorn and tick removal, styptic swabs and canine sunscreen.
Water – Ensure you bring a collapsible water bowl and
use
your own thirst as a guide, offering water when you stop to drink. Remember that
your fur-friend will be drinking a lot more water than usual so make sure you
have packed enough.
Poop Bags – Poo bags are essential as you don’t want to
be disturbing your natural surroundings. Also, don’t bury poop bags, and never
leave any kind of bag on the trail to help preserve nature in its natural form.
Don’t forget to thank your fur-friend for the great hike and
possibly offer a treat if it’s their first time. Dogs are the best hiking partners
so make sure you remind them every time!
If you’d like more vet approved pet health advice, sign up to our monthly newsletter here, or visit www.vetshopaustralia.com.au/Pet-Health.
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