Essentials for Hiking with Dogs in the Winter

Exploring the backcountry in the winter offers a very special time to bond with your pawl in a dreamy snowscape. But before heading out on a big hike, it's important to obtain the knowledge, skills and equipment necessary to ensure the best possible adventure experience for you and your pawl.

Here we’ve compiled a list of Backcountry Essentials for Hiking with Your Dog in the Winter:

Identification

It is essential that your dog has up-to-date identifications in case you both get separated while hiking. Our Hand-Stamped Tags are custom made and fully personalized for your adventure pawl. Also, consider having a microchip installed and investing in a dog GPS system.

Navigation

Most dog-friendly trails require our furry friends to be leashed at all times and so it’s important to have a good quality leash on hand to be considerate of other people and wildlife on the trail.

Our Upcycled Climbing Rope Leash is sturdy and can easily be hooked to a waist attachment to allow you to be hands-free while still having control over your dog. A harness is also a great option for hiking as well as a weather-proof collar.

Visibility

Keep your dog safe and visible at all times. Consider bringing along a high visibility vest and a beacon light.

Paw care

Snowballs forming between the toes from the sweat, as well as ice, road salt and chemicals, and crusty snow can damage your dog’s paw pads. This is usually a pain for dogs with longer hair, but all can suffer from small frozen crystals that stick to paws.

We recommend having a Skin and Pad Salve as part of your backcountry essentials to condition and protect paw pads. Once applied to the paws, the wax repels moisture and helps to avoid painful ice buildup.

Also make sure the fur is well trimmed around the pads. Dog booties are another effective way to protect your dog's paws and to keep their warm.

Insulation

Dogs are equipped with fur coats and have a higher body temperature than humans, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that all dogs are suited for long distance trips in the snow. Short-haired dogs and breeds that are susceptible to the cold may benefit from a jacket to conserve their body heat, keep them dry and prevent the snow from accumulating under their belly.

Our Upcycled GoreTex Jacket is built specifically for winter. Made from re-purposed local mountain staff jackets, and both waterproof and windproof, the enviro-friendly fleece lining helps to work with your dog’s natural body heat to keep them warm. Additionally, it has reflective tape trims for high visibility at night.

Hydration

Dogs need to stay hydrated, too. In the winter, don't rely on natural water sources to stay hydrated. Also, a lot of dogs love to eat snow but that doesn't properly keep them hydrated. In fact, it could lower their core temperature, or could get contaminated with snowmelt chemicals depending on where you’re hiking. So make sure you carry enough fresh water for both you and your furry companion along with a lightweight collapsible bowl.

Nutrition

Bring dog food or high quality treats, which are nutritionally balanced (fewer carbs and more fat, protein) to keep your dog moving. Hiking takes a lot of energy, so bring enough food to provide normal daily portions, along with 30% extra.

Sanitation

Humans leave millions of plastic bags of dog waste in the forest every year because they just don’t like carrying it. Luckily, dogs don't mind carrying the bags of poo at all using The Dog Pocket, and they can help us solve this major environmental problem.

Dogs use the smell of faeces to navigate their environment, mark their territory, and identify each other (like wearing a name tag). Dogs don’t have an aversion to dog faeces like people do. In contrast, dogs are actually interested in the smell of dog faeces (TMI but and a lot dogs actually eat poop- yuck!).

Anyway, it works out for the best because they can happily help us pack it out- they are just happy to be out in nature exploring with their pawls! The pocket also strap onto backpacks, leashes and belts of course.

Don't forget the biodegradable poop bags and a poo bag dispenser!

First-aid kit

A dog in the backcountry can have mishaps, whether it is a cut, a broken bone, an allergic reaction, or even just overexertion. Make sure you bring a pet first-aid kit with the supplies you need in case of emergency.

Our "Backcountry Essentials" Pet First Aid Kit was designed by an emergency vet and backcountry enthusiast and is complimented by a series of free online pet first aid training videos. Everything you need to keep your adventure pup or kitty prepared in the mountains. Safety first. Fun also first.

Travel pad, sleeping bag or blanket

While it might be easier for you to find a dry spot to take a break, your dog will most likely have to find a seat on a cold, wet surface. Carrying a packable travel pad, sleeping bag or blanket can be an essential part of your backcountry pack to keep your pawl warm and dry.

Dog backpack

For carrying loads, 6 legs are better than 2. If you’re planning a longer stroll, your dog can help by carrying some of their stuff. Backpack for dogs come in different sizes to adjust to your pup's size and have enough pockets to ensure that you will have all the supplies they need to make hiking, camping, and other activities enjoyable.

Be safe and have fun!

Watch out for signs of cold and exhaustion and don't hesitate to either turn over to Plan B or return home if necessary. The importance is that everyone is comfortable, safe, and are having fun!