Cavorting With Your Canine

Don’t forget your canine companion when you go snowshoeing.

Snowshoeing is great exercise for you and your dog. Bring him/her along with you on your excursions. The exercise is great for your dog’s health too. Keeping your dog fit and trim is good in the long run. Your dog will have fewer problems as he/she ages. Exercise promotes weight loss, cardiovascular health, and joint health for all of us.

When you pack your bag for a day on the trail, make sure you remember snacks and water for your dog, not just for yourself. (Don’t forget the water bowl) The workout and the cold temperature mean both of you are burning more calories since more energy is needed to regulate body temperature.

–Trail Etiquette–

Leash your dog. Most places like you to restrain your dog on a leash that is six feet in length or shorter. Leashing is for your dog’s safety and the safety of others. You don’t want your dog wandering off to explore without you. A frozen pond might look like an inviting place to play, but it could be a place of peril.

Also, understand that others may not love your dog as much as you do. Restrain your dog when others are passing on the trail. Your dog should always be under your control. It keeps everyone happy. (Don’t worry. Your dog won’t feel rejected because someone didn’t want to play. Don’t let the big sad eyes fool you.)

Grocery bags or sandwich bags will not add much weight to your daypack. Cleaning up after your pet is the responsible thing to do. No one wants to ski or snowshoe through the litter you and your dog left behind. “Pack it out” applies to everything.

–Comfort–

Your companion has a lot of fur that you don’t, but he still may get a chill when outside playing in the snow with you.

There are plenty of pet shops that sell coats for your canine companion that will help keep out the cold winter air. This is very important, especially for shorthaired dogs, as they do not have the insulation that longhaired dogs have.

Watch out for shivering and signs of hypothermia. Look for discoloration of the skin. Dogs can get frostbite just like we can. Pay attention to your dog’s ears, feet, and tail. These areas are more prone to frostbite.

Your hike should be shorter than normal. You shouldn’t stay outside very long if you have your pet with you on the trail. You have great snowshoes to trudge through the snow. Your canine doesn’t. He will probably tire more while playing in the snow. You pup will also become cold quickly.

Dog paws will get chapped from walking on snow and ice. Make sure to pay close attention to their feet. If the paws have long hair on them, snow can clump around and under the feet. Keep your dog’s paws clean and watch for limping, a sure sign that there’s ice between the toes. Trimming paw fur short may help eliminate ice buildup.

If your dog’s feet do get chapped, there are pad creams to help heal dry and cracked feet. Always wash the paws with a soft warm cloth after a hike to make sure any debris such as road salt, twigs, or stones are cleaned from the toes.

If your dog is willing, there are also cold weather booties to wear. They may look silly but they will keep your dog’s feet protected from the winter elements. They’re worth a try if the dog seems comfortable in them. The dog boots will prevent the soft pads of the feet from being cut by ice. With the booties covering his/her paws, you won’t have to worry about your dog having problems with cold feet, ice clumps between the toes, or dry, cracked skin.

It would be wise to buy a pet specific first aid kit along with a pet emergency first aid guide. Your own first aid kit is nearly useless to your companion. Many human medications can be fatal to your pet or harmful in incorrect dosages. The bandages you have aren’t large enough or functional enough to be used on a fur-covered injury. Learn from your veterinarian what medications are safe and in what dosage. Most pet stores will have pet specific first aid kits so you don’t need to hunt down the supplies individually.

–Places to Go–

In southern California, the Green Valley Nordic Ski Area near Running Springs allows cross-country skiing and snowshoeing with your dog. There are roughly 30 miles of groomed trails that you can enjoy with your furry friend.

Many nordic centers allow dogs. Call to see if your companion is allowed to enjoy the snow with you. A few resorts will charge a small trail fee for your dog. Although the resort may allow dogs, some trails may be off limits. Be careful to learn about and abide by the specific rules of the resort. As long as pet guardians stay responsible, they will continue to be allowed to bring their companion on the trail.

The National Forests and State Parks are also great places for you to enjoy the outdoors with your pets. Take note that most National Parks do not allow dogs on trails or in the backcountry.

Always call ahead to make sure pets are allowed and ask for the rules and restrictions regarding pets. You don’t want to arrive to find that your dog is not welcome. Never leave him alone in the car; dogs can become hypothermic very quickly.

Your actions reflect on all pet guardians. Be a good example and follow all the rules so everyone can enjoy natural areas with their dogs. Remember to respect areas closed to dogs – they can disturb fragile environments and sensitive wildlife. Remember, you aren’t alone. Everyone can enjoy the outdoors.

Safety is of the utmost importance. If the weather outside is frigid and windy, neither one of you should be out. Dogs that are small, very young, elderly, or ill should be left at home snuggling on your warm couch or curled up in front of the fireplace. The winter weather is too harsh for these dogs. My elderly Pomeranian with a heart murmur wouldn’t fare well bounding through a foot of fluffy snow. She’d probably be shivering and tired before she even set one paw outside.

When in doubt, leave your dog at home. He/she will miss you and wait by the front door wondering when you’ll be home again. Your dog might even be mad at you, but as soon as you walk in the door, all is forgiven.

Bringing your pet with you when you participate in outdoor activities is good for both of you. Remember to follow the rules. Respect the environment. Respect other adventure seekers out on the trail. Safety comes first. Then, canines and humans alike can enjoy the outdoors together.