Keeping Your Dog Safe & Comfortable on Your Outdoor Adventures during Cooler Months
As the fall and winter months settle in across the North and South Shores of Massachusetts, walking your dog can become a refreshing, yet challenging experience. The cooler temperatures, vibrant fall foliage, and winter snow can create beautiful environments for outdoor adventures with your dog. However, it’s essential to be mindful of the changing conditions to ensure your pup stays safe, comfortable, and happy during these walks. Here are some important tips for walking and hiking with your dog in the fall and winter months.
Prepare for Temperature Changes
In the fall, temperatures can fluctuate drastically throughout the day, with chilly mornings and warmer afternoons. Similarly, winter brings brisk, windy conditions that can vary in intensity. Dressing your dog appropriately for these temperature shifts is key to their comfort, but it’s also important to consider their breed and coat type, as different dogs have different needs when it comes to cold-weather gear.
Fall: A lightweight sweater or jacket might be necessary during cooler times, especially for dogs with short hair or smaller breeds like Chihuahuas or Dachshunds, who are more sensitive to the cold. Dogs with thick, double coats, like Huskies or Bernese Mountain Dogs, may not need as much warmth, but they could benefit from a light windproof layer to protect against cold winds. Pay attention to your dog’s behavior — if they’re shivering, moving slowly, or reluctant to walk, it might be time to add an extra layer or cut the walk short.
Winter: In colder weather, especially for short-haired breeds like Greyhounds or smaller dogs like Pugs, a well-insulated jacket is crucial to keep them warm. Look for coats with thermal linings or fleece that provide extra insulation. Waterproof and windproof coats are also helpful for protecting against snow and rain. Larger breeds with thick coats, such as German Shepherds or Golden Retrievers, may not need a heavy jacket, but you should still monitor their ears, paws, and tail for signs of cold stress. No matter the breed, a dog’s tolerance to cold can change with age, health, and exposure, so it’s always important to stay vigilant and adjust their clothing accordingly.
Watch for Paw Protection
Your dog's paws can take a beating during fall and winter walks. In the fall, sharp sticks, acorns, and wet leaves can cause discomfort. During the winter, the salt used to melt ice on sidewalks and roads can be irritating and even dangerous if licked off. Snow and ice can also cause cracks in their paw pads or get stuck between their toes.
Fall: After walks, check your dog's paws for any debris like small twigs or pebbles that may have gotten lodged. Keeping their nails trimmed will prevent any snagging on rough surfaces.
Winter: Protect their paws with booties or paw wax. Booties act as a barrier between their pads and the harsh ground, while wax can offer a layer of protection against ice and salt. Make sure to wipe their paws off after walks to remove any lingering salt or chemicals.
Adjust Walking Times for Daylight and Visibility
As the days get shorter, you may find yourself walking your dog in the early morning or evening, when it’s darker outside. Ensuring that both you and your dog are visible to cars and other pedestrians is crucial.
Use Reflective Gear: Invest in reflective leashes, collars, or harnesses, as well as bright-colored jackets for your dog. You can also carry a flashlight or wear a headlamp to improve visibility.
Stick to Well-Lit Paths: Choose familiar, well-lit walking routes, especially in winter when snow and ice can obscure your path and make walking more hazardous.
Stay Hydrated
Even though the weather is cooler, dogs still need to stay hydrated during their walks. The cooler air can be drying, and the physical activity will still require water replenishment, just as it would in the warmer months.
Bring Water: Always carry a portable water bottle and a collapsible bowl, especially if you plan to be out for more than 30 minutes or for more vigorous adventures.
Monitor Their Energy Levels: Dogs may become fatigued more quickly in cold weather, so offer them water frequently and keep an eye on their pace. If they seem sluggish, it might be a sign that they need a break.
Be Cautious of Hypothermia and Frostbite
In winter, it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of hypothermia or frostbite in your dog, particularly if they are exposed to cold temperatures for extended periods.
Hypothermia Symptoms: Shivering, lethargy, and weakness are signs of hypothermia. If you notice these, it’s crucial to get your dog indoors and warm them up gradually with blankets or warm (not hot) water.
Frostbite: Frostbite can affect their ears, paws, and tail. If these areas become pale, cold, or hard to the touch, it’s best to bring them inside immediately and consult your vet.
Choose the Right Trail for the Conditions
Different weather conditions call for different hiking or walking trails. In the fall, trails can become slippery with wet leaves or early frost. In winter, snow and ice can make even the most familiar paths hazardous.
Fall: Stick to dry, well-maintained paths to avoid slipping. Wet leaves can be just as slippery as ice, and muddy areas can cause your dog to lose traction. After heavy rain, avoid trails with steep inclines where your dog might struggle to climb.
Winter: Snow-covered trails may be fun for your dog to explore, but always consider how deep the snow is and whether there are hidden icy patches underneath. Stick to trails that are groomed or cleared if possible. Bring along a towel to dry your dog off afterward and prevent them from getting too cold.
Keep Them Warm after the Walk
After a chilly walk, your dog may still be damp from snow, rain, or morning dew. It’s important to dry them off thoroughly once you return indoors to prevent them from getting cold.
Dry Their Coat and Paws: Use a towel to dry their coat and wipe their paws. If they’ve been walking in snow or icy conditions, take extra care to remove any lingering salt or snowballs from their paws.
Warm Their Bedding: Provide a warm and cozy place for them to rest after their walk. You can add a blanket to their bed to help them warm up quickly.
Tick Season Never Ends
Even during the cooler months, it’s important to remain vigilant about tick prevention. Many people assume that ticks are only a concern in the warmer seasons, but these pests can be active even in fall and winter. Ticks come out of dormancy when the temperature reaches about 40°F (4°C) or higher, which means they can still pose a threat during mild winter days. Since ticks can transmit diseases like Lyme disease and anaplasmosis to both dogs and humans, it’s essential to continue using tick preventatives year-round. After walks or hikes, especially in wooded or grassy areas, be sure to check your dog for ticks, paying close attention to areas like the ears, neck, and between their toes. Keeping up with regular tick prevention ensures your dog stays safe no matter the season.
Fall and winter walks with your dog can be just as enjoyable and beneficial as those in the warmer months, as long as you’re prepared for the weather changes. At Dogs Go Hiking, we’re dedicated to keeping your pups happy and healthy year-round, so you can trust us to take the utmost care on every adventure!
Dogs Go Hiking has provided canine enrichment via off-road hikes and walks since 1996. We enthusiastically offer dogs the chance to stay active, build social skills, and engage their minds. Our expert pup guides are located on the South Shore serving the communities of Scituate, Cohasset, Norwell, and Hingham, and some parts of Marshfield. We also have a North Shore team serving pups in the communities of Newburyport, Newbury, West Newbury, Groveland, Georgetown, Rowley, Amesbury, and Salisbury. Sign up for a pack hike today.