From skiing in the backcountry to playing fetch in the backyard, winter brings a new set of epic adventures. Just like we do for ourselves, preparing our dog for winter weather can make their experiences more enjoyable! From gearing up in appropriate attire to knowing the signs of hypothermia, we’re breaking down our best tips for keeping your dog safe and comfortable this winter.
Top Tips for Winter Weather Fun
Gear Up: Reduce your dog’s risk of injury due to the cold by utilizing the proper gear! While some dogs have thick, double coats and are built for colder weather, others may require extra protection like a sweater or insulated jacket. Paw protection made specifically for dogs, like boots or shoes, can help them remain outdoors and on the trails longer! Boots can also keep your dog’s paws free from ice melt, salt, and very cold snow or ice. Because the snow reflects light from the sun, dogs with light eyes or other ailments like Pannus may benefit from the use of Rex Specs Dog Goggles when adventuring in the snow.
Know Your Dog’s Limits: Just like humans, every dog has a different tolerance for cold temperatures. Observe your dog’s behavior during winter outings. Are they shivering, lifting their paws off the ground, or trying to head back inside? These are clear signs that your pup may be reaching their cold threshold.
Limit Time Outdoors: In freezing temperatures, it’s important to limit your time outdoors - even with proper gear. If your dog loves to play in the snow or hike on cold trails, plan for shorter but more frequent outings rather than extended periods outside.
Choose Indoor Enrichment: For particularly cold days, consider prioritizing indoor enrichment activities like puzzle toys, training sessions, or scent games to keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated without risking their health in the cold.
How Avalanche Rescue Teams Practice Winter Safety
Keystone Resort Ski Patroller Zak Bloom and his Certified Avalanche Rescue Dog Maia are no strangers to snowy weather and freezing temperatures. When it’s your job to help others in the cold, safety gear is key to success.
“Keeping a dog safe in a harsh environment such as an avalanche rescue or ski resort presents a unique set of challenges,” Zak says. “I carry any gear that I deem appropriate to ensure my dog is warm and safe. I Include a first aid kit, overnight gear, rated evacuation gear, extra food, water, and a tug toy for the dog.”
Maia’s essential gear includes a weight rated harness for when it’s time to secure or evacuate from the chairlift, a jacket, Rex Specs goggles, booties and ear protection for use around the helicopter. While Maia’s gear keeps her safe and warm in most conditions, Zak always evaluates his environment before hitting the slopes. “As I’m writing this, we are at -30 degrees fahrenheit with windchill at our duty station. I made the choice for Maia to stay home in these conditions for her safety and wellbeing.”
Read more about a day in the life of Zak and Maia
We asked Zak what his biggest piece of advice for keeping dogs safe in winter conditions would be: “I often ask people to look at the things they might struggle with and then ask themselves how the dog may feel about them,” he shares. He also says to “mind their paws! Protect them from the cold temperature of the snow!”
For those who may be working with their own avalanche rescue dog or enjoying a day in the backcountry, Zak shares that dog owners should “be extremely cautious if you are working around ski edges. Be aware of any metal attachments that make contact with them, including any buckles in order to prevent a cold injury.”
Know Before You Go!
As temperatures reach freezing and we head outside for winter fun, it’s important to make sure that we familiarize ourselves with the signs of hypothermia.
Hypothermia occurs when body temperature drops abnormally low. For dogs, this typically means when their bodies drop below the normal body temperature of 100.1˚F (37.8˚C) - 102.5˚F (39.1C˚). Hypothermia begins to set in around 98˚F or 99˚F (37°C). Temperatures under 20 degrees Fahrenheit increase the risk of hypothermia for all dogs.
Signs in dogs may include muscle stiffness, shivering, lethargy, pale gums and skin, disorientation, and being cool to the touch. As hypothermia worsens, dogs may exhibit slow, shallow breathing, collapse, or become unresponsive.
Dogs with underlying health conditions, puppies, senior dogs, hairless dogs, and dogs with short coats can be at an increased risk of hypothermia. This is because it is more difficult for them to regulate their body temperatures. Make sure to utilize the proper cold weather gear like coats and boots and be aware of your dog’s limits in the cold. If you believe your dog may be experiencing hypothermia, seek vet treatment immediately.
Winter Safety In Action
Keeping your dog safe during the colder months is all about preparation, awareness, and adaptability. From understanding the risks of hypothermia to knowing when to limit outdoor time, gearing up appropriately and staying mindful of your dog’s needs can help make the most of the season.
Follow Zak & Maia's adventures here!