Winter adventures with your dog: a guide to snowy sports and safety

When humans and dogs are doing something they love together they can create an unstoppable partnership. Winter weather shouldn’t slow us down. In fact it can inspire you to get out there to try something totally new that you and your dog will love.

Choosing your winter sport:

Snowshoeing/winter hiking

Snowshoeing and hiking are generally low-impact activities that allow you and your dog to explore winter trails at a comfortable pace.

“When hiking I try to balance her enjoyment and mine to create an equal partnership. We are a little slower than when I am hiking alone, allowing her time to sniff, dig and do other dog things. She’s taught me how to slow down and enjoy the hike versus going as fast as possible. By going slower she’s far more responsive to my commands on the trail.” - Kayla 

Ski-joring: The ultimate dog-powered adventure

Ski-joring, where your dog pulls you on cross-country skis, combines the thrill of skiing with the joy of working alongside your canine companion. This sport is perfect for energetic breeds like Huskies, Malamutes, or any medium to large-sized dog with a love for running. 

Cross-country skiing

For a more traditional approach, cross-country skiing with your dog offers an excellent workout for both of you. Your dog can run alongside you on groomed trails or through backcountry terrain, making it an adaptable sport for various skill levels.

Winter running

Running with your dog during winter months can be an exhilarating experience. The cooler temperatures often mean your dog can run longer distances without overheating. 

Wrigley post winter run on the Lachine canal in Montreal, QC

“We started running with Wrigley as soon as she was old enough to do so and once we got the go ahead from our vet. We started at a 3k walk/run then moved to 5k and so on. She loves it now in all seasons. As soon as I pull out the running leash she’s at my heels.” - Kayla 

Preparing Your Dog for Winter Sports

Health check first:

If this type of activity is new for your dog, schedule a check-up with your TELUS Health MyPet veterinarian or your family veterinarian to ensure your dog is physically ready for winter activities. They can assess:

• Cardiovascular fitness
• Joint health
• Overall conditioning
• Appropriate weight for activity level
• Understanding winter hazards to avoid

Start gradually:

• Build endurance: With regular walks, start increasing the length. When you’re ready, start on trails with low elevation and then work your way to more advanced summits. Remember dogs need warm ups and cool downs like people do. 
• “With Wrigley we always start our activities with a little play session with a toy (tug, fetch, some obedience) to warm up. Post activity I focus on decompression, walking nice and slowly and letting her sniff wherever she wants to sniff, or scatter feed to let her nose find the treats.” - Kayla 
• “Dogs participating in winter activities need to be properly warmed up prior to completing their exercise. Stretching, walking and light jogs may reduce the risk of muscular strain during the colder months.” - Laura Camplani, RVT
• Practice basic commands: For all winter sports on or off leash you’ll need a solid foundation of basic commands such as “heel”,  “leave it” or “on-by”. If you're planning these activities off leash ensure you have a strong recall amongst distractions such as other dogs, people and wildlife. 
• “Snowfall reduces visibility and scent tracking, increasing the risk of a dog becoming lost if not on leash. Further, keeping a dog on leash will reduce the risk of potential accidents, like sliding or falling through ice.” - Laura Camplani, RVT
• Introduce equipment slowly: You can start with having the equipment in your house and rewarding your dog for walking past and ignoring it. You’ll gradually work your way to outside environments. It’s important that your dog ignores sharp equipment by training them to keep their paws away from it and run alongside you, rather than in-between your legs.
• "We are just getting started with our cross-country ski training. Luckily she’s used to the mechanics of running beside me but we’ve done lots of indoor training getting her used to the skis, their length and using her “leave it” command.” - Kayla 
• Train in short sessions: Keep training fun and short, provide opportunities for play in between reps so your dog has a positive experience with your winter sport. 
• Increase duration and intensity progressively: Start off the activity at a shorter distance or time and gradually increase. 
  
  

Essential gear and safety equipment

For your dog:

• Properly fitted harness (especially for ski-joring)
• Protective booties or paw balm for paw protection
• Reflective gear for visibility in low-light conditions 
• Insulating jacket for short-haired breeds, smaller dogs, and older dogs 
• First-aid kit
• Water and collapsible bowl. RVT Laura Camplani says “It is recommended to avoid letting a dog drink from puddles during the winter months due to potential chemicals, like ice melting salts.”

For winter sports safety:

• LED lights or reflective gear for low-light conditions
• Emergency whistle
• Trail map and GPS device
• Towel for drying off

Wrigley in her glow up collar

Health and safety considerations

Temperature guidelines

• Generally safe between -5°C to -15°C for most dogs but every dog is different
• Monitor your dog for signs of cold stress
• Opt for a shorter activity in extreme cold, when the whether is too cold you can increase indoor play and training to prepare for more adventures on warmer days

Paw care

• Check paws regularly during activity 
• Remove snow buildup between toes
• Watch for cracking or bleeding paw pads
• Clean and dry paws after outings
• RVT Laura Camplani says “It is recommended to increase paw care during the winter months. Removal of excess snow, salts and sands is recommended to avoid irritating the paw pads. Cracks and dryness should be treated accordingly with paw balms or petroleum jelly.”

Hydration and nutrition

• Offer water every 15-20 minutes
• Pack high-energy and high value treats 
• Monitor energy levels
• Increase caloric intake for active dogs.  RVT Alanna Powell feeds her dogs Purina Pro Plan Performance 30/20 Chicken & Rice formula dry dog food which is formulated for highly active dogs. This food contains a high protein formula and 20% fat content to help metabolic needs and maintain lean muscle. Additional Omega 3 fatty acids and glucosamine added to the diet offer joint support to enhance mobility.

Trail etiquette and regulations

Know before you go

• Keep dogs leashed where required
• Research dog-friendly trails
• Check local regulations and respect trail designations
• Yield to other users
• Keep your dog under control
• Pack out waste
• Maintain safe distances from people and dogs 
• Follow posted signs and guidelines

“We always follow good trail etiquette rules by following leash laws, moving to the side to let others pass, leaving no trace and maintaining a respectful distance from dogs and people. Some people don’t like dogs, some dogs don’t like other dogs and that’s okay. As dog owners it’s our responsibility to be mindful of our dogs and the space they occupy.” - Kayla 

Signs your dog needs a break

Watch for:

• Excessive panting
• Lagging behind
• Limping or favoring a leg
• Shivering
• Loss of enthusiasm
• Seeking shelter or wanting to turn back

“Remember, these are your dog's activities and their needs come first. There’s no point in pushing them - you want them to have fun and enjoy themselves. If they are done with the adventure for the day then head on home.” - Kayla 

Preparing for emergencies

Emergency kit essentials

• Basic first aid supplies
• Emergency contact numbers
• Space blanket
• Extra food and water
• Small non-liquid heat packs
• Paw protection supplies
• Extra socks (for the owner)

“We’ve never experienced an injury on the trail, but being a good dog owner means planning for the unexpected. Our emergency gear is always in our packs just in case.” - Kayla

Know your location

• Share your route with someone
• Carry a fully charged phone
• Know the nearest emergency vet

Ready to hit the trails?

Before embarking on your winter adventure, schedule a consultation with a TELUS Health MyPet veterinarian or veterinary technician. They can:

• Assess your dog's fitness level
• Provide recommendations
• Address health concerns
• Offer sport-specific advice
• Create a conditioning plan

Book your appointment today through the TELUS Health MyPet app to ensure your dog is ready for a safe and exciting winter season.

Remember, every dog is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Always listen to your dog’s cues and adjust activities accordingly. With proper preparation and guidance from your veterinary team, you and your dog can create unforgettable winter memories together.