Winter Adventures with Dogs

As the days grow shorter, and the weather turns colder, many people spend more time indoors throughout the winter. For dog owners, that can mean doggie-boredom, but there’s no reason why you can’t still enjoy outdoor fun with your dog during winter. All it takes is a little planning, some cold-weather prep, and thinking ahead in the case of “what if” to ensure you are able to address any situation that may arise when out adventuring with your dog.

When the weather gets colder and winter sets in, many people are reluctant to head outside in snowy weather with their dogs. However, with the right planning, winter can be an amazing time to explore, and a beautiful way to get outside and enjoy nature! For starters, it’s important to make sure you and your dog are both appropriately dressed for the weather. That means jackets and layers for you, and depending on what kind of dog you have and their cold weather tolerance, the right gear for them. 

Dogs with a naturally thinner coat of fur may need added protection in the way of a doggie jacket, while dogs with longer fur on their paws may have issues with snow balling up and freezing to their fur, thus requiring boots. We love Petco’s selection of dog gear, and find the Carhartt Chore Coat for Dogs to be exceptionally rugged and durable for those always-on-the-go outdoor dogs. If you’re planning on a snowy adventure, make sure whatever gear you use is waterproof, and don’t hesitate to throw a fresh coating of waterproofing spray on the gear if your dog is the extra-active type!

Be Prepared with a Pet Care Kit 

When planning your winter adventure with your dog, be sure to have a good first aid kit on hand. Hard frozen ground can cause broken nails. Ice can feel like glass when it breaks, and cut pads and paws. And even though most of the forest foliage may be dead for winter, there’s still evergreens that can be prickly and cause scrapes and scratches. Many thorny bushes lose their leaves, but not their thorns with the changing seasons.

Depending on where you plan to adventure, what you need to bring with you may vary. For shorter hikes and outdoor doggie adventures, leaving a first aid kit in your car may be adequate as long as you can get back to your vehicle easily and comfortably with your pup in case of an incident. If you plan on going several miles, or traversing more challenging terrain to tire out your dog, bringing a pet care kit with you that has some of the essentials already on hand makes sense.

For a pre-packed, compact first aid kit, the Curicyn Pet Care Kit has everything you need with 35 products including Curicyn’s core wound care products, in a convenient carrying case that easily fits in a backpack. Weighing in at just 2 pounds, you’ll barely even notice you have it with you – until you need it and then you will be grateful you do! You can see the full contents and product details right here on our website, or if you’re already grabbing gear at one of our retailers like Petco, add this to your order so that you have everything you need delivered in one box!

Whether there’s a little snow or a lot, a first aid kit is a must for winter adventures with your dog.

Après Adventure

Think of it like après ski, but with dogs! After your inter adventure with your dog, make sure you both have a good place to warm up, relax, and unwind. Cold weather can lead to dehydration and muscle cramping without you or your dog realizing as colder temperatures often make us feel less thirsty. But make no mistake, winter hiking takes effort, and if there’s snow on the ground, that means even more exercise for you and your dog. When you return to warmth, be sure to offer your dog fresh water and a warm comfortable place to relax.

Winter adventures with your dog can be a wonderful way to get outside and enjoy the sunshine, even as the mercury drops. Be prepared, plan ahead, dress for the weather, and of course try not to let the cat steal your favorite dog bed when you return from a day of outdoor winter fun! We look forward to seeing winter fun photos with your dog so please tag us on social at @Curicyn so we can share in your adventures, too. 

The DuraCloud Pet Bed by Curicyn is a favorite of dogs (and cats…) everywhere for some post-adventure relaxation!