Can You Snowshoe with Your Dog?

Can you snowshoe with your dog? Yes, you can, and it may be the best way to share a snowy landscape with your best pal. Plenty of people love skiing, snowboarding, camping, and snowshoeing in the cold weather.

But if you are a dog lover, the choices narrow quickly. Most pet parents would love to take their pets along on a snowy adventure, yet many winter sports simply don't suit a dog. Skiing and snowboarding are fast and built around lifts and groomed runs, which leaves little room for a four-legged companion.

So, is there an activity that lets you enjoy both a snowy landscape and quality time with your dog? There is. Now, I can hear the skeptics among you loud and clear: can you snowshoe with your dog? Believe me, you can. It is one of the most fun and easy winter activities, and it may well become your favourite.

Snowshoeing is getting more popular by the day. It is considered one of the top winter activities in the US. In 2017, more than 3.7mn people snowshoed. It keeps you fit and healthy, and it is a perfect activity to share with a dog, because the pace is slow enough that most healthy dogs can keep up and enjoy the scenery too.

Before you head out, though, you need to prepare yourself. In this write-up I will give you every detail you need to enjoy snowshoeing with your dog.

Snowshoeing for beginners

If you have never snowshoed before, start with the very basics of snowshoeing before moving on to how you can do it with your pet.

Unlike snowboarding and skiing, the objective of snowshoeing is not to whizz past nature's bounty at high speed. It is all about taking in the beauty of winter. You get fantastic views of snow-clad scenery, hiking paths and mountain slopes, and the slow pace is exactly what makes it dog friendly.

You don't need many things to get started. You will want appropriate winter clothes, hiking boots, and poles for better balance and safety, along with snowshoes. If you are unsure whether to carry one pole or two, our piece on one trekking pole or two walks through the trade-offs. The reason snowshoes work at all is simple: they spread your weight over a larger area, so you sink less in soft snow than you would in boots alone.

Before you go, check the weather conditions. It can be dangerous to get caught out in snowfall, and you never want to be in trouble when you have your dog with you. The National Weather Service is a sensible place to start for a forecast, and it pays to look again right before you leave the car.

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Can you snowshoe with your dog? Tips before you start

Here are some tips you should read before you start the activity with your pal.

Check the rules and regulations of the destination

Double-check the rules of the place you are taking your dog snowshoeing. It helps you confirm the conditions, and it tells you whether you need any additional gear for yourself or your dog. Above all, it tells you whether the place is dog friendly at all. Land managers such as the National Park Service publish pet policies for their sites, and those rules vary from one place to the next, so read the one for your trail.

Check your dog's fitness and health level

Snowshoeing is undoubtedly fun, but it can become difficult if your dog is not used to cold weather. Check with your vet and make sure your dog can stay on snowy trails for the whole length of your outing.

Plan the length of the trip appropriately

If you often take your dog on long walks and other adventures, you can plan a longer excursion. If you are both newbies, there is no shame in choosing a shorter path until you become accustomed to it. I'd argue most first trips are planned too long, and a short win beats a long slog every time.

Keep your buddy hydrated

Walking snow-covered trails is not easy. It takes hard work. Your dog may show the same symptoms of dehydration as in summer, so pack lots of water and offer it to your dog on regular breaks. Eating snow is not a good substitute, because it is cold and your dog has to burn energy to warm it.

Protecting your dog's paws from snow and ice

Do dogs need snow boots?

Yes. Just as you cannot go barefoot on snow, your dog should not have to either. Prolonged exposure to snow can cause frostbite on dogs' paws, and ice can leave small cuts between the pads. Consider snow boots to shield their paws. Get waterproof winter dog boots for further protection.

Can dogs walk in deep snow?

The answer is yes. Dogs with longer legs do an excellent job in deep snow. Wet snow needs more care, though, because dogs with soft coats can pick up snowballs. These are clumps of ice that form between the toes and on the fur around the pads, and they can make walking uncomfortable. Stop and clear them as soon as you spot your dog limping or biting at their feet.

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How to put on dog boots and save your dog's paws

Many dog owners ask me: how do you put snowshoes on a dog? Dogs are temperamental animals, so it's never easy to put anything on them, be it a leash or a warm winter jacket. Follow the steps below to put snowshoes on your dog's paws correctly.

Measure your dog's paws before you buy

Finding the right size is the hardest part of the activity. Before you buy, measure your dog's paws. Start by measuring the circumference with a simple fabric measuring tape. Measure the widest part of the paw. Depending on the snow level of the trail you plan, also think about shoe length and measure the same way. A boot that is too loose will slip off in deep snow, while one that is too tight can rub and cut off comfort fast.

Buy the right type of shoes

Getting the correct type of shoe is much easier than finding the right size. With so many options on the market, consider your snowshoe dog breed and then look for the type of shoe your dog finds comfortable and convenient while snowshoeing.

Put boots on the front legs first

Put shoes on the dog's front legs first and let your dog walk the trail for some time to get friendly with them. Then, if required, put boots on the rear legs too. Expect an odd, high-stepping walk at the start. That is normal, and it usually settles once the novelty wears off.

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What to pack for your dog when snowshoeing

You need to carry a few extra items when you snowshoe with your dog.

Extra layers

Similar to us, dogs need extra layers of protective clothing in winter. If your dog has short hair or struggles in cold weather, carry a heavier jacket. Go for something waterproof and made of synthetic materials. If your dog's breed is not meant for snow, a jacket is necessary to protect them from extreme winter conditions. Wet insulation loses much of its warmth, which is why waterproof matters.

Emergency first aid supplies

An emergency can happen anywhere, despite all the care you take. Always carry a dog foot care kit, extra dog snowshoes, and a layer of clothing so you can deal with any accident or change in the weather. Our guide to camping safety tips covers the wider habits worth building.

Extra food for your dog

While you pack extra food for yourself, pack extra for your dog. Avoid wet food, or anything hard to chew. Dry food is recommended. When you take a break on the trail, give your dog a treat.

Light for the collar

If it gets dark on the way back, a light on the collar helps the dog see better in front of them, and it helps you keep track of your dog too.

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Tips for snowshoeing with a small dog

How do you snowshoe with a small dog? Here are a few tips to help your dog enjoy the snow and have a good experience.

Ensure your small dog is fit and healthy

This matters even more for small dogs. Bounding through snow takes a lot of hard work, so check with the vet whether your small dog is ready for snowshoeing in terms of fitness. They should also be used to walking regularly. Start with shorter trails to see how your dog copes, then work up to longer ones.

Start on a firm surface

To make your small dog comfortable, start on a firm surface and build from there. If the initial trail has a hard surface, your small dog will not sink very far.

Let your dog follow your track

If the track is soft and powdery, let your small dog follow in the impressions your snowshoes make. This creates a lightly packed track for your dog to walk in, which saves a lot of effort for short legs.

Save their feet

To protect your small dog's feet, it is never a bad idea to carry a balm and keep checking their feet along the track. Musher's Secret is among the best paw balms for stopping snow sticking to your dog's paws. Small dogs have tiny feet, and it can be challenging to find snowshoes for them, so applying a paw balm before you start the adventure is recommended.

Pick them up

Pick your small dog up when they need it. Be proud that your small dog is capable enough to snowshoe, and don't be ashamed of carrying them from time to time. A warm moment in your arms motivates them to go further with you.

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Sharing the trail with your pup

Snowshoeing with a dog comes down to preparation: check the rules, build up fitness, protect the paws, and pack for the worst weather rather than the best. If you are planning more than a day trip, our notes on choosing a winter campsite are a good next read.

I hope this article helps you enjoy a great snowshoeing adventure with your favourite pet. Do leave me your comments and suggestions, and of course, pictures of you with your pups while snowshoeing.

Here's a great video on how to get your dog ready for snowshoeing: