The Best Winter Hiking Gear for Dogs
With the temperatures dropping and a layer of snow coating the ground, most people choose to snuggle up with their favourite cozy blanket indoors. However, the winter weather doesn’t mean that you need to hibernate. Be prepared to get outdoors and enjoy the beauty of winter with your best friend by your side with this winter hiking gear for dogs!
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While I wouldn’t claim that winter is my favourite season, there is a unique peace, calm and beauty this time of year.
Just look out your window first thing in the morning after a major snowfall, before it has all been disturbed and you will see what I mean!
It’s that calm serenity that we need more than ever as we will deal with the stress of the crazy times that we’re living in.
One of the biggest ‘self-care’ choices that we have made in our home is to include regular hikes into our schedule, exploring nearby parks and trails.
We’re lucky to live in Ontario, surrounded by stunning beauty as far as the eye can see.
With lockdown measures and travel restrictions in place, there has been a large increase in the number of people embracing outdoor travel, camping, and hiking for the first time.
If you’re new to the hiking world, welcome!
The first step to planning your first big adventure is to ensure that you are prepared with all of the gear necessary to keep both you and your furry friend safe.
This is particularly true during the winter months with the additional risks associated with the extreme cold.
Whether you’re planning to start off with a small local trail or looking to take the next step in your outdoor travel journey with a more challenging trail, today’s post is for you!
As avid outdoor travellers, my husband and I love spending as much time outdoors as possible, always with our pups by our side (and occasionally our cats).
To do this safely, we have invested in high-quality, reliable winter hiking gear for dogs. The great news? There are some incredible options on the market!
Your needs will differ slightly depending on the size and breed of your dog. For example, a husky or malamute can handle the outdoor temperatures better than a short-haired dog like a boxer.
For this reason, it is important to pay attention to your dog and follow his/her lead.
We have 2 larger dogs with longer coats, however, Daviana has a coat that is MUCH better suited for the winter cold. Therefore, we have to take additional precautions for Indiana on even the shortest winter hiking trips.
If you ever notice that your dog appears to be struggling or showing signs of discomfort, take steps immediately to address the situation! At the end of the day, the health and safety are priority #1!
Check Out This Must-Have Winter Hiking Gear for Dogs
Proper Identification
The first thing that you should ensure is in order for any trip, not just during the colder months, is that your dog is sporting proper identification.
This includes not only checking to make sure that your dog has easy to read identification, but also that the information is accurate and up to date.
There are many different options for identification depending on your personal preferences including hang tags, slide-on tags, and custom collars.
Even if your dog is microchipped, I recommend that you consider using one of these options.
Why? If for any reason your dog does get loose, having easy to read identification on your dog will allow anyone who finds your dog to contact you quickly and easily without having to go through the steps of having a microchip read.
In saying this, I am not discouraging the use of microchips. Comparing the pros/cons of microchips is a discussion for another day (both of our dogs ARE microchipped).
However, if there is anything that I can do to make it easier to bring our dogs home in an emergency, that is more than worth it to me!
If you are worried that your dog’s tag may not stay on (we had one family pet that somehow removed hang tags all the time), you may want to consider a collar with the ID plate riveted on or even a custom embroidered collar.
Remember, this isn’t the collar you are going to use to walk your dog as a replacement for their harness. It’s simply an option for identification.
Dog First Aid Kit
Another ‘must-have’ item regardless of the size or breed of your dog is a dog-specific first aid kit.
Many newer dog owners don’t realize that your standard human first aid kit doesn’t contain everything that you may need in the event of an emergency with your dog.
The good news? Creating your own DIY dog first aid kit is as easy as picking up the necessary supplies!
If you are pressed for time, you can also purchase ready-made dog first aid kits with everything you need for your next adventure including the 49-piece Kurgo Harness Compatible First Aid Kit, designed to easily hook right onto your dog’s harness.
Safety Lights
During the winter months, the sun goes down much earlier.
Even if you plan your hike during the daylight hours, you want to be prepared in the event of unforeseen challenges or complications.
A simple clip-on safety light or LED dog collar will allow you (and others) to see your dog well into the night.
As the owner of a dark-coated dog, I can’t stress how much of a difference this can make!
Not only will a light help you (or others) to find your dog if they are running lose, but there are also additional risks to consider.
The presence of a light will help drivers to see your dog if he/she is on a roadway or in a parking lot.
Further still, it will make it easier to identify your dog as a pet instead of a wild animal.
Insulated Water Bottle
One of the most overlooked concerns when heading out for a winter hiking trip is the need to maintain proper hydration.
An insulated water bottle is a necessary item for any winter hiking trip with or without your dog.
Hiking through the snow requires more effort than it would to hike the same trail in clear conditions, adding to your hydration needs.
Furthermore, the dry winter air is also dehydrating.
When we are packing up for a winter hike, we pack as much (or more) water as we would for our summer adventures.
You want to select a water bottle with proper insultation to help prevent it from freezing in the winter temperatures.
Alternatively, you could pack your water bottle into your pack wrapped in something to insulate it.
Unfortunately, the second option would mean that it’s harder to access your water when you want to take a drink and may even impact your water consumption negatively.
This is why I highly recommend purchasing an insulated bottle for your hiking needs.
High-Quality, Protein-Packed Snacks
If you’ve been researching hiking kit lists, you’ve likely noticed that most hikers recommend bringing high-quality snacks to help keep your energy up on bigger hikes.
The same is true when planning for your dog.
I highly recommend choosing an all-natural treat such as Drool Central’s salmon dog treats or PureBites trail mix freeze-dried treats.
You want to select a treat that’s highly nutritious, easy to eat on the go (smaller bite-sized treats work best) and, of course, a flavour that your dog loves!
Dog Booties /Dog Paw Wax
No list of winter camping gear for dogs is complete without mentioning the importance of paw care for your dog.
As you get ready to head out in the winter cold, you likely take the time to put on warm socks and a pair of winter boots.
But what about your dog?
Not only is it uncomfortable for many dogs to walk through the cold snow (there are, of course, those breeds that are quite comfortable with it), but they also protect your dog against additional risks.
A properly fitting pair of dog boots will protect your dog against snow, ice, road salts and ice-melt products.
Are you planning on hiking with an older pup? After all, being a senior doesn’t mean that they don’t still enjoy the great outdoors!
Icy surfaces can quickly cause unnecessary falls and injuries.
Select winter-specific dog boots with additional grip to improve their traction.
If your dog refuses to wear booties, you’re not alone!
Unless your dog has been conditioned to allow something on their feet, the idea of wearing booties may not rank high on their list of fun things to do.
Another great option to consider is using a paw protection wax such as Musher’s Secret.
These products were designed with dog sled teams in mind, creating a protective barrier against snow and salt during the winter months.
Winter Dog Jacket
Another important investment for anyone hiking with a dog that isn’t suited for the winter cold is a winter dog jacket.
You want to select a jacket that not only provides insulation against the chilly temperatures, but also one that is waterproof or water resistant.
A regular fleece or wool dog sweater will get wet and a wet sweater will add to the problem instead of helping. Just think back to the last time that you got your gloves wet while outdoors in the winter.
Winter jackets are a must-have item for many dogs, including:
- Short-coated dogs
- Dogs with coats that lack insulation
- Young puppies
- Senior dogs
- Dogs that are ill or living with health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, etc.
- Dogs with any condition impacting their immune system
- Dogs recovering from an injury or whose hair growth has been impaired by an injury or illness
Contrary to popular belief, winter jackets are just designed for a select few vulnerable breeds!
Make sure that you take the time to properly measure and fit your dog when purchasing a jacket.
A properly fitting winter dog jacket should cover their neck, sides, and belly. It should be snug, to prevent cold air from getting under the jacket, but not too tight.
Dog Googles
Avid winter adventure lovers such as skiers, snowboarders, and snowmobilers will tell you that the risks of snow blindness are a very real concern!
Snow blindness refers to the impact of the sun’s UV rays on the eyes during the winter months.
Most people associate the need for UV protection with the summer sun. However, snow is surprisingly reflective, bombarding us with UV rays both from above and off the surface below.
The best way to prevent this dangerous and often painful condition is to wear snow goggles that are designed to block UV rays.
But what about your dog?
You may be surprised to learn that there are dog goggles that were created with this risk in mind!
These goggles are uniquely created with adjustable straps to stay firmly in place, protecting your dog’s eyes from harmful UV rays.
At the same time, they will also keep your dog safe from unexpected injuries caused by stray branches or other objects when walking through the bush.
Packable Dog Blanket
Finally, I recommend adding a waterproof blanket to your pack when you head out.
During your hike, this will provide you with a dry, comfortable place to sit down and take a break if you want to enjoy the quiet beauty of the environment around you.
This is especially important if you are hiking with a pup that may need regular breaks, such as a senior dog.
It’s also incredibly useful if you’re taking longer trips that include stopping to enjoy a meal on the trail.
Do you enjoy winter hiking with your dog? If so, what items make your list of must-have winter hiking gear for dogs?
I invite you to share your tips and tricks in the comments below!
Gosh my dog wouldn’t go on a hike if you gave him a thousand treats haha! But these are great tips and lots of important things to think about and remember for those that do hike with their dogs! x
It’s fun to see the personality of our pets coming out, isn’t it? Our girl Daviana is a high-energy pup that would love to hike all day, every day. Meanwhile, our boy Indy will enjoy a good hike but then he’s done and ready to cuddle for the rest of the day lol
I too love the calm right after a snowfall. Everything is so quiet yet bright. I’ve heard great things about the booties for dogs, but I had not thought about goggles. I know skiers also wear goggles because of the brightness of the snow, but I had not considered the effect that the sun reflection and UV rays would have on a dog’s eyes.
Of all the items that I listed, that’s probably the one that is most often overlooked.
Lovely post, you’re an expert! There are definitely a few items I’m adding to my wishlist for my future dog haha, I can’t wait to go on winter hikes 🙂
Anika
I LOVE getting out hiking with my pups. It helps that they adore going too, which motivates me. It’s a great way to stay active throughout the colder winter months.
These are such great pieces for winter hiking gear for dogs! Thanks for sharing them!
Proper gear is the key to a fun, enjoyable trip for everyone!
I didn’t realize that dogs really needed outdoor gear. I always thought it was more for fashion. Great article and thanks for the great suggestions..
That’s a very common misconception. There certainly are some items that are more for fashion, however, this time of year many of the products available serve a very important purpose 🙂
This is really important stuff! I love that you add general information at the beginning of your post then link some great products later. Super useful!
Thank you! We LOVE winter hiking with our pups but I know that it takes some planning for it to be a fun, comfortable trip.
Lots of this stuff looks great. We walk for miles and miles now just to get some fresh air so I could defo do with some gear upgrades!
Rosie
That’s one of the activities that I think we’re all embracing as of late… After all, we can only sit around inside for so long! Right?
Having a dog first aid kit on hand is such an awesome idea!
It’s so important! You never know when something will happen and you’ll need to be prepared to react accordingly!
Great tips! I didn’t even think about having a first aid kit for my dog. They seem so indestructible sometimes.
All the best, Michelle (michellesclutterbox.com)
They do until you end up with an accident-prone dog like my Dav girl lol When she was a young pup, she had to get stitches on her muzzle after running face-first into the side of a futon and cutting herself. I always said she’d grow out of it… But last summer we had to clean up a cut below her eye when she walked into a picnic table on our campsite. She’s 13 now… I don’t think she’s growing out of it lol
I love these ideas! We have one of the LED lights for Violet’s collar and see others walking with them at night – they are really great! I didn’t know they made paw wax for dogs, I always thought that booties were the only option. Thanks for all these great winter hiking gear ideas. I want to start going hiking with our German Shepherd this spring. Once we warm her up to the concept maybe we can introduce winter hiking next year. She does love the snow!
We had to work Indy up to winter hiking. He doesn’t LOVE the snow, but he doesn’t completely hate it either… He’ll go out and play for a little bit but when he’s done, he’s done. That being said, we always laugh about the fact that one of these days as we keep pushing him a little further each trip, my husband may end up carrying him out lol
Oh, wow! That’s some serious gear for a dog. Awesome! I have seen small dogs in boots, but never larger dogs. I didn’t know all of it exists. Makes me want to get a dog now (unfortunately, still on the fence!)
We don’t suit up our pups in their full gear just for a walk around the block here. That being said, I also don’t pull out all of my own gear for that. When we hit the trails for a hiking trip we have specialized gear and so do they 🙂
Awesome list. I am all in for tags as well, it is definitely faster and if any of my dogs ever to get lost I want us reunited as soon as possible. yes, even half an hour you might need to get to the vet (in our city) is long enough to wait to be reunited. My younger dog always looses his tags, I just don’t get it. it is exactly the same with older brother but it happens all the time, same goes with the light. We have both flashlight collar (he is mostly black and I see poorly in the dark so it’s a must to me) and a collar with his name and our phone.
Paw wax is my favorite! My dogs both hate shoes, the simple refuse to move with it at all. even if I throw favorite toy or offer favorite snack (even melon failed!). wax is a life savior especially with abnormal cold here, which lasts for two weeks already (I miss longer walks but I start to freeze in about an hour anyway)
We can’t do hang tags on our girl Daviana, she loses them all (and I’m not yet convinced it isn’t intentional). We currently have slide-on tags on both their camping collars and house collars so that we know that there is always ID on them. As you said, that trip to the vet and the additional time it takes… if wearing a simple tag can prevent that, I’m all for it!
This is such a helpful post! My mother goes hiking with her husky so I’ll send her this post & I didn’t know dog goggles were a thing!
It’s surprising just how dangerous UV rays can be in the winter months!
Aw this is so cute hiking gear for dogs, but also ha a serious side because this looks after their welfare too. Some good pieces here for sure x
We love getting out and exploring the various parks and trails with our pups. However, nothing is more important than their safety!
I love how there are hiking gear for dogs! They look the cutest bundled up and prepared for the weather. So important to have tags that stays on. In case they get lost, at least the owner can be contacted! So important to keep water for the dog too!! Can’t let them dehydrate. Definitely want a dog someday, so this is helpful!
Nancy ✨
Exactly, and the right kind of tag is going to differ from dog to dog. Some dogs can rock a hang tag with no issues – not ours lol! If we put a hang tag on, it doesn’t stay long, so we use a slide tag for contact info so that we know they aren’t going to pull it off!
Wow! What a helpful post! You have everything to get prepared for hiking. I don’t have a pup however I love the collars with the phone numbers. That’s a great idea! And those doggie goggles? Genious. I never would have thought of that. Thanks for sharing these helpful products for hitting the trails. Will be sharing!
The doggy goggles are one of the items that I find are most often overlooked when preparing for winter trips. They are also a great conversation starter if you run into other dog owners while you’re out and about lol
Lots of great info! I have tried to find the right jacket for my Boston, nothing ever fits right. I will have to check this one out! She gets so cold!
It can be hard to find that perfect fit. After all, there is no one size fits all design that is going to work with the unique body shape of each breed and individual dog. Hopefully, this one will work for you and your Boston, or it will lead you to one that will!
Jasmine loved going on hikes. Cookie walks only to get to one hunting ground to another–her passion is hunting field mice. For the most part, she can find them close enough to the house that we don’t need to bring any special gear or supplies.
It’s funny seeing how their different personalities come through, isn’t it? Indy is game for a shorter hike, but when he’s done, he’s done. He will literally just lay down and refuse to move. Dav, on the other hand, would hike with me for hours and still be ready to go for more lol
I can’t tell you how much I Love this post! We have traveled extensively with our dogs, much of it to the New Hampshire area. I am happy to see that you put identification as the first item – it’s so critical when you go anywhere with your pup. I’m a big believer in microchipping, but tags and the personalized collars you show here are excellent. That Kurgo first aid kit is wonderful! I have a kit I use for our dogs – and I’ll tell you, it does get used! Icy once sliced her paw open on an 11pm potty walk at our hotel. I was shocked at how bloody a dog’s paw can get! It was so scary, but our first aid kit allowed us to apply first aid until we could find a Vet in the morning. Sharing!
Love & Biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them
I am 110% pro microchipping. All our pets are! That being said, I recognize that not everyone will take the time to check for a chip. That’s why I believe that it’s important to have visible identification. Anything that can help bring our pets home safely is a win for me!
Great tips although we live where there is no snow I have noticed that lately Layla gets cold even if we go to the park so I am putting jackets on her to keep her comfy plus I always have water and treats for her. ID is so important wherever you go and as you said microchip is good but a visible ID is just as important. Layla has from a company called PetHub and you can scan it with your phone and her profile pops up with all her and her vet details which keeps me calm and relaxed plus they automatically contact me when it i scanned.
Thanks for the reminders
Yes! I am not anti microchips, all our pets are chipped, but not everyone will take the time to have someone scanned for some. Having visible contact info can make a HUGE difference!
This is a great round-up for winter gear for dogs! My dogs are happy to wear their coats for longer walks on cold days. Boots are another story.
We got Dav used to boots really quickly, but Indy was another story!
I would love a safety collar with lights for our Toulouse. He is a fiend for disappearing and I KNOWi one would make him easier to find.
One of our IG friends had a cat in a gorgeous winter coat. A Hunttry or Hattr? I need to go check, it looked so cosy that any dog would be even warmer in one!
It’s amazing how much of a difference that light can make, right? Indy tends to disappear in the night on our camping trips (he’s dark-coated) so the LED collar tells us where he is lol
Love the list of items needed for hiking – and double love the addition of the first aid kit. We just never think an accident will happen, until it does. And we have a cabin out in the woods ant is amazing how many times accidents do happen. Our girl ShihTzu, Lulu – she’s not a hiker. She’s more of a couch potato. But our boy, Mookie – he loves hiking, exploring, etc., whether snow, rain, sleet, or hail!
Exactly, you never know! Dav girl has been a seasoned camper her whole life but, at 12 years old, she ran face-first into the side of a picnic table at the campsite last season and sliced a spot open beside her eye. These things sometimes happen.
These are great ideas for keeping dogs safe and comfortable in the Winter! The dog goggles look so cute as well as being functional xx
Aren’t they precious? I am a fan of anything that keeps my pets safe but, as you point out, there’s an additional adorableness factor there lol
Fantastic ideas for hiking with a dog in the Winter. My cat takes one look at snow and would run back in the house faster than the speed of light. When I get a doggie someday I am sure we will have some fun. My cat is fun in his own way though. Lol
It’s funny to see how they react, isn’t it? My one cat is truly curious about snow but hesitates at the door. The other, however, wants nothing to do with it. The second the door opens and she feels that blast of cold air, she’s gone lol