Dogs add a whole new level of appreciation to our world. They breathe in every odor with delight and appear to enjoy our natural settings with boundless passion.
Many of us acquire dogs with the goal of participating in outdoor excursions together. For those of us who live in regions where the weather is cold and snowy for a long period of time during the year, winter camping is a fun, challenging and common way to get out in nature.
These seasonal elements however, can pose a risk to both canine and owner. Thus, when embarking on such an outing, it is pivotal to be prepared and to also know what to expect. Here are some helpful tips and tricks for camping with your dog in the winter.
Know Your Own Abilities
If you're not prepared to survive and do well in the winter climate, you shouldn't expect your dog to do so. You don't want to bring your dog on an overnight trek if you are inexperienced, as during the journey, it's likely he won't be able to assist you with the tasks necessary to make it both safe and enjoyable, such as setting up camp, collecting wood and building a fire, cooking meals or obtaining clean water. Mastering these abilities is paramount prior to deciding to bring your dog with you into the wilderness. Until you are certain that you have the abilities to sustain your own winter camping excursion without bringing your dog, you should not do so.
As previously mentioned, dogs are not able to create a fire or cut down trees for building makeshift shelter. Because of this, it is important that you have the physical ability to do so yourself before continuing with your journey. There are many other tasks both you and your dog should be capable of performing in order to make the trip enjoyable for both of you.
For example, you should be able to pack all of your gear on your own before thinking of bringing Fido with you. You also need to be able to feed yourself, make sure the fire continues to burn, construct shelter and get up for bathroom breaks. If you're not ready for these responsibilities alone, wait until you are before bringing your dog with you.
Understand Your Dog's Preferences
Dogs and breed mixes have a wide range of characteristics, some of which may be useful for winter camping while others will need more gear and care. Not only that, but a dog's previous experience and tolerance to the cold may affect their demeanor and degree of comfort during your journey.
Take a few miles at a time on snow walks before going on an overnight trip to see how your dog handles it. Check to see whether your dog is chilly or dismayed by the snow on their paws. Let your dog stay outside for a longer period of time if he or she appears to be in good spirits and observe their behavior for any indicators of cold intolerance. It’s also important to gauge whether your dog’s mood during winter day trips will be similar in comparison to the later hours of the night when temperatures drop.
Dogs are not naturally conditioned to survive in the winter climate. Even dogs bred for cold weather conditions, such as huskies or malamutes, rely on human aid or warm fur coats to get by. Thus, if your dog is not conditioned for the snowy terrain and climate in general, he will need your help in order to make it through the journey.
If you're planning on traveling through deep snow, remember that dogs cannot wade through powdery mounds of white stuff like humans can.
Wintry conditions can be filled with potentially dangerous pitfalls, so it's important to understand how the climate may impact you and Fido. For example, hypothermia is common in cold weather climates because of the wind chill factor. A good rule of thumb during winter camping trips is that if the temperature feels too cold to be comfortable, it's probably too cold for your dog as well.
Have The Right Tools
It is critical that you research what you need to bring when going out into an untamed winter environment with your best friend (and ensure that they will be safe and remain warm). A dog coat or jacket, booties, and a sleeping bag (either their own or space in yours), as well as food and water are some of the most common gear needs.
Dogs' limbs react differently to the cold than people's do, with particularly sensitive paws. Some dogs enjoy being outside in the snow for lengthy periods of time with their paws exposed. Some long-haired breeds, on the other hand, tend to develop snow clumps between their paws, something surely unpleasant and unsustainable for extended periods in colder climates. Booties work as a preventative measure against this, protecting your dog's paws from snow buildup and likewise keeping them warm. Recognizing your dog's limitations and having the appropriate gear for them is one of the most important things you can do prior to a winter camping trip.
Furthermore, you can take the extra step of tuning in to your dog's wellbeing with a Fi collar. Fi is useful for tracking your dog's location and activity while hiking and camping, and even better, it's waterproof should your dog run through deep snow.
Be Prepared!
Because both you and your dog will likely be cut off from outside sources of supplies, consider bringing a little extra food and other items. You don't want to be caught without food for your canine companion if you end up staying longer than anticipated. Consider bringing an extra sweatshirt or blanket, or perhaps a puffy jacket to help your dog add layers. Keep an eye on the weather forecast and make sure you have enough clothing to keep both of you warm, no matter what the temperature is.
While winter camping may be considered daunting for some, it can be extremely enjoyable for some canines. While there are always risks, you can keep your pup warm, dry, and prepared for some winter camping or hiking fun if you follow common sense and thoughtful precautions.
For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi.com.
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