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- Check ahead.
- Prior to your trip, check ahead to make sure dogs are allowed in the area you choose. Dogs are not allowed on National Park or National Monument Trails.
- Check to see if there are applicable leash laws are for the area, as well as any city ordinances regarding dogs that could affect your trip.
- Condition your dog.
- Be sure to choose an activity that meets the fitness level of you and your dog. Remember, the use of a dog pack and dog boots will require conditioning and a “break-in” period, so be sure to take the dog on mini-adventures around the block before taking them on a long adventure.
- In case of emergency.
- Check to make sure your dog’s shots are up to date. Be sure all identification tags and dog license are well attached to your dog’s collar in case the dog wanders into unknown territory.
- Canine paw care.
- Clipping the hair between your dog’s toes and pads will help prevent snow and ice from forming ice balls on the paw. This can be very uncomfortable for your dog and hard to remove.
- Long hair between the pads reduces traction; making it more likely your dog could slip and hurt itself on the ice.
- Good nail care is important. Nails that are too long reduce traction, forcing a dog to walk on the backs of their feet, splaying their toes. The greater the space between the toes, the more snow packs up between.
- Dog boots prevent snow buildup, but another alternative is to rub baby oil on and between the pads. This keeps pads pliable and eliminates ice build-up when snow and slush cover the ground.
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