Winter Hiking with Dogs

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Looking to get out with your furry friend this winter? Check out my guide to winter hiking with dogs. 

dog in jacket with snow on mouth
Table of Contents
- Why Hike in the Winter with Your Dog
- Tips for Hiking in the Winter with Your Dog
- Gear List for Winter Hiking with Dogs

Why Hike in the Winter With Your Dog

I love hiking with my dog. In 2024, he hiked over 100 miles with me! I am an all season hiker and that means he is also an all season hiker. I actually prefer hiking with my dog in winter because I don’t have to worry about ticks (the worst) or him overheating. 

There are some things to be aware of when taking your dog out for a winter hike. I have to prepare slightly differently when the dog is joining me on adventures. However, he loves being out in the snow so the extra preparation is totally worth it!

Please be mindful of your dog’s age, breed, and limits. What I write about below is related to my dog but always make sure to ask your vet if you have questions about activity level for your dog. 

As always, follow the principles of leave no trace when you're out exploring! Pack out all trash, leave wildlife alone, and generally leave it better than you found it - for more information visit the Leave No Trace Center.

Tips for Hiking in the Winter with Your Dog

As a millennial dog mom, I am obsessed with my fur baby and wanted to make sure everything was safe for him while winter hiking. I’ve now hiked with Tom in the winter for five years so here are all of the tips I’ve obsessively researched to help you! 

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Keep Your Dog Warm, but Not Too Warm

My dog was adopted from the desert of Southern California. He DEFINITELY needs a jacket when we head out in the cold, whereas a husky or malamute may not. I have both a rain jacket for warmer days and a water resistant winter coat for him. It keeps him warm on our winter adventures!

Before setting out on a hike, make sure the trail allows dogs. For tips on dog friendly hikes near Pittsburgh, check out my guide!

Be Visible 

Days are shorter during the winter. Make sure that if you’re hiking during dusk or in the dark, that your dog is visible. Check out a reflective leash, a reflective vest or collar, or a light to hang from their collar.

Additionally, depending on when in winter you’re hiking with your dog, you may be hiking during hunting season. If you’re headed out during hunting season, be sure to wear blaze orange. 

Here are some more tips for hiking during hunting season!

Protect their Paws

Tom has really fluffy paws, which often collect snowballs on his poor little paws. So that he doesn’t spend the entire hike stopping and trying to lick off the snow, we use Musher’s Secret to keep the snow from sticking. Booties would also work if your dog doesn’t hate them (my dog does). It may take some experimentation to see what works for your dog. 

Bring Water (and make sure it doesn’t freeze)

Your dog will still need to drink water even if it’s not hot. Make sure to bring extra water for them and take precautions to make sure it doesn’t freeze.

I normally use my hydration bladder with a collapsible bowl (though let’s be real – Tom has definitely drank straight from the hose before), but in very cold temps, the hose will freeze. Then a water bottle like a Hydroflask combined with a collapsible bowl is a better option to make sure you both have water. 

Go For A Shorter Hike than Normal

I usually go on shorter hikes in the winter anyway because I don’t love being cold. But this is important for dogs as well. You don’t want to be 10 miles away from your car and start to have issues. Especially if your dog hasn’t hiked much in the winter before, start with shorter hikes to see how things go. 

Listen to Your Dog 

If your dog wants to turn around, listen to them. My rule is that if my dog tries to turn around and head back to the car three times, on the third time we head back. I figure, best case scenario, he’s having a bad time or worst case scenario, he knows something I don’t about the hike and I really want to trust his gut. Some dogs just aren’t interested in winter hiking and in that case, it’s better to leave them at home!

Avoid Frozen Bodies of Water

Ponds, streams, and lakes that look frozen may not be frozen enough to hold a dog’s weight. My dog is on leash at all times because he’s an escape artist, but this is especially important if your dog is off leash. 

Gear List for Winter Hiking with Dogs

Hiking in the winter with your dog may require some additional gear depending on conditions. See below for my list of items that I love using for my dog in the winter!

Got any additional tips for hiking with your dog in winter? Let me know in the comments below!

Updated May 24, 2025

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