Everything You Need to Know About Snowshoeing with Dogs

Last Updated on November 5, 2021 by foxintheforest

Each and every year, my dog Nina and I head out and hit the snowy trails. I’ve been snowshoeing with a dog for over five seasons now, and each time I learn something new. Nina, an older dog these days, is capable of quite a bit! These tips about how to go snowshoeing with dogs aim to help you have a happy, safe time outside this winter.

About Going Snowshoeing with Dogs

When it comes to snowshoeing with a dog, there’s a couple of key safety things to keep in mind. This post covers a variety of topics to help you keep you and your pup safe and cozy outside. In this guide you’ll learn:

  • Extra packing items for snowshoeing with a dog
  • Navigating in the snow
  • Commands to teach your dog
  • How to choose dog-friendly snowshoe trails
  • What to do if the weather turns

What to Pack

Just like the 10 Essentials for us, dogs have essential items too. In the winter this means you’ll need a couple of extra items when you snowshoe with a dog. Whether you carry it or your dog carries it is up to you. Nina is older (about 12 years old) so we retired her doggy pack a couple of years ago.

winter hiking with a dog

Musher’s Secret

Musher’s Secret is a MUST HAVE for dog paw protection in the outdoors. It really doesn’t matter the season. Be sure to dip their paws in it to avoid having snowball up on their feet. You can even apply it on their legs and undercarriage to prevent icicles and snow from building up on their fur.

Emergency Shelter

You shouldn’t venture into the backcountry in the winter without some type of emergency shelter. I carry the Heatsheets Emergency Bivvy by SOL. It’s compact, light doesn’t break the bank, and would be a lifesaver if something were to happen.

Emergencies are no fun for anyone. However, you’ll not only need to account for yourself but your furry pal as well. If I had to, the two of us could squeeze into my bivvy. When picking a bivvy, make sure it’ll have enough room for you and your dog to stay warm. In an emergency, you’ll be thankful for each other’s body heat.

Extra Layers

Similar to people dogs need extra layers too. I recently purchased a dog jacket specifically for snow travel for Nina. I actually never thought I would ever purchase a jacket for my dog, but after watching her trudge through snow up to her chest in 40 mph winds with blowing snow I invested in a little protection. She uses the Roughwear Cloud Chaser. She naturally loves the cold so the Roughwear Powder Hound would be too warm for her. If your dog has shorter hair or problems with the cold, definitely invest in the heavier jacket.

snowshoeing with a dog - Roughwear Cloud Chaser

Function over fashion rules for snowshoeing with a dog. Look for something that is all synthetic (absolutely NO cotton), waterproof or snow shedding, and provides substantial undercarriage coverage. Roughwear offered just that.

Think about what it would be like to drag your bare chest through the snow for several hours. BRRRRR! Doesn’t sound good, does it? Invest in a good jacket for your dog if you plan on being out all day and your dog isn’t a breed that is built for snow.

Emergency First Aid Supplies for Snowshoeing with a Dog

I also pack some toddler socks from my dog foot care kit, dog booties, and an extra layer for myself that can double as some protection for my dog should something happen. For example, I have an extra fleecy neck gator that I bring with me. Nina has used this to protect her ears and face when there’s lots of low blowing snow. If I tried to put it on her in the house, she’d protest, but she loves the warmth when we are out in the wind!

Bring Extra Food for Your Dog

You bring extra food for yourself, so don’t forget about your pooch. Similar to what you would pack, avoid foods that would freeze and would feel like chewing on a rock. This can crack teeth and cause one nasty vet bill or an infection. When you take a break, give your best friend some pup-friendly treats. You’re both working really hard out there!

snowshoeing with a dog - break

Other Items to consider

  • A dog-specific first aid kit. This should include gauze, athletic tape, a tick key (although you don’t need this in the winter), Pepto (dogs can have half doses of Pepto if they have a bad stomach), and Neosporin. Talk to your vet about any other items they would suggest for snowshoeing with a dog.
  • Always bring a water bowl and extra water. I’ve noticed Nina mostly just eats the snow, but it’s still a good idea to have water. Make sure your dog is staying hydrated.
  • A light for the collar – in case you are still heading back while it’s dark.
  • Booties. To be honest, I’m not a proponent of dog-specific shoes. They can ruin a dog’s feet and rip off their claws. Very painful. If you are going to be traveling over ice or hard packed snow in super cold temps, do as the dog sledders do and invest in some booties specific to sled dogs. It allows their feet to move more freely than shoes and they breathe, so your dog doesn’t overheat.
  • A leash. If your dog isn’t verbally very well trained or there are going to be lots of people around always leash your pet. Never let your dog get out ahead of you to where you can’t see them on the trail.

Teach Your Dog to Navigate in the Snow

One of the biggest differences between hiking in the summer and going on a snowy hike is that the trail can be tough to find. One of the biggest tips beginner snowshoers, you’ll need to learn how to navigate. The same goes for your dog. While snowshoeing with dogs, you’ll want to teach your pup to follow you. This makes life a lot easier for both you and your pet.

Snowshoeing with a dog isn’t the same as hiking with a dog. Usually, when out and about Nina loves to break trail. However, in the snow things are different. Often times dogs are going to be post-holing or sinking into the snow, making travel difficult. When you see this happening, make your furry pal walk behind you. This isn’t natural for most dogs and can take some getting used to. Nina quickly realized this was the path of least resistance and quickly learned to follow suit.

snowshoeing with a dog - bad conditions

The trickiest part is getting a dog to travel behind you is the fact that your feet are a little larger than normal. Dogs don’t understand the extension of shoes with a tail. Nina’s been kicked by the back end of my snowshoes plenty (unintentionally, obviously), but she figures out how to hang back pretty quick.

Safety Tip: This tactic is great if you notice your dog is exhausted and you need to head back or if you’re the one making fresh tracks.

Keep an Eye on the Temperature

Unless your dog is a breed snow specific expect your 4-legged love to get cold before you. It’s a good idea to know what that point is before going out and reaching it. Make an extra effort to avoid being out after or before the sun is up.

Shade and lack of sun quickly freeze the ground and this can burn your dog’s feet. If you find yourself in a tough situation, try re-applying Musher’s Secret or applying those awesome fleece booties. The last thing you want while snowshoeing with dogs is to have his or her paws freeze and suddenly walking becomes difficult.

snowshoe with a dog

For example, I know that when the temperature hits 15 degrees or lower, Nina is not going to last long outside. Walk your dog close to home in all sorts of winter conditions (even if you don’t want to) so you know how they do when the temperatures plummet.

Understand Your Pup’s Limits

While snowshoeing with dogs, you’ll often time you are going to outlast your pup. It’s very common for dogs to get exhausted. Think about it. The snow is much deeper to them, and they don’t have snowshoes.

However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go out. Start with lower mileage, lesser difficulty trails. Slowly ramp up to something more difficult. Snow travel is more difficult and it’s significantly more difficult for your dog. Your dog doesn’t have snowshoes and a heavy layering system. They tire much quicker. Be aware and always be willing to turn back if your dog just isn’t feeling it.

snowshoeing with dogs

My dog is 12 years old. She still summits mountains, stomps through snow, and climbs seemingly impossible boulders. She’s an active lady and loves to be out and about in the snow. But this doesn’t mean she’s always feeling it. I know when she’s had enough and we turn back.

Learn the warning signs for your dog and turn around if you notice them.

Getting out in the snow with your best 4-legged pal is endless fun! Do you have any tips for snowshoeing with a dog? What are your experiences? I’d love to hear them! Comment below.

What to Do if Something Goes Wrong

When you’re in the wilderness, there’s a vareity of things that can happen in an instant. You can plunge through a stream, the weather can turn, or your pup can tucker out. Keep these safety tips in mind:

  • Don’t over do it. Know you and your dog’s limits
  • Watch your GPS location actively! One of the biggest ways to get into trouble while snowshoeing with dogs is to accidentally plunge into a river or creek covered in snow. If this DOES happen, get dry fast, turn around and keep moving to keep the blood flowing.
  • Watch for cut paws. Dog’s paws cut easily on icy surfaces, use your dog first aid kit and turn around.
  • Keep an eye on the weather. Your tracks can quickly get covered even with a light breeze. So always know your position and always be prepared to turn around.

Want more wintery tips and tricks? Check out these posts:

Tips and tricks for winter hiking with a dog. How to snowshoe with a dog. Getting outdoors in the winter with your dog. Tips and tricks for winter with a dog. #dog #travel #hiking #outdoors
Meg Atteberry
Meg Atteberry

Meg is a long-time Colorado local and outdoor industry professional. She's spent the last 15 years hiking, climbing, mountaineering, and canyoneering all over Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada in search of the best views. She's written for Outside Magazine, REI, Backpacker Magazine, and appeared on the Weather Channel.

Hi There!

Meg Atteberry standing on a mountain sticking her tongue out

Meg aka Fox is a 30-something who's born to explore. Toddler mom, queer, and neuro-spicy her favorite things to do are climb in the alpine and camp in the desert. Her mission is to get you out on your greatest adventure.