During the cold months of an Alberta winter, many dog owners are hesitant to bring their furry companions with them on outings due to the extreme weather conditions. While this may be the correct choice depending on the dog and the conditions outside, if you have a high energy dog that bounces off the walls, chances are you are going to brave the harsh conditions to ensure your pal gets the exercise and mental enrichment they need. As we head into a La Niña this 2024 season (Mersereau, 2024), it is important to ensure your dog is safe, warm, and comfortable. There are many factors to consider before bringing your dog skiing, snow shoeing, or on a snowy neighbourhood walk. This includes (but is not limited to) assessing the risk, having the proper gear, and being willing to end the day early if your dog shows signs of being too cold. It is important to note that every dog is different. Some dogs would love to go run around on a snowy hike in sub-zero conditions, others may prefer a quick bathroom break and to cuddle up beside the fireplace (Mitchell, 2022). 

Tolerance and risk assessments are going to look very different from dog to dog. Many breeds, such as huskies, are bred to be able to withstand and live in extreme conditions. Other dogs, such as short hair dogs that originate from places closer to the equator, may not be able to go out on a ski tour with you depending on the temperatures of the day (Mitchell, 2022). If your dog hesitates before walking out the door, has their tail tucked when outside, and is overall just not having a good time, its best to pack it in and go home and try again when temperatures are warmer. 

If your dog is high energy and having a good time, great! However, ensure you are keeping an eye on your dog and that they are properly prepared. Ensure you check their paws and look for signs of being too cold, which can include being red and irritated, bleeding, cracked, etc (American Veterinary Medical Association, 2024). Another important factor to consider is the health of your dog. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, cold weather has the potential to worsen health concerns and conditions, so it is important to keep this in mind and discuss with your vet how the winter months may affect your dog (2024). Look out for other symptoms of being too cold such as: shivering, moving slowly, constantly lifting their paws, ears tucked back, and just overall looking miserable (American Veterinary Medical Association, 2024). 

My favourite tactic for keeping your dogs warm in the winter is investing in good winter gear and clothing. It may sound silly, but ensuring your dog is properly dressed in the winter is extremely important. Clothing can include: shoes to protect their feet from the cold ground, ice, and salt, a base layer, jacket, and/or a snow suit. Many dogs do not enjoy wearing clothing so it is important to slowly get them used to wearing it. A couple minutes of walking around the house in their boots every day can help them slowly become accustomed to wearing something so strange on their feet, making them more prepared for those cold days when boots and clothing are necessary.

Lastly, if you are having trouble deciding whether or not to bring your dog with you on your next winter adventure, there are many resources available to help you make a better decision. Chances are, if you are having even a little bit of doubt, it's best to keep outdoor time short and keep your dog inside where it's warm and safe. Below is a link to a resource with more information on decision making and keeping your dog warm in the winter: https://outwardhound.com/furtropolis/dogs/how-cold-is-too-cold-for-dogs. It highlights many symptoms of a dog being too cold, has a graph that shows a broad rule for temperatures that dogs can handle (this will vary depending on the dog), and dives a bit deeper into hypothermia. (Mitchell, 2022). Enjoy the winter and stay safe!