Snow Holidays with Your Dog

Like many humans, some dogs love the snow. It's therefore no surprise that many people want to take their dog on a snow holiday or a winter sports trip.
What should you watch out for?

Preparing well and gathering information

Just as with summer holidays, taking your dog on a winter sports trip or to snowy, high-altitude areas requires good preparation.

• Before booking anything, check carefully whether animals are allowed at the hotel or accommodation you want to book. Find out about the rules that apply there (breeds allowed, hygiene measures, house rules, etc.) and how much space your pet will have if it needs to stay indoors while you're on the slopes. It's better to arrange for someone to look after the dog so it doesn't stay alone. Make sure your pet doesn't disturb other guests.
• Get your administrative paperwork and vaccinations in order. Visit the vet before you leave to check your pet's physical condition. Don't forget travel insurance.
• Find out about possible walks in the area with your dog, as well as the veterinary facilities available locally.
• Make sure you bring everything your pet will need for its care and comfort (grooming kit, petroleum jelly, towels, first aid kit, bowl, bedding, food, lead, muzzle, etc.)

Physical preparation, just like for humans

If you want to take your dog to snowy areas, it's presumably because you're planning walks with your companion there. It's therefore essential to properly prepare your dog physically before you leave, with long walks or exercise, ideally in the snow. Talk to your vet about your holiday plans and ask which protective cream or petroleum jelly is recommended for your pet (to protect paw pads, ears, scrotum).

Ski resort rules

If you're going on a winter sports holiday, scrupulously follow the resort's rules.
Animals are always strictly forbidden on the ski slopes.

Out walking in the snow

• Make sure your pet's coat stays dry. A wet coat loses its insulating effect, so your pet will quickly feel cold. It's also not a good idea to let your dog lie in the snow for too long.
• If necessary, fit your dog with a coat. Take its breed, age and health into account. The belly is the first part of the body at risk from the cold. Bear this in mind when buying protective clothing. Boots? It might seem funny to put boots on a dog, but walking boots offer maximum comfort on long walks in the snow: they keep the paws warm and protect them from the snowy, rocky ground, as well as from the ice balls that form between the toes.
• During the walk, balls of ice or hardened snow can form between the toes. The bigger these balls get, the more painful they are for the dog. For long-haired breeds, it's therefore advisable to trim the hair between the toes and shorten the long hair at the back of the paw.
• Protect the paw pads, ear tips and scrotum with a suitable cream or petroleum jelly. Put a little sunscreen on your dog's nose if it's not pigmented.
• Don't go for a walk when the sun is too strong, as the glare of light on the snow can damage its eyes.
• Pace your pet's efforts. Walking or running in the snow is much more tiring than a normal walk.
• Watch out for ice: don't let your pet venture onto an icy surface (e.g. a frozen pond or lake). It's not uncommon for an animal to be swallowed up because the ice gave way.
• Avoid letting your dog eat snow: eating snow can give it cramps and cause diarrhoea.
• Some dogs seem to love drinking antifreeze water (like the kind used in car windscreen washer fluid). For dogs, this is a genuine poison!

Back from the walk

• Make sure you dry your pet thoroughly, especially the tips of the paws (removing any ice balls).
• Don't expose your pet straight away to a strong heat source (radiator, open fire, etc.), but let it first get used to room temperature.

And finally: make sure your pet has as much fun as you do!

Also read our other articles in the "Winter sports" special

First published: 12/2014 - Updated: 02/2020