Keeping Your Dog Safe on the Winter Hills

Keeping Your Dog Safe on the Winter Hills

Thank you to dog-handler Texa Sim from Search and Rescue Dog Association (Scotland) – for writing this excellent article on… 

Keeping Your Dog Safe on the Winter Hills

Dogs can be the ultimate hill companions. Endless energy and enthusiasm, happy in all weathers, and won’t moan about a false summit or two! Summer hill days are often a joy, with heather covered slopes to frolic on and only a few more exposed routes that are out of reach. Winter is a different beast, and it’s important to be prepared in order to keep your furry friend safe and happy with you on your adventures together.

Unfortunately, winter equals bigger bags and more kit to carry. Just as we need more layers, dogs need additional equipment too. It’s worthwhile carrying light paw protectors for ice and snow and even a portable dog carrier in case of an emergency. These items can complement your usual list of hill dog equipment such as extra food, water and paw salve to protect against cracked pads. A couple of rechargeable lights to attach to collars and harnesses are also useful, especially as the visibility begins to drop or the light fades in the short winter days. A warm and waterproof dog jacket is a must, and there is a vast array of great brands to choose from.

Search Dog Wallace takes a break to get rid of those pesky snowballs! [Lynsay Carters]

Winter also means we humans tend to start using an array of various sharp pointy metal tools. With crampons on boots and ice axe in hand it’s best for your dog to avoid being by your side in a close heel. Dogs’ claws are their own crampons, and they are usually quite capable in snowy and icy conditions. Do be cautious on steeper slopes and judge your dog’s ability- you know them best.

Search Dog Cridhe showing off his skills on a snowy slope. [Alasdair Earnshaw]

Being well fed before a cold winter day is important for you and your dog. Ensure that there is at least an hour of digestion time before starting strenuous activities. This is a rule followed by people with working dogs, including search and rescue dogs, and helps to avoid the horrendous occurrence of potentially lethal Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV), or stomach torsion.

Another key aspect, and one that may be overlooked, is the question of obedience and training. Important in all seasons, your dog must be able to be recalled in any situation to keep them safe. It’s useful to train a whistle recall that can be heard over greater distances, as well as an arm signal such as your arms held vertically above your head, which can be seen if the wind whisks away your verbal or whistle command.

There’s not much better than sharing a hill day with your loyal companions! Sub-zero temperatures on a frozen Mullach nan Coirean plateau. [Bill Cottam]

It goes without question that having good control over your dog is imperative, as the conditions and terrain in winter begin to present more hazards such as cornices and treacherous ice slopes. Many dogs don’t have a good sense of self preservation, and if this applies to your pup, choose your hill expeditions with care and consider building your dogs experience before venturing onto particularly steep or exposed ground. Many hill routes, while perfectly doable by our four-legged friends in summer, are too challenging in winter and good decision making before you step out the front door will allow for a fun and safe outing.

Huffing and puffing after an extended period off the hills? Remember your dog is only as fit as you are, so if they are not used to long days it’s best to build them up before tackling that big traverse on your list. Moving in deep snow is particularly tough and they will expend a lot of energy doing this. Dogs with longer fur may get snow building up around the belly and legs and between the toes, and you will need to routinely clear this off to ensure they can move freely. Dogs are often very stoic, and won’t let on how knackered (or potentially injured) they are until they refuse to take another step. Realistic assessment of your dog’s fitness is part of your general hill planning. Consider as well, that while the mind may be willing, dogs’ pads can suffer on cold and ice-sharp ground, so it is good practice to check them continuously throughout your journey. No feet, no dog!

Search Dog Mac observing his icy kingdom in the Cairngorms. [Mark Chadwick]

While you may not be sharing your Grade 3 winter route with your canine companion in the colder months, there will be many opportunities where you can get out in the snow. If the conditions don’t look quite right for your dog’s abilities, save it for another day and enjoy lower-level adventures.

No matter where you go, your dog will just be happy to be by your side.

Uisge and Search Dog Sgiath enjoy a perfect winter’s day on the summit of Beinn Fhionnlaidh. [Texa Sim]

First published in Scottish Mountaineer Winter 2025.

If you’re ever in need of assistance in Scotland’s mountains or outdoor spaces, call 999, ask for the Police then Mountain Rescue.