9 Must-Have Items for Walking Your Dog in a Winter Wonderland

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Brace yourself, winter is coming, and it’s time to gear up with everything you need to make the most out of your winter dog walking experience.

The colder months of the year provide their own set of opportunities and challenges, but, with a little preparation, you and your dog can still enjoy plenty of outdoor activities until the spring thaw arrives.

How to Pack for a Walk in a Winter Wonderland

Stay comfortable, dry, and even have some fun with these items in your winter dog gear accessory kit.

1. 1. Warm, Weather-Resistant Jacket: When trekking through an idyllic snowbound landscape, it’s important to make sure your furry friend is comfortable and well-insulated. The Hurtta ultimate warmer for dogs is a dog coat that is specifically designed to meet the needs of working dogs in cold climates. This insulated parka provides a waterproof layer to help keep your dog warm and dry on your extended winter walks, and is available in a range of sizes.
   2. Flexible Flyer Snowball Maker: Ditch the tennis ball and let Mother Nature provide your fetch-and-retrieval needs. The snowball maker makes perfectly round snowballs in a jiffy that your dog will want to chase. As an added benefit, you’ll always be prepared for a snowball ambush while out on the trail.
   3. Microfiber Pet Towels: Don’t get caught off-guard when all the fluffy snow your dog accumulates on his fur melts into a messy puddle. Pack a few microfiber pet towels for an easy way to absorb all the excess wetness before you both pack it in for the day.
   4. Dog Boots: Sure, not every dog appreciates the virtues of a good bootie, but Ruffwear Polar Trex booties are engineered to provide the additional warmth and traction your dog needs when spending an extended period of time on snow and ice.
   5. Collapsible Dog Bowl: Even though you’re literally surrounded by frozen water, you still need to make sure your dog doesn’t get dehydrated while you’re out enjoying the winter weather. The Chuckit! hydro bowl is a collapsible water bowl that you can easily attach to your dog’s leash or throw in your day pack for a convenient way to give your dog a quick water break (don’t forget the water, though).
   6. LED Safety Collar: With the possibility of inclement weather and changing conditions, it’s important that you keep a close eye on your dog. Equip your dog’s collar with an LED collar light that is waterproof, impact-resistant, and visible up to three miles away.
   7. Antler Headband: While your dog can certainly get by in cold weather without it, this fun and festive antler headband is a charming, winter accessory that will set your dog above the pack.
   8. Heated Dog Bed: When you come home after a successful winter outing, cozy up to the fire and reward your dog with a heated pet bed that they can spend the rest of the day peacefully lounging in.
   9. Waste Bag Dispenser: A poop bag holder will keep a standard roll of poop bags securely stored until you need to use them. Attach it to your dog’s leash or harness, and you’ll never forget to bring it with you.

And that’s it! With the proper gear and some helpful tips on keeping your dog safe, you should be all set to get out there and enjoy that winter weather. So hit the trails together—or find an awesome dog walker—and enjoy the season.

Further Reading

• 15 Best Dog Boots for Every Weather & Situation
• The Best Heated Dog Beds for Toasty Naps, Snoozes, and Sleeps
• The 9 Best Dog Towels for Bath Time, Wet Walks, and Muddy Paws