Thread: Dogs in the snow

I have a regular dog sit that will be happening again on sunday. Dog is a young (~18months) RetrieverXHuntaway with a course coat. Our plan for that day is to head up to the snow in the Tararua range and take the dog with us. Weather forecast has wind chill at -5deg. Snow is down to about 400m at the moment but it usually isn't too bad below the bushline. Based on previous trips in these conditions, time above the bushline will be about an hour each way with a stop at the hut where we will turn around.

I am going to take him to get some dog boots and a dog coat tomorrow afternoon, but never having taken a dog out in the snow, is there anything else I should consider in regards to the whole exercise?.

Dog in question loves the water, but I have noticed over the last few months he does get a bit shivery with extended visits to the river and seems to 'not see' the sticks that he has to swim for, even though during the warmer months, he is very good at seeing them.

I might be being a bit over cautious, but this dog isn't actually my dog, and at any rate, I wouldn't want any dog coming to grief from being pushed beyond the limit in the snow and this is one where it's easier to ask the question first rather than deal with the fall out after.