Fun With Our Pets in the Snow

It begins with a stillness in the air from the silence in the wildlife, snow is on its way. All the leaves left their trees weeks ago, leaving them sparse and thin.

Then, white pieces of sky, at first one by one, building to a flood of cold fluffy flakes, it’s snowing.

Now What, Avoid It All?

Do you stay inside, safe, and warm with your loved ones and pets? Perhaps. But most of us in Montana know that’s just not an option for long. With your loved ones in tow, you’ve loaded the car up, and are ready to shake off the cabin fever before it sets is.

Let’s look at some activities for fun with our pets in the snow.

Winter Safety Reminders

Winter activities with our pets should be pretty straight forward, but let’s prepare a few things before going out to Norm’s Island or Phipps Park:

Foot grooming – Long hair between toes can grab snow in clumps making his or her feet cold or uncomfortable. Ice melt and similar toxic products can also get lodged in this area, then consumed by your pet during self-grooming. Be sure to keep your pet’s feet clean and dry.

Water – Bring extra water, as out in the winter cold, low humidity, and higher than usual activity can mean more dehydration than other seasons.

Food – Be sure you are fulfilling your loved one’s nutrition requirements for all the activities. You’ll want to pack a little extra, as energy is consumed faster in the cold.

Wildlife – Be aware the winter can be hard for wildlife and can be found in unusual areas foraging for food.

Fun With Pets in the Snow!

Now, it’s time to explore some fun activities with your pets, read on to discover some that you may have forgotten:

Hiking – Hiking some of the trails that our area has to offer will be fun for everyone. Take the leash though, our parks department has some stipulations on these matters.

Sledding – The south hills offer some secluded and fun areas that your dog can chase along on a downhill adventure.

Snowshoeing – Public lands in the hills are one of Billings’ amazing secrets. Lots of areas to snowshoe for you and your dog.

Skiing – Our area has a great deal to offer for cross country skiing, and with our pets it makes for the perfect day outing.

Dog sled races – Montana has been known for its dog sled racing, nothing can be more dramatic than people and animals competing in unison and the comradery of that spirit.

Winter Can Be Fun

Winter with our pets can seem long, so in the adventurous spirit for what our community is known, venture forth and take your furry loved ones along.

Remember to take the necessities along for comfort and safety. If you have any questions for us please call and ask. Don’t forget to ask about preventing a lost pet with microchipping before you go into the wild like Jackie Ronne or Jack London.