While neither of our dogs had the fortune of making it to the great state of Alaska, they both have lived in relatively cold places (or, at least it snowed each winter!) and each had a different way of dealing with it!
Kiraly didn’t love the snow and cold, preferring to stay inside instead not quite in the warmest place in the house but nearby it. She would go outside and play in the snow, but not with the same enthusiasm as Kyzer! Kiraly was born in Baltimore, Maryland and the winters are relatively mild compared to Spokane, Washington where Kyzer was born (and Clinton!) His first real experience with snow was when we brought him up to Mt. Spokane and the ski lodge where he delightfully played in feet of snow! When we lived in a state where it would snow, he longed to be outside – we usually bundled up and made sure to spend time outside with him.
While both dogs had their own temperature control, we still monitored them to make sure they weren’t being, well…dogs. Kyzer has been known to be a bit on the popsicle side when we’ve had him come inside! Some of the best dogs in the cold business are the sled dogs that you can actually follow on this link: https://www.nps.gov/dena/learn/photosmultimedia/webcams-pups.htm
The sled dogs are bred from the previous generations’ dogs (along with partner mushing kennels) and are beloved members of the Denali ranger staff! Each year the rangers take time to introduce each of these cuties before we are able to follow along on our own by watching through the camera. Sled dogs were vital sources of transportation and ways to get communication and goods across vast distances covered in ice along parts of Alaska and other arctic communities. The dogs themselves have been bred from the best and have physical traits unique to heir breeding – large puffy tails to keep warm, compact paws to resist ice buildup between toes, and heavy sturdy coats for the sub-arctic weather. They do truly love to pull and run as part of a team, so this is more about the dog than the handler!
If you have dogs bred more like mine, keep some of these cold weather safety tips in consideration: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/cold-weather-safety-tips. Don’t let snow stop you from getting out with your dog and enjoy the weather no matter the situation – just be smart! Much like dogs can overheat, dogs can get too cold. As Kyzer has gotten older, I’ve started having him wear a thin shirt or coat before he goes outside during the winter when we lived in Virginia. Additionally, don’t think that just because you are surrounded by frozen water that you don’t need any water to drink! Not true! Just like being in a pool all day, you still need to drink some water!
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