Lucky for us, the Southern California weather treats us well year-round! With little rain and no snow, winter is definitely a perfect time to take your dog out for a hike. Plus, it’s a well-known fact that hiking greatly benefits dogs as well as us humans! Here are 10 more reasons why winter hikes in LA are perfect for your pup!
10 reasons to love winter hikes in LA
You can go at any time of the day.
You won’t have to worry about avoiding the mid-day heat during the cooler winter months. The chances of your pup overheating greatly reduce in the winter months.
Get in more trail miles.
During the summer, dogs tire out more quickly due to the heat. The cooler temperatures make it easy for dogs to tack on an extra 1 to 2 miles in the wintertime.
Fewer fleas & ticks.
Fleas and ticks hibernate in the winter and therefore are less likely to jump on your best friend.
Less crowds, more fun.
People are not big fans of cold weather. In the winter, there are less bikers, hikers, runners, and dogs, which means you and your pup have the trail to yourselves.
Fewer allergies.
Keeping your dog outside helps prevent winter allergies (which are mostly inside of your home!). The fresh crisp air is the remedy for staying allergy-free in the winter.
Different smells.
Avoiding trails in the winter keeps dogs from exploring the new smells that come with the season. What canine wouldn’t want to spend the day adventuring to an old place with a new winter perspective?
Weight control.
Most of us are not as active in the winter. Keeping your dog out on the trail will help keep those winter pounds at bay.
Fewer rattlesnakes.
Hiking in winter allows you to avoid rattlesnakes! This is the time of year when snakes enter hibernation.
Easier on the paws.
Dogs don’t wear shoes, so in the summer, their paw pads can get blistered and sore on hot days. In the winter, dogs are free to roam without any discomfort!
Exercise for heavy-coated breeds.
Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Bernese Mountain dog and other cold climate breeds have a really tough time exercising outside in the summer and even spring. Winter is their time to shine! They can get out of the house without any discomfort.
Hike with us!
If hiking isn’t for you, sign your pup up for one of our dog-friendly hikes in LA! Our vetted Sports Leaders take small groups on a 4-6 mile hike through the Santa Monica mountains. Learn more here!
Post updated January 6, 2019