Winter in Montana doesn’t have to mean staying inside with your dog. There are plenty of ways to exercise with your furry friend, and most can be found not too far out of Bozeman, especially if you enjoy cross-country skiing. In fact, there are even some dog-friendly ski trails that you can explore together. Here are our top three picks for dog-friendly trails, and a few safety tips for skiing with your dog Montana.
Three of the Best Dog-Friendly Cross-Country Skiing Areas in Montana
1. Lindley Park Dog Loop
This dog-friendly loop is the newest addition to Bozeman’s network of wonderful trails. The Lindley Park Loop is a little over half a mile long, and designed with dogs in mind. With several waste stations located around the loop, it is perfect to exercise yourself and your pup.
2. Homestake Lodge
This lodge maintains countless ski trails, many of which are dog-friendly! However, Homestake Lodge asks that you wait until several weeks after they open their trails before bringing dogs along. They meticulously groom their trails, and want to ensure that every trail is firm and safe for your furry friend.
3. Lake Como
Lake Como has some beautiful cross-country skiing for you to enjoy with your dog. A volunteer group maintains the ski trails available to ski, so be respectful. Always clean up after your pet, and make sure they do not dig up the trail, as bad behavior may prevent dogs from being able to access the ski trails in the future.
Safety Tips for Skiing with Your Dog
- Always pick up your dog’s poop. Your dog’s feces can cause problems for the local ecosystems, and for others on the trail—nobody wants to ski through a patch of poo!
- Keep your dog on a leash. Bozeman and many other communities in Montana have strict leash laws. Breaking them could result in fines, or even be dangerous for your pet.
- Do not allow your dog to dig. Maintaining cross-country ski trails takes a lot of work. Letting your dog dig means creating a hazard for yourself, your dog, and all the others out enjoying the trail.
- Bring extra water. No matter the season, exercise can be dehydrating. Keeping yourself and your dog hydrated is a must.
- Dress your dog appropriately. We know your dog is sporting a fur coat, but that does not mean they are immune to cold temperatures. Depending on the size of your dog, the length of their fur, the amount of time you will be outside, and the conditions of the trail, your dog might need a coat or boots to enjoy their outing.
- Pack a first aid kit. Accidents happen, so packing a first aid kit is always a must.
Tooth Pain Could Keep Your Dog from Enjoying a Trail
When dogs are in pain, they lose interest in the fun things they usually enjoy. And who can blame them? Veterinary dental care reduces the risk of painful problems like gum disease, tooth decay, and infections. It can even help your dog live longer, so you can enjoy more cross-country skiing adventures together.
Montana Pet Dentistry and Oral Surgery is the best veterinary dentist in the state. Our staff and facility are equipped to deal with any dental problem, big or small. Contact us today to schedule a dental exam and teeth cleaning for your dog.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (11/25/23). Photo by Glenna Haug on Unsplash.