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When it snows, let the dog walk you

Snow sports are a great way to take the edge off if you have an energetic dog who loves the outdoors.

Getting your furry pal to exercise in the white stuff is a real shoe-in.
Getting your furry pal to exercise in the white stuff is a real shoe-in.Read more

WITH THE Midwest and Eastern U.S. experiencing deep freezes this winter, plenty of dogs and their people will either be reveling in the snow or huddling by the fireplace trying to stay warm. Snow sports are a great way to take the edge off if you have an energetic dog who loves the outdoors, and you indoor types - canine and human - have options as well.

Of course, you and your dog can go for walks or hikes in the snow, but you might want to try snow-specific sports, such as snowshoeing and skijoring. These activities are naturals for Nordic breeds, including Alaskan malamutes and Siberian huskies, but any athletic, conditioned dog can enjoy them.

Snowshoeing is as simple as strapping on a pair of snowshoes and striding out. Your dog doesn't need them; his paws are already equipped for traversing the snow.

Cross-country skiers with a need for speed may want to try skijoring: being pulled by one to three dogs. You'll need a skijoring belt or harness for yourself, a sled-dog harness for your dog and an 8-foot or longer line to connect the two.

Any dog who loves to pull can skijor, but if he weighs less than 35 pounds, expect to provide most of the propulsion yourself.

Your dog will need to learn the commands "hike" (start), "haw" (left), "gee" (right), "on by" (ignore those squirrels) and "whoa" (no explanation necessary). Practice without skis first so you don't accidentally get pulled into a tree.

Places you can snowshoe or skijor include your neighborhood, golf courses, some wilderness areas or national and state park trails, or Nordic or snowshoe centers.

Avoid snowmobiling trails; there's too much risk of accidents when you're sharing the path with motorized vehicles. Know the rules wherever you're going, and obey them. Dogs may be required to be on leash so they don't frighten or knock over others.

Does your dog need clothing in frigid weather? Veterinarian and canine sports medicine expert M. Christine Zink says that a dog exercising continuously shouldn't need a coat because he creates his own heat. If your dog is out in the cold but not exerting a lot of energy, choose lightweight, stretchy items that don't restrict front-leg movement. "Most that are non-stretchy restrict front-leg movement," Dr. Zink says. "That wastes energy and can even cause injuries if used a lot."

She also advises protecting a male dog's penis and testicles from the cold. You can find special coats made for field dogs that cover those vulnerable areas. He'll thank you for it.

Booties can be beneficial if your dog will be walking on salt-covered surfaces or has hairy feet that will collect ice balls, but only if they fit well, are comfortable and don't rub against the dog's paws. If your dog doesn't wear boots, soak his paws for a few seconds in a bowl of water to remove ice-melter chemicals.

Finally, be sure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water. He can quickly dehydrate in cold, dry weather.

Rather stay indoors with your dog? Take a handful of kibble or tiny treats, scatter it on the floor, and say "Find it." Some people feed whole meals this way. Play the muffin-tin game: Place a treat in each cup of a muffin tin and cover some of them with tennis balls or other dog toys. Then let your dog have at it. See how long it takes him to find the covered treats.

Whatever you do, be safe, have fun and snuggle often!