This time of the year is one of my favorites. The mountains thaw. The birds chirp. The foxtails are in abundance.
Er, wait...
Okay, it's not ALL sunshine and muddy trails. Today I'm going to discuss some things you need to know before you welcome spring and go exploring with your Outdoor Canines.
Know Before You Go
Checking the physical conditions of your favorite places goes beyond a quick peek at the temperature. Knowing what to bring and how much of it hinges on having a full understanding of the conditions you'll face.
Will there be water?
ESPECIALLY here in the year 2023, checking the conditions of the water features you'll encounter on your adventures will be of the utmost importance. Mountain runoff is not a joke and many popular places to take your pups can also be their most dangerous in the spring. Avoid rivers and streams where the current is too strong and make sure you're in a place to check ahead before your dogs decide to do it for you. If all else fails, don't be afraid to find another place to explore! The consequences are not worth it and no one wants to end up cold and wet.
Paw Prep
Keeping your dog's paw pads in tip-top shape is a year-round task. Be sure to check them regularly for cracks or cuts and treat them appropriately with an approved moisturizer/conditioner. I really like Musher's Secret as an all-season protection solution for our pack.
Just as important is nail care. Nothing can derail a trip quicker than the bloody mess a cracked nail can cause. Make sure to keep your dog's nails trimmed and stay aware, especially in areas where you venture over desert slickrock.
*For more tips on paw prep and care, check out this sweet link!
Is it on-leash or off?
Trail rules can vary greatly. Make sure you spend the time to research your destination and its rules prior to heading out. Regardless of the rules, don't be afraid to start on a leash while exploring new places, and only make the switch when you have 100% confidence that you've built the proper trust and communication with your dog in the new setting. Every dog is different, and knowing how yours will behave outdoors is of the utmost importance.
Water
This always seems like the most obvious thing to bring, but it's easy to underestimate just how much water you should be bringing along and how to pack for more than yourself.
How much?
The general rule of thumb for humans is 1/2 liter for each hour you plan on hiking. For dogs, it will depend on their size. Small dogs(>20 lbs) will consume up to 1.5 oz per pound they weigh, while larger breeds are around 1 oz per pound. The water you both need may vary depending on the difficulty of the hike you're on. It's always good to bring too much, rather than too little, and always keep in mind that if you're needing a drink, your pup is too.
Trail Gear
Now, there really isn't a RIGHT answer here. You'll want to make sure you customize your gear depending on the adventure and how many four-legged friends are joining the party. However, I've listed some essentials my wife and I take out on all of our hikes.
Hiking Daypack
To be properly prepared for your day of fun, you need somewhere to put your stuff (go figure). Most of our trips don't require anything TOO fancy, but with four dogs, extra room helps. The focus is keeping it light, with plenty of space for water and adventure essentials like leashes, first aid items, snacks, and extra clothing. Our go-to packs are made by Gregory. My Miwok 32L offers MORE than enough space for our 3L reservoir, extra layers, first aid kits, leashes, and any other adventure or season-specific gear we may need.
Leashes
When you're out enjoying the trails with your pups, the last thing you want is to have some type of incident with another hiker, dog, or animal. Having leashes handy for each dog is a crucial line of defense when looking to prevent those situations, and is just plain good trail etiquette no matter where you are. When choosing a good leash to bring, my wife and I consider a couple of things:
Make sure it's not too long: While the most common length of leashes is 6 feet, I prefer that any we bring on the trail are 5 feet or shorter. This reduces the chance of unwanted contact and allows for better control of our dogs in tight spaces.
Say no to retractable: While these leashes seem convenient, the fail rate in the situations I'm mentioning can be much higher, and they're just plain obnoxious to work with in a pinch.
Hydration Packs, Water Bottles, and Beyond
As I just mentioned, it's far better to bring too much water, than it is to run out early. With four pups, we take this seriously and generally have 3 gallons readily available in our WaterPort Day Tank reservoir back at the 4Runner. On the trail, each of us is carrying 2-3 liters in our packs, a collapsable bowl, and our sweet little doggie bottle/cup dealio for quick refills as we're moving.
Trail Treats
When it comes to these, look for three things:
They need to be low-calorie so that we're able to reward our pups without adding on the pounds.
They need to be bite-size! This makes them easy to pack and more importantly, it reduces the chance of any unwanted stomach issues or interference with their diets.
They need to be TASTY! You can run into all sorts of distractions and "squirrel" moments on the trail with your pups. Make sure the treats are something they LOVE and maybe even hold them aside for the special trips where they're needed.
First Aid Kit
This is another one to customize to your specific needs. Essentials like a triple anti-biotic, gauze, tape, and bandages are helpful, but don't be afraid to add dog-friendly specifics like booties or socks to cover paws, pad balm, and liquid bandage are nice to have if an emergency situation arises.
We picked this one up on Amazon for the 4Runner, and another that's a size smaller to pack in our daypack.
Proper Footwear (You & Your Dog)
This one will depend on the activity you're doing and the terrain you're on. For some dogs, their paws have been conditioned through activities of this type to take a little more abuse. For others, it may be necessary to invest in some booties or dog shoes to give them the protection they need. My best advice is to keep a close eye on your dog's paw pads to ensure they're in good shape and free of cuts, cracks, or foreign objects.
What to Watch For:
Overexercise
Overexercise can rear its ugly head in many forms, both physically and behaviorally. A couple of common ones would be limping or excessive wear and tear on the pads of your dog's paws(see above on proactive paw protection). Also, be on the lookout for any changes to your pup's usual behavior such as abnormal drops in their energy level while out exploring.
Plants
I know, I know. Broken record, BUT THIS IS IMPORTANT! Plants can be a big, serious pain for you and your pup. Stop any chewing of plants immediately and don't be afraid to redirect and reward your dog when they do so. Avoid areas with tall grass and familiarize yourself with the appearance of foxtails and burr bushes.
..AND THIS BRINGS ME TO MY MAIN PLANT POINT! Foxtails.
If you don't know what they are, pray you don't ever have to find out. These pesky buggers are found all over Utah and will likely make an appearance on your pup at some point during the spring/summer. It's crucial to keep an eye out for them as you're hiking in order to prevent them from becoming embedded in paws, ears, noses, you name it.
If you find that your dog has found a foxtail, pull it directly out and ensure you do not break it. If any part does break, or you fear it's embedded, CALL YOUR VET. Serious infections have been known to stem from this and it's best to have a professional remove it properly and promptly.
Heat Stroke
Getting outdoors gets easier and more enjoyable both for our furry friends and us as the temps warm up. This warming can also cause some severe problems if not monitored or treated. Specifically, heat stroke is something that tends to occur more during this time of the year and can lead to serious issues such as multiple organ dysfunction. Symptoms of heat stroke include:
Excessive Panting
Dehydration
Excessive Drooling
Red Gums
Little to No Urine
Rapid Heart Rate
To treat heat stroke while on the trail, one technique that can be used is wrapping the dog in cool, wet towels or other cloth material. Avoid cold or freezing water, and get to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Even if you feel that your dog is recovering, it's important to ensure that no long-term internal problems have developed.
YOUR DOG IS WORTH IT!
Wildlife
To prevent unwanted interactions with wildlife(which should be ALL interactions), your best bet is to have your leash or lead with you at all times. Work on your recall commands and ensure that there is a treat, toy or object there to help redirect your dog's attention in the event you come across our not-so-domesticated friends.
And Finally...
Ah, yes. It's a glorious time of year for outdoor humans and canines alike, but ONLY when you channel your inner scout and go out there prepared.
BE. THE. SCOUT. BE PREPARED!
Get out there and earn your Outdoor Canine merit badge.
Comments