Keeping Your Dog Safe in the Mountain Parks

One of the great joys of spending time in the mountain parks is sharing it with your beloved furry friend, and household dogs are a common sight in towns and trails throughout the mountains. Although the mountains can be a great experience for both pet and owner, there are a number of considerations to keep in mind before embarking on a mountain adventure with your dog.

Doone Watson, a veterinarian since 1982, suggests dog owners plan ahead and be prepared before taking dogs to the mountains.

Before you go:
Should you bring them?
Consider whether bringing your dog will be beneficial to you, other people, and your dog. On the plus side, says Watson, dogs offer companionship, and the dog gets exercise. On the down side, however, it can scare wildlife away and annoy other visitors. If you do bring your dog, ensure that it is on a leash at all times (unless in a designated off-leash area), keep it under control, and pick up after it. “Even well-behaved dogs, when off-leash, can be a problem, it can also be dangerous to the dog. Visitors need to realize that deer and elk can be dangerous to dogs.”

Are they in shape?

Before taking a dog hiking, owners need to consider whether their dog is in good enough condition to hike. Does it have the muscle development? The pulmonary development? Are its paw pads tough enough for it? Has it been conditioned to the temperature and the altitude? As it would be with a person, it is irresponsible to take a dog on a physical outing if they are not prepared for the exertion and conditions.

Are their vaccinations up to date?

Taking your dog to the mountains can expose them to diseases and nasty parasites less commonly found in the city. Vaccinations, especially for rabies, need to be up-to-date, and dogs should receive treatment against tapeworms. Dogs are also susceptible to bacterial diseases that can be found in water, such as giardia. Watson suggests keeping a close eye on your dog after a trip to the mountains as some bacterial symptoms will not be visible until three to five days after exposure. Dogs should also be checked for ticks on a daily basis.

Be Prepared:

Skunks and porcupines

A curious dog can unexpectedly find itself confronted with a skunk or porcupine, with less than ideal results. If they can’t get to a vet quickly, dog owners should have access to needle-nose pliers and know how to remove porcupine quills (pull quick, straight, and hard!). Watson suggests always carrying a folded Elizabethan collar (also known as a cone) in the car. In the case of porcupines, a cone can prevent dogs from scratching or digging at quills until they can be removed safely. Hot tip: keep a bottle of anti-skunk spray in the car to minimize the chance of a very stinky trip back home.

Weather
Cold weather can be just as harmful to dogs as it can be to people. If your dog is lifting his or her feet, says Watson, it should not be outside without booties. Short-haired dogs need a jacket in cold weather. No dogs should be expected to sleep on the ground during cold winter days and nights. “They need a bed just like we do,” says Watson. In hot weather, ensure you carry enough water for your dog, and give it frequent breaks.

Accessories
Although many dogs are microchipped, this may not be helpful if you are far from home and your dog goes wandering in the wilderness. All dogs should wear a tag with a name and phone number visible, and Watson suggests putting your car license plate number on your dog’s collar. “If your dog gets lost and goes back to the trailhead, someone can identify your vehicle with the license plate number,” says Watson. Because cell phone coverage is limited or non-existent in many areas of the mountain parks, this may be the best method for reuniting dog and owner.

Dog first aid kit
If you are in the mountain parks, far from a veterinary clinic, you may
need to administer some dog first aid yourself. Watson recommends that
you carry or keep in your car some helpful items:
– Light source (to look in eyes or examine a paw pad, for example)
– Length of gauze bandage or shoelace (to stop bleeding or create
a muzzle)
– Syringe (to flush out eyes or wounds)
– Blanket (to protect car seats or use as a stretcher)
– Elizabethan collar (cone)
– Towels
– Baby Wipes (to remove stinky stuff – dogs have been known to roll
in human feces)
– Anti-skunk spray
– Hyrdrogen peroxide (to invoke vomiting)
– Benadryl (get this from your vet to determine the correct dose)
– Duct tape
– Tools – tweezers, scissors, and needle-nose pliers
– Surgical soap
– Eye drops or sterile saline
– Booties for cold or sore paw pads
– Skin glue (super glue) to apply a bandage over wounded paw pads

A note about traplines (a series of game traps): Traplines can be found
in the mountain parks and are often baited close to populated areas. Pay
attention to signs and avoid areas with traplines.

By: Jen Marran