Heather Rochfort, known to many from her blog Just A Colorado Gal, and her canine companion Tally lend their best advice for safe adventuring with your four-legged friend. What do you do to keep our dog safe outside? Let us know in the comments!
Photo by Will Rochfort/Caveman Collective
Tals and I have been adventure buddies for almost a decade. Truth be told, that’s longer than I’ve known some of my friends! And in that timeframe, she and I have enjoyed a myriad of outdoor excursions together: day hikes, backpacking trips, 14er summits, camping and snowshoeing are all favorites.
While Tally is an incredibly smart dog, it’s my responsibility as her human to make sure she stays safe while we are in the mountains. The two of us have learned a lot through trial-and-error; here are some of our favorite pup safety trail tips.
Always Bring Enough Water
Dogs drink a lot of water, so be sure to pack extra for the two of you. It’s helpful to bring a collapsible dog bowl in your backpack to make drinking easier for Fido.
Follow Leash Laws
As weird as it may seem to pet owners, not everyone loves dogs! Be sure to check the leash regulations on the trail and keep your dog tethered if required. Perhaps leashes aren’t the rule in your neck of the woods? Bring it anyway. Again, some people are nervous around leash-less pups and it’s always easier to collar up your dog rather than deal with a disgruntled hiker. Besides, having a leash on-hand means you can clip up the pup in the presence of wildlife.
Animal Bells
If you’re hiking in an area heavy with wildlife, it is often easier to attach a small bell to your dog’s collar. The bell will make some noise, alerting wildlife to your presence and potentially preventing an unwelcome encounter.
Monitor His Paws
Regardless of the season, some dogs require extra TLC on their paws. In the winter, snow can mat up in the fur of long-haired dogs, forming icy clumps. These clumps cut and scratch your dog’s feet, causing bloody sores. If this sounds like your pooch, it may be worth investing in a pair of dog shoes to protect their sensitive pads.
Conversely, hot summer temperatures can burn those puppy feet! Sizzling pavement or scorching alpine rocks are both common causes for blistered paws. Here’s a simple trick to gauge the outdoor heat: place the back of your hand against the ground. If it’s too hot to keep it there for at least five seconds, it’s way too hot for your dog’s paws.
Don’t Push Your Pup
Our dogs love us and their biggest wish in life is to make us happy. If you want to hike 20 miles uphill in 100 degree temps, your dog will do it--even to the detriment of his health.
Keep your dog’s limits and abilities in mind and try not to push him beyond his capabilities. Gradually build up the mileage so that the two of you can enjoy outdoor time together!
Photo by Will Rochfort/Caveman Collective