Taking your dog trail running can be a great way to get exercise for both you and your dog. To stay safe in the summertime there are a few pieces of gear, and some advice to follow, which will keep your dog happier, healthier, and running with you for a long time. Whether you take your dog running on the trails or around the neighborhood, there are some basic items to carry with you that can mean the difference between a happy dog, and a heat stroke issue.
The last thing you want to do is take more with you on a run than necessary, but most of the gear we recommend can be worn by the dog, leaving you with less to carry. Here are the things that we recommend, and of course some things that our staff carry on each run.
A Doggie Water Bottle
The first and foremost item to bring with you on any trail running adventure. These aren’t your traditional runner’s water bottles- these bottles are designed with your dog in mind! In order to offer water to your dog, you need to have a bowl available for them to drink from. Just cupping your hands to let them drink doesn’t really work, as most of the water trickles out of your hands before they can even drink it. With a doggie water bottle, you’ll have enough water for your dog on your run in a way that he can access.
Some of these bottles have matching collapsible bowls, or have an attached bowl. The type of bottle is up to your dog’s preference- what would they prefer to drink out of? You may pick up a super cute product, but if Fido doesn’t use it, what good is it to bring along? Always test your bottle out on a short trip before depending on it for a longer walk or run.
You can find these doggie bottles at the major retailers online and in-store, such as this one, this one, and this one.
A Dog Cooling Vest
One very neat item you can use to protect your dog from the summer heat is a cooling vest, such as the ones found here. These vests use water for evaporative cooling, which can help keep your pup’s internal temperature down even on the hottest days. Of course you should always use caution in extreme heat, as heatstroke can be a deadly issue.
If you don’t have a vest for your dog, it can be very beneficial to take your dog trail running near a stream or lake, so that you can cool them off by letting them get their paws and bellies wet in the cool water. This technique can help a dog cool down quite well, but can lead to a muddy mess in the car on the way home, so always bring towels and a blanket for the ride home!
A Dog-Specific First Aid Kit
It may sound strange to have a specific kit just for your dog, but it’s actually very important! You can’t use human-grade antiseptic and antibacterial creams, gels, or sprays on your dog unless you have cleared the product with your vet beforehand. If your dog ingests any of these, it could be very bad news. In case this happens, call your vet right away.
The dog-specific kits (like these) have the basic tools you can use on the trail to treat a number of problems. Bandages, antiseptic, and dog-approved antibiotic creams are included, making these kits the best friend your best friend can have. Keep it in the car, or take a smaller selection of items, such as a wrap bandage, alcohol swab, and cotton pad in a waterproof zip-top bag. You can ask your vet for their approved antibiotic ointment or other topical drugs. Remember: NO Neosporin, betadine, or other sprays, those are toxic too!
Doggie Sunscreen
You know that too much sun is a bad thing for human skin, but did you know your canine pall has skin very similar to yours under that fur? That’s right! Dogs can wear sunscreen too! Short haired dogs, light or white colored dogs, and those with white spots should use sunscreen when they’re going to be out in the sun for a long time. You can’t just use the same sunscreen you would put on yourself, though, because it’s toxic to dogs. You should use a dog-safe, vet-approved sunscreen for your pooch, and don’t forget to re-apply when they get wet, or after a few hours. A good rule of thumb is to re-apply anytime you apply your own sunscreen!
You can find lots of choices out there at the major retailers online and in-store. Some examples are this one, this one, and this one.
Protective Footwear
One measure you can take to help protect your pup from the harsh fires of the summer is to get them some foot protection. Your dog’s pads are made up of skin, which is indeed thick and callused, but is still just skin. Your dog’s pads are far more sensitive to heated surfaces than you are with your rubber-soled shoes! To help protect them, you can try doggie boots. These boots are specially designed to allow your dog’s pads to still breathe, as the pads are very important for heat transfer and cooling regulation for your dog. There are some like these, which can be worn on the trail, and some that are lighter duty. Some dogs may not allow you to put boots on them, or may refuse to walk in them. Take the time to train with your dog on their use before taking them on the trail.
Running At the Right Times
If you don’t think your dog would be very happy with boots, you can do other things to avoid hot surfaces. Running at the right times of day can help you to avoid sizzling hot pavement, and even scorching hot dirt pathways. Remember to always test the surface with your own hand if you’re worried it’s too hot. If your hands can’t take the heat, your dog shouldn’t be running across the surface, either.
Taking your dog trail running in the summertime is a fun way to get out of the house and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors, so long as you remember to run in the early mornings, or the early evening, as those will be the coolest times. Do remember that surfaces like asphalt can retain their heat for hours after the sun stops hitting it. Try to avoid dark surfaces, and go when the sun isn’t high in the sky. If you follow these tips, you should avoid heat stroke, and still have a great day out with your dog!
Off Road Paws Wants to Take Your Dog Trail Running!
Still don’t think you can give your dog the treat of getting out of the house this summer for a run on the Colorado trails? Well Off Road Paws wants to take your dog on a trail adventure! Our staff are highly trained to know the signs and symptoms of many types of common dog ailments. They’re also trained to know how to react in emergencies, and will always carry a first aid kit, doggie water bottle, and dog-specific sunscreen. For more information on how Off Road Paws can help give your dog the freedom to explore the outdoors, check out our website. To book a trail run, neighborhood walk, or pet-sitting experience, contact us now!