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Summer is fast approaching and with that comes heat and snakes and fox tails. All of these things are very dangerous for your pup so we wanted to remind you of a few things so that you and your pup stay healthy and happy!
There is a reason that Leash Your Fitness does not lead hikes in the summer months and opt to take the dogs to the water instead. The trails can be dangerous for your dog in the summertime UNLESS you go hiking super early.
Heat: Most of the hiking trails are inland and that is where it gets hot and the heat starts early. Remember that your dog does not sweat, does not wear shoes and has a fur coat on. The hot trails are not safe for dogs. The ground can get super hot on their paws and many trails have little to no shade. If you MUST take your dog hiking with you, we strongly encourage you to go early and be off of the trails no later than 10 a.m. Just because you see others on the trails with their dogs, does not mean that it is safe or that they should be out there either.
Foxtails: Summer brings out these nasties! They are weeds like no other because they can lodge themselves in your dogs paw, nose or any area. When this happens, it can not only irritate the area BUT it can travel and cause death if not removed. If your dog starts sneezing uncontrollably on the trail, stop immediately and check his/ her nose for one and pull it out because it can travel to the brain if left untouched. If your dog is shaking his / her head, check his ears for one. If he is licking anywhere like paws, genitals, etc. Check the area well. Also, check their coat very well and their paws after every hike. If you have any concern, take your pup to the vet to have him checked out.
Keep your dog out of any overgrown, grassy areas and pull out any foxtails that are in your yard.
Red Ants: I am not sure if these buggers only come out with the heat but they do build their nests where the sun hits and that is usually right in the middle of the hiking trail. Once again, remember that your pup is not wearing shoes. The ants can bite and when they do, it HURTS! I was hiking with Jack once and he could not walk for a few hours after getting bit by one of these things. Some ants are worse than others but you want to avoid any ant mound that you see.
If your dog does get bit, you want to handle it like any other insect sting. Benadryl may help if they are allergic to the bite but cold water from your water bottle may soothe the area & help with swelling. If you have ice, that will help too. Watch your dog for signs of swelling, trouble breathing, nausea, etc. If any of these things happen, he may be allergic and require immediate veterinary care.
Snakes: Nobody wants to encounter a snake on the trail but they are out there. Just because you may not see them slithering across the trail, they be in the grass right off of the trail where your dog is smelling. They can also be behind rocks that you or your dog are stepping over. Snakes can be anywhere. They have been seen in neighborhoods, at the bay and everywhere on hiking trails and fire roads. They come out in late spring and will be out all summer long.
Rattlesnake bites are deadly and they are NOT to be taken lightly. They require IMMEDIATE veterinary care. The dog will need the Anti Venom and it is not cheap especially if you have a big dog. Most snake bites are on the dogs nose because that is what is near the ground. It may immediately start to swell so take your dogs collar off. Also, do not try to suck out the venom or put a tourniquet of any kind on your dog. If you can, pick your dog up and carry him/ her. The least amount of movement, the better which will prevent the venom from spreading through the blood stream. For more information about rattle snakes go HERE.
We hope that you never need this list, but we compiled a list of some Vets in San Diego that carry the Anti Venom. Not every vet carries it because it is expensive so if you are going hiking and/ or camping, you may want to check the vets in the area just to be on the safe side.
We certainly don’t want to scare you but we kind of do. We do not encourage hiking in the summer months. We live in San Diego where there are plenty of dog beaches and water activities to do with your dog. Hiking is fun and we love it but there is a time to hit the trails and summertime is not the safe time. Honestly, even when it is a cooler day, the foxtails, ants and snakes are still out so you have to be diligent with your pup!
We love and care for all of your dogs. We want everyone to have fun but safety is our #1 concern. Even in our classes and our events, we take the dogs safety first and don’t exercise them in the heat. We also have plenty of water for them to drink.
We hope that we have helped you in deciding what you and your pup do this summer. Feel free to hang with us. We are always doing something fun like kayaking, Stand Up Paddleboarding, yoga, and even running with our dogs on the beach! Check out our schedule. We hope to see you and your pup soon!
Love,
Dawn & Jack
