[pct-l] dogs on trail

[macdonto at engr.orst.edu (Todd MacDonald)]

http://www.ruffwear.com/

When I tried to make the trip from olallie to cascade locks last week we
took our dog.  You are correct many parts of a trail would be rough on
dog's feet. However, you can purchase paw covers from
http://www.ruffwear.com/ that will reduce the overall wear on the dog's
paws.  We had yet to try ours out on a long distance trek. I was
pleased, with the lack or wear on the paw's pads, however the paw covers
will now have to be replaced.  Regardless, for 30$ it provide peace of
mind and protection.

Our dog maintains a raw diet. For the trip we use dehydrated raw food
that weighs about 4 pounds for 9 days.  We over added water to the food
to add extra fluid to the dog, we also ended carrying a bit more water
do to the great deal that was wasted in the bowl at our breaks.  You
will find that if you remove the grains from normal dog food and shift
them to raw they consume much less water.

I think the hardest thing on the dog was the bugs. We now have to take
her in for heart worm check.  It also ended up getting colder in the
night then I had anticipated so I got to let the dog try out my bag, and
I tried out one of those very 'interesting' e-blankets. 

In my opinion the problems with dogs on trails is the same as with
animals of burden or humans.  The same care must be taken to remove
waste from near water sources and off trails.  I can put up with the
tons of coyote crap I find on the trail, but not with the dogs that
leave their mark near camp sites or trails and the owners who do not
take the same care to clean it up.

The dog had a great trip.


Todd
Corvallis, OR



Message: 1
Date: Sat, 21 Jun 2003 14:16:43 EDT
From: JohnDRandall@aol.com
Subject: [pct-l] dogs on trail
To: pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net
Message-ID: <1ea.b77da60.2c25fb0b@aol.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

There are quite a few sections of the trail which have been created with

crushed rock, dynamited, etc.  The rocks are multi-edged and sharp.
Worse than 
that, though, are the hundreds of miles on sandy surfaces.  We're
protected by 
our footwear, but try walking in your bare feet along the trail.
Ground 
temperatures can hit 120 degrees +, not good for a dog's pads.   Unlike
humans, 
the only species who forgets to drink, dogs need a constant supply of
water.   
I'd be constantly worried about my dog if I had him with me on the trip.

john