[pct-l] Re: Hiking the trail with your dog

[Lonetrail at aol.com (Lonetrail@aol.com)]

Hi
> I just got back from AZ. A ridgeback breeder there just had this happen to 
> her dogs.

> She has seven dogs, and a few days ago was out hiking with
> them.  They got into a nest of rattlesnakes - 5 of the
> dogs got bit.  3 of them are doing OK, but 2 of them
> are still at the vet, and might not make it.  She had
> pictures - it looks awful, their heads are all swollen
> up. You can figure the cost of a snake bit at the Vets can be as much as 
> $5,000.00
> 
> So be careful - with the heat lately, the snakes will
> be coming out.  Dogs are curious about the rattle. I personally ran into a 
> nest of around seven adults and over 30 babies in the spring several years 
> ago. They try to find the sun in the center of the trail on cool mornings. They 
> may still be inactive because of the cold nights but can still bit. They are 
> not dead as some dogs may mistaken then to be.
> 

   I do a lot of dog hiking and backpacking your info is well accepted and 
well 
> documented. Will look into the food you listed. I hope you understand that 
> sometimes you may hit temperatures of 115 degrees with only the water you 
> carry. I believe a dog should not be on the trail without shade in temperatures 
> over 85 degrees. I had a dog go into a heat stroke. Ticks have been a problem 
> this past winter on almost ever trail in the S. CA Mountains.  When you get 
> into the volcanic areas it will play hell on the dogs paws. You will hit 
> parks were dogs are not allowed. I wish you luck in your endeavors with your dog. 
> If you need help in S.CA. give me a call. Email me of line if interested
> 
> lonetrail