Summer can bring new challenges when exercising your pet, so be careful out there!
Rattlesnakes
Nope. Nope. Nope.
Some areas in the North Bay are better than others when it comes to these slithery snappers. Luckily, rattlers are pretty docile unless they are stepped on, so watch where you’re walking, particularly on hot, dry days.
Rattlesnakes avoid open areas where they cannot hide from predators, and will usually move away from humans. So move slowly and deliberately and you should be ok. The baby snakes are actually more dangerous than their parents, so be especially cautious if you see small snakes.
Young men are the recipients of 72% of all rattlesnake bites, and these victims are frequently reported to be intoxicated, so as long as you are less stupid than a drunken macho teenager, you will likely have the common sense to avoid this predator.
If you or your pet are bit, do not apply a tourniquet or attempt to suck out the poison. Your only concern should be getting treatment as soon as possible. Of the 7-8000 snakebite victims reported in the US each year, about 5 become fatalities. Venom kills within 6 to 48 hours after a bite,
Foxtails
Foxtails are probably the most common cause of vet bills in the $4-5000 range. Because of the arrowhead shape of a grass seed, foxtails have been known to burrow up to 12 inches underneath a dogs’ skin, resulting in severe pain, infection, and, if left untreated, death.
If your dog is excessively scratching, sneezing, or shaking their head, they may have a grass seed embedded in the skin.
Foxtails are near unavoidable in Northern California in the summer. The best prevention form of prevention is to regularly groom your dog using a fine tooth comb. I like double sided combs that can de-mat with more broadly spaced bristles before a second combing with the fine side, like the Li’l Pals double sided brush. I also like the shape of the handle, as brushing some dogs can take a while and actually be pretty tiring for the wrist. And remember when brushing that the ears are the most likely point of entry for foxtails, so look them over thoroughly.
If your dog is particularly prone to foxtails, you may want to invest in booties or a mask. Booties range from cheap rubber “balloons” which are meant to be regularly replaced, to rugged hiking boots. Since we’re talking about California in the summer, you may want to find a breathable boot, as dogs do perspire through their paws.
The Sun
Heat is a major factor this time of year, but with a little planning you and your pup can still enjoy the great outdoors.
- If your pup likes the water, try to plan your walks to the beach or a lake.
- Shady areas are preferable to open ones. If you’re hiking in the open, try to find shady spots to take breaks.
- Carry water and a collapsible dog bowl. Frequent hydration goes a long way when you’re under the blazing sun.
- Touch the ground. If it’s too hot for your palm, it’s too hot for your pup. Choose grass over pavement, and always test the ground with your palm. Dogs can wear shoes, too, which will do double duty for foxtail prevention.
- Musher’s Secret is a wonderful pad-protection product. If your dogs’ feet are cracked or peeling, they would probably appreciate a little spa treatment.
Most importantly, keep your eyes open. Regularly inspect your dog for signs that they are overheated, or that their paws may be in pain.
Ticks
If you’re hiking in the hills over Benicia and Vallejo, you will 100% definitely without fail come home with a tick or two. I’ve heard of unprotected dogs returning home with as many as fifty or more hitchhikers.
By now I’m sure you know that ticks are carriers of disease, and also that they are very very icky. Not to mention the phantom tick syndrome, which can have you slapping and examining every little tickle on your skin for weeks after having seen one of the little buggers.
To prevent ticks, I follow 3 rules
1. Never Hike with an Unmedicated Dog
It’s that simple, just don’t do it. What’s the best tick prevention solution for dogs? The answer is more complicated than you think. Not only do ticks in different regions respond differently to each medication, but the effectiveness of tick prevention methods decreases over time, so even if you find something that works, you may need to switch it up every few years.
My personal favorite medications are Seresto collars and K9 Advantix II. Both are highly effective as well as waterproof. However, always be sure to ask your vet what they think before purchasing a prevention method based on an internet stranger’s recommendation. Also, my hyperlinks go to Amazon, which may not be the freshest source for medication. You may want to support Chewy.com or your local pet store, just be sure to check the dates on the package.
2. It’s not just the dog
I use Deep Woods Off. I apply it to my skin, my jeans (I hike in pants, even in the summer, both due to pests and personal aversion to seeing my chicken legs,) and my hiking boots. I use it liberally and often. It is the most effective method I have found.
3. Brush the dog before getting back in the car
I chose this brush, again due to the comfortable handle. It’s also not a bad idea to use a flea wash. If you find a tick embedded in the skin, there is a spray for that. Of course, the best method may be to pluck them off and flush them.
Don’t be afraid!
Prevention is just a way to ensure your safety. Let it empower you to get out with your pup, rather than overrun you with anxiety. The more knowledge you have, the easier you should be breathing about taking your best friend on an adventure in one of the most beautiful places in the world.
We’ll see you out there!