Trail Safety Q&A: Dog Injury Prevention and Treatment

The Fall is the perfect time to get out and explore the local trails: the leaves are changing, the temperatures are cooler, and traffic on the trails is reduced.

But before heading out, remember that no matter what the time of year, injuries and hazards are lurking.

Because dogs lack common sense about these sorts of hazards (they are more curious about the rattling snake than they are scared of it!) it's important to know the most common types of trail injuries and how to treat and prevent them. 

Here are five common questions about dog injury prevention and treatment on the trail.


Can dogs overexert themselves? 

Yes!  Just like humans, dogs can certainly overexert themselves. This is especially true when the weather is hot, but overexertion can happen even when it's snowing outside! Because dogs don't sweat, they rely on their ability to "pant" as a way to cool down their systems. Evaporation from their panting mouths acts as a air condition for dogs, so it is incredible important to keep them hydrated and tend to the first signs of overexertion. 

How do I know if my dog is tired?

There are signs for overexertion and/or heat stroke:

1. Extreme panting
2. Body temperature over 104
3. Dark or bright red gums and tongue
4. Clumsy stupor
5. Diarrhea or vomiting
6. Seizures
7. Change in behavior

What are some basic injury prevention techniques?

1. Keep them on the trail. Just like humans, dogs can encounter potential hazards off-trail such as wildlife, rattlesnakes, burs, and uneven terrain.

2. Know their limits. Also like humans, dogs need to progressively work on endurance before tackling a major hike. Slowly work your dog's fitness and endurance up before pushing them on an extended adventure.

3. Be prepared. It's always a good idea to bring a few emergency items with you just in case such as water, a collapsible dog bowl, a leash, bandages, and an emergency guide.


What are the most common types of dog injuries?

There are a variety of injuries fairly common to dogs while hiking, backpacking, and trail running. Some of those injuries are due to the physical demand on the dog: ligament strains or tears, bruising, or exhaustion. Other common (and mostly preventable) injuries include lacerations, abrasions, worn paws, paw injuries, and torn nails.  The final type of trail injuries are those produced by outside hazards: snake bites, ticks, mosquitoes, and other wildlife encounters. Having your dog on voice command can help keep them on the trail and out of harm's way.

What do I do if my dog is injured on the trail?

Since there are so many different types of injuries and treatments, we recommend bringing along a pocket emergency guide for pets when on an outing with your pet. Other options include useful pet first aid apps for your phone like this one from the American Red Cross. 

Remember, part of your adventure is preparedness to keep you and your dog out of harm's way. By understanding the basics of injury prevention and first aid, you can ensure a much more worry-free adventure!

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• Trail Tips and Winter Trail Etiquette for Dog Owners
• Dog Dehydration and Heat Stroke During the Dog Days of Summer
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Dog Dehydration and Heat Stroke During the Dog Days of Summer

Do you know the term "Dog Days of Summer" dates back to the Romans, who blamed the "Dog Star" Sirius on the hot Northern Hemisphere days? 

Currently in the middle of the hot, sultry dog days of summer, it's a good time to remember that dogs are just as susceptible to the heat as humans, and they need to be protected from heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration.

Heat stroke in dogs can be the byproduct of many preventable circumstances:

• Leaving dog in a hot space (like a car or garage when the temperature is above 72°F)
• Overexertion
• Humidity
• Lack of shade

If you feel a dog has become overheated or exausted, check for the following symptoms of dog heat stroke:

• Excessive panting or difficulty breathing
• Bright red, blue or gray gums
• Rapid, increased heart rate
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Anxiety
• Body temperature over 104°F
• Confusion and/or disorientation
• Seizures

 If the dog exibits signs of heat stroke, do the following immediately:

1. Move the dog to a cool, shaded, or indoor area
2. Submerge the dog in cold water or wet down with a hose (stop the cooling process once the dog's temperature reaches 104°F)
3. Encourage the dog to drink water
4. Call your veterinarian for advice and further treatment

The best thing you can do to prevent heat exaustion and heat stroke during the dog days of summer is to prevent overheating and dehydration in the first place.  Consider exercise in the morning or evenings when the temperature is cooler, provide plenty of accessible fresh water, provide a shady place for your dog outside or keep them inside during the hottest times of the day, and exercise in shady, water-friendly areas where the dog can jump in the water to cool off as necessary. 

In addition, always provide fresh water for your four-legger when outside to prevent them from drinking from waterways that could potentially be contaminated with Giardia or other diseases and bacteria.  The easiest way to do this is to pack along the small collapsible water bowl and share from your own water source.

The summer was meant to be enjoyed with your dog...it's even suggested in the alignment of the stars! So don't let the heat prevent you from a little puppy-human bonding time.  Just be smart about when and where you take your dog adventuring!

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Rad Dog Review on Summer Must Have Products Segment

We are so excited that TWO, yes, TWO Rad Dog products were featured on the Ozarks Local Live at 4 News in their segment "Florida/Summer Must Have Products."

We were excited to hear some of the positive things they had to say about the Rad Dog Release 'N Run dog leash/collar combination, and the Pocket Bowl foldable dog bowl, such as:

"You are ready to go on a walk wherever you go."

"When the dog wants to do something by itself, you can let go of the leash."  

"You know what's cool about that too? Jet does not like a leash. So, if this was already on her, we don't have to chase her down to put a leash on." 

It's so great to see that consumers and reviewers understand just why we invented these dog products!  

To view the segment, just click below and go to the minute of the segment. 

View it here

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Training Your Dog for the Trail: How to mountain bike with your dog

What dogs were meant to do: bound through giant snow drifts, chase squirrels off-trail, and jump into mud with the enthusiasm of kindergartener at recess.

What dogs are generally not so good at: staying on-trail, staying on-course, and minding their own furry business. 

As much as we would love for our dogs to meander freely down congesting trails and paths, we all know that when a dog is off-leash, there's a good probability of rodent-hunting, tail-sniffing, and puddle diving.  So, we opt to keep them on-leash instead. 

If the requirement for your dog to be on-leash has you limiting your trail activities, don't fret!  With the right dog gear for the trail and a little practice, you can enjoy the trail with your dog any way you like it: on foot, on bike, on skis, and on snowshoes.

To help you along your adventure, consider these Rad Dog tips for taking your dog on the most difficult of canine trail adventures: mountain biking.

Tips for Training Your Trail Dog to Mountain Bike With You:

1. Train your pup early.  The saying, "can't teach an old dog new tricks" maybe incorrect, but there's some truth to the fact that dogs are easier to train initially than to retrain when they are older.  So, if you can, start leash training your dog at a young age. 

2. Leash train using baby puppy steps. Leash training should start out slow and short while your puppy's bones are developing. Even with older dogs, there is a "break-in" period where your dog needs to get in shape before a long trail adventure. Start by walking, then move to a light jog, working your way up to a full run.

3. Switch to a short leash and bike. When your pup is ready, find a quiet place free of congestion to train your dog to run with your bike.  Using a short leash, run your dog alongside the gutter-side of your bike, about a foot away from your handlebars as you pedal along. Tug the leash anytime your dog drifts away from the bike, paying close attention as you approach other people, dogs, cars, and other distractions.

4. Get verbal.  As you train your canine to run alongside your bike, be sure to give them verbal cues as well as physical cues from pulling on the leash.  Words like "Haw!" "Go!" "Right!" "Easy!" and "Whoa!" all help communicate to your dog the correct response. This also helps form a pattern of behavior and command that is useful both on, and off-leash.

5. Test drive on a wide, empty trail. After you have established a consistent pattern of behavior where the dog is able to accompany you alongside the bike in a predictable manner, you can give a wide trail a go.  Select a low-traffic, easy, and wide trail where the dog can run alongside you with few distractions.  After a lot of practice and consistency, your dog may be ready to run with you off-leash. A dog collar-and-leash-in-one, such as the Rad Dog Release 'N Run can offer you the flexibility of leash when you need it, without the added hassle.  When a leash is required, simply pull the handle on the collar of the dog, freeing the leash for use.  More utility, less gear!

6. Time to go singletrack. As you and your dog get more familiar with trail riding together, you will eventually want to teach them to run behind you so you can ride singletrack. This is done easier if your dog is on voice command because you can yell "heel" as the dog heads towards your back tire.  One of our sources suggests this approach to training your dog to run singletrack (though we have not personally tried this): "Attach a five-foot pole to the leash. Start with the dog alongside you. Say "Heel!" and move the pole back to position the dog behind your rear tire."

There are a variety of great resources out there from avid mountain bikers who take to the trail with their dog regularly.  For more information, check out this article by Utah Mountain Biking, "Training Your Trail Dog."

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How To Clean Your Dirty, Mud-Soaked Dog

What we love about dogs: their mud-slinging, trail ditching, wreckless abandon.  What we dislike about dogs: their mud-slinging, trail ditching, wreckless abandon.

Whether you live in the wet valley of the Pacific Northwest (like we do), the high altitudes of the Rockies, or the cloudy bays near the ocean, there is one thing that every dog owner is plagued by in the spring: mud.  It just comes with the trail territory.  And the more fun your dog has, the muddier they get!

Just because your dog gets muddy, doesn't mean they should be confined to the yard during mud season, it just means a little more effort on your part to keep them clean.

For those of us who consider a dip in the lake or a run through a sprinkler "bath time," we thought we would post the appropriate way to clean your dirty, muddy dog.

How to Clean a Dirty Dog

1. Prepare a workspace.  Depending on the size of your dog (and bathroom), you may decide the best place to clean your dog is outdoors.  If this is the case, prepare the area with a source of water (like a hose), a bath area (such as a shallow, plastic pool), a bucket of warm water, and the necessary tools: towels, soap, and brushes.

If you determine that indoors is best for dog washing, prepare your area with the essential tools, and fill the bath or sink with enough water to reach your dog's bend in their hind legs.

If your dog dislikes water, you may need the help of another set of hands, and leash to help hold your dog in place.

2.  Brush the dog's coat thoroughly.  This will help remove excess hair and dander.  This is also a good time to check your dog for fleas and ticks. If the dog is still wet or muddy, you may have to forgo this step.

3. Have the dog enter the bath or pool.  Have the dog enter (or jump wildly!) into the prepared bath or pool.  The water should be lukewarm if possible to help regulate body temperature and stress level. Rinse the dog throughly using buckets, the hose, or a hand-held shower head, whichever disrupts your dog the least.  Work the water into the fur of the dog's coat while you rinse.  Depending on how dirty your dog is, you may have to drain and refill the bath or pool at this time.

4. Shampoo and condition the coat.  Pick a shampoo based on your dog's needs.  Some dogs are more sensitive to product than others, and are more prone to irritation (click here for a recipe on making your own homemade dog shampoo).  Start at the neck, creating an invisible necklace of shampoo around the neck, and work your way down the dog's back, massaging the shampoo into the dogs coat and undercoat.  Work your way down the legs and hindquarters, under the belly, down the tail, and up towards the head, be sure to get into the creases, rolls, and folds of the skin.  This is especially important around the neck area.

5. Wash the face and head.  Using a cloth and warm water, work the shampoo into the neck and head of the dog, using circular motions.  You can carefully wash around the ears and snout, but be careful not to get the shampoo into the dog's eyes, ears, nose, or mouth. Many dogs have ears that are prone to infection, so it's very important to avoid getting water into the ear canal.

6. Rinse well.  The best way to avoid skin irritation is to rinse your dog extremely well. Using a bucket, hose, or shower head, rinse and massage simultaneously until the water runs clear and free of soap.

7. Air Dry. If you are one of the lucky ones, you can train your dog to shake themselves dry before they exit the bath.  But most dogs will wait to do this until they are within inches of you and your furniture.  So, starting with their back, massage them with a towel, working your way down their back, belly, and legs. Give their paws a good rub (especially between the toes) to get any dirt you may have missed, as well as give them a clean paw to run through the house with. Also pay good attention to the ears, which should be dried thoroughly to prevent infection.

Some like to blowdry their dog, but most Rad Dogs are the "air dry" type.  A good brushing and a couple hours in the atmosphere ought to be all you need to style your dog.

As much as you would probably like to avoid the smell of wet dog from permeating your home, if you let a wet dog outside, they will most likely find the dirtiest patch of yard to roll their freshly-cleaned self in. So, consider putting them in the garage or letting them roam around the house until they are dry.

And that's how you clean a dirty dog, Rad Dog style!

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Trail Tips and Winter Trail Etiquette for Dog Owners

One of the best benefits to winter activities with your dog is that most places have looser leash laws during the winter season, which means more unrestrained running, jumping, and snow dancing for your dog.

 If you are new taking your canine on these cold-weather adventures, there are few trail courtesies you should know about.  Whether you are snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or just enjoying a cold-weather hike, keep in mind that the same courtesies exist on trails and outdoor spaces during the winter months, even if they are covered up with snow.

Winter Trail Etiquette and Tips for Dog Owners:

1. Leash Laws Don't Trump the Golden Rule. If even local leash laws do not require the use of a leash, if you have an excitable, boisterous, or space-invading dog, keep them on-leash when other trail-goers and dogs are present. A good rule of thumb is to leash up any dog not trained on voice command, no matter what time of year, or how empty the trails.  For dogs on voice command that like to wander off-leash on busy trails, consider a collar and leash in one, such as the Rad Dog Release N Run, which allows your dog to be "on leash" at a moment's notice, without forcing you to hold the leash when they are frolicking about.

2. "Leave No Trace" Goes Double for Dog Poop.  Have you ever seen a dog-friendly trail after the first snow melt?  It's not pretty! As tempting as it may be to kick the poo to the side of the trail or ignore the incident (rather than gallivanting through the snow in search of the stinky pile), leaving dog poop behind is just not cool. And Rad Dogs must be cool. So don't forget the dog poo bags...it's your doggy doodie duty!

3. Don't Leave Your Dog Behind. Dogs were meant to enjoy the trail with us, so don't leave them behind in the car.  They could be disruptive to others at the trail head or get too cold/hot in the car, so if you don't want them to come along for the hike, snowshoe, or ski, don't bring them at all.

4. Bring Lots of Water.  Even in the cold weather, dogs can become dehydrated, so make sure to bring plenty of water and keep your dog hydrated.  We recommend "traveling light" with the Rad Dog Pocket Dog Bowl.

5. Think Like a Dog. There are so many distractions on the trail--other dogs, small children, pedestrians, horses, and wildlife--it is important that you keep your dog in control at all times.  Even the best behaved dogs can act out of character if they encounter something new. Don't neglect bringing a leash just because the trail does not require one, and keep in mind that most trails require leashes be no longer than 6 feet long.

6. Know Your Dog's Limits. Just like humans, dogs need to build up stamina and endurance. Be sure you are aware of your dog's physical abilities before attempting a new trail. Check to make sure their paws, pads, and nails are in good shape before heading outdoors.

7. Be aware of How Your Dog's Presence Affects Others.  Did you know that a long leash can "close-line" a mountain biker? Or that a dog can spook a horse, causing injury to its rider?  As a responsible dog owner, it is important to understand the consequences of your decisions when handling your dog.  Stay alert, maintain control, and keep your dog on the trail and within your eye line at all times.