Preparing A Dog for Adventure
Heading out into the surrounding wilderness of Las Vegas Nevada is pure magic, especially with a dog. I enjoy every moment in the quiet desert landscape or the surrounding mountain ranges. My spirit is healed and my mind revitalized. Sparta, my Malinois, also enjoys the freedom the open space has to offer. The other high drive dogs we exercise during our hikes also enjoy the opportunities to seek and explore. However, venturing out into solitude is not without risk. Our dogs are especially vulnerable to the elements and the environment. That’s why I make sure the appropriate gear is on hand, or I should say, on paw.
The following gear and accessories are most important during my dog hiking adventures. These items keep the dogs in my care comfortable and help prevent injury.
Water: I carry up to 9 liters of water in my pack when out hiking with the dogs. This allows me to keep myself and them hydrated, even cooling them off in warmer weather.
Rex Specs: Protective gear for dogs eyes. They offer UV protection- great for shielding eyes from snow and water reflection and sunny days, as well as prevent eye injuries from low lying brush or debris.
Paw Protection: I have a few things I carry for keeping paws safe, helping to prevent abrasions, thorns, stickers, burs and other debris that can injure dog’s paws. I try to refrain from using booties as much as possible, but there is a time and place for them.
Tuff N Up Paw conditioner and protectant
Musher’s Secret Paw Balm
Rocky Mountain Paw Protection, Leather Dog Booties
Wag Wear Booties/Wellies
Small First Aid Kit: This has all the appropriate items stocked for both myself and the dog’s for when I’m on the trail. I have another larger first aid kit back at my vehicle for more serious needs.
Spare collar and leash: I will always carry an additional collar and leash to ensure if a dog’s normal collar and or leash breaks, I have a backup.
Emergency Carry Harness: I use the Fido Pro Airlift K9 Rescue Sling. Worst case scenarios can and do occur. The Airlift sling reduces chance of further injury by preventing dogs from moving and or panicking if they become injured and allow for the handler to pack them out to safety.
Muzzle: I keep a basket muzzle on hand for emergencies. Injured dogs become distressed, reacting in ways not normal to their typical disposition. When a dog panics, this can put the handler at risk, which can make an emergency situation escalate to a dangerous scenario. Muzzles prevent dogs from injuring a handler in emergencies and allow the handler to provide necessary and life saving protocols without worry.
I carry other miscellaneous items pertinent to caring for dogs when out hiking in the Las Vegas Valley, but these are the essentials for preventing minor injury and ensuring preparedness when incidents occur.