Dogs out west and hazards to avoid...
We're contemplating a few weeks this year to visit some of the Utah parks. While National parks aren't very dog friendly, it looks like state parks are better (leashed on trails, etc.). Plus, of cou...
Forum Discussion
General rule: don't let your dogs start sniffing around rocks, logs, etc. until you've checked it out first and verified there's no dangerous critters.
Simple solution: DO NOT use a flexi-leash - keep the dogs on a solid 6ft leash. This will give you more control over the dog and prevent him/her/them from rushing at something you don't yet see.
Make noise, walk slow. Snakes, etc. will get out of your way if you give them the opportunity. If your dog sticks its nose under a log and a snake is hiding there, it will defend itself. If you're walking your dog on the leash (and the dog is right with you) and a snake is a few yards away, it will slither away before you and the dog reach it. Think how you'd handle the situation with a small child - you wouldn't let them wander 8-12 feet ahead of you, sticking its face into crevices, etc. Don't let your dog do that either.
In case of emergency, it wouldn't hurt to identify the closest all-night emergency vet in the area and have it programmed into your GPS and/or phone. You don't want to be searching for one AFTER the dog gets bit.
Simple solution: DO NOT use a flexi-leash - keep the dogs on a solid 6ft leash. This will give you more control over the dog and prevent him/her/them from rushing at something you don't yet see.
Make noise, walk slow. Snakes, etc. will get out of your way if you give them the opportunity. If your dog sticks its nose under a log and a snake is hiding there, it will defend itself. If you're walking your dog on the leash (and the dog is right with you) and a snake is a few yards away, it will slither away before you and the dog reach it. Think how you'd handle the situation with a small child - you wouldn't let them wander 8-12 feet ahead of you, sticking its face into crevices, etc. Don't let your dog do that either.
In case of emergency, it wouldn't hurt to identify the closest all-night emergency vet in the area and have it programmed into your GPS and/or phone. You don't want to be searching for one AFTER the dog gets bit.
