Hi again! We’re Parker Feierbach and Cherefawn Chang, Lennon’s owners. After another trip into the backcountry, Lennon has returned with more tips on how to keep your dog healthy and happy on the trail. In today’s post, Lennon asked that we tell you more about water awareness.
While you may think that your dog has a more resilient stomach and biology than you do, that’s only half-true. You should do all that you can to prevent your dog from drinking any water they encounter on trail, especially standing water. The key is: If you wouldn’t drink from it, neither should your dog. This prevents the chance that your dog will contract parasites and diseases such as giardia or leptospirosis. It’s always a safe bet to bring enough water on trail for both you and your pooch.
It is important to truly understand signs of dehydration in your dog. These include:
- Lethargy
- Sunken eyes
- Pale gums
- Concentrated urine
There are multiple ways you can test for dehydration, as well. Check your dog’s gums by pressing on them (capillary refill time). If the color takes more than two seconds to come back, your dog should drink more water. Another way is to gently pinch and elevate the skin between your dog’s shoulders then release it. If the skin takes over two seconds to return to normal then your dog needs more fluids. Not sure if your pup needs more water? It’s always best to play it safe.
Check out Mountainsmith’s dog products, recommended by Lennon and veterinarian-approved. Have any questions about hiking with your dog, or is there a topic you’d like to learn more about? Please leave a comment and let us know!
Follow @Lennon_official on Instagram for more photos from the trail.
I think it depends where you walk. In Norway, when I walk in the mountains (which I have been doing for over 30 years), I drink from streams all the time. I’ve never had any reaction or problem with it. My dogs have always drunk from streams and lakes and likewise never had problems. Perhaps it is a local problem where you are (USA?)