Travel with your Pet to Sun Valley, Idaho!

Pet Friendly Sun Valley!

Dangers to your Dog Hiking in Idaho, cont.

• Ticks. Deer nurture deer ticks that carry Lyme disease. After any trail outing it is mandatory to perform a thorough tick hunt on your dog. Even in the dead of winter.

• Boulders. Be careful for your dog's joints -  Make sure your dog takes it slow.

• Wildlife Contact. Porcupines.

Perhaps the most dangerous animal in the woods for your trail dog may porcupines. Porcupines are easy for a curious dog to catch and quills are more than simple needles - the ends are barbed. You will need a pair of pliers (that you are most likely not carrying in your pack) to properly remove the quills. Grasp as close to the flesh as possible and work the quill out steadily rather than jerking it. If you get the quills out, wash the wounds with warm, soapy water and apply a topical antibiotic. If a quill breaks off, it can lead to infection and will have to be removed surgically at the vet. Coyotes can be especially dangerous to dogs -- never let your dog run with coyotes even if they seem to be playing. Keep your dog from running in prairie dog colonies to prevent possible exposure to plague. Make sure to vaccinate your dog for rabies.

Robin