By Karyn DuLaney

One of the reasons the movie Arthur the King is so great is that so many adventure racers also love to have adventures with their pups. As the movie reminds us, an added element is the need to properly care for the dog and its safety when we bring our furry friends along.

I contacted Registered Veterinary Technician and ultra-marathoner, Caroline Stasiowski, RVT, with some questions about running with a dog. First and foremost, she recommends always asking your veterinarian if you have any questions regarding your dog's health or whether your four-legged friend can join you for any part of your training. Dr. Robert Hillman, DVM, MS, DACVS, and fellow adventure racer, also spoke with me about important things to know before heading out with your dog to keep it safe on your running, biking, and paddling adventures.

Understand your dog:

Stasiowski states, “Make sure you have a dog that is suited to tackle running or biking. A brachycephalic breed such as Shih Tzus, French Bulldogs, and Pugs, have difficulty breathing on a good day and are prone to overheating easily. These may not be your best choices if looking for a four-legged training partner.”  Breeds better suited for running include Vizslas, German Short-haired Pointers, and Labrador Retrievers. Stasiowski recommends these breeds because “they have a high-energy nature, and with proper training, the willingness to listen to your commands on the trail.”

Of course, you do not need a pure-bred dog to enjoy endurance sports, but consider your dog's energy level, temperament, and whether they enjoy running. Be sure to also consider your dog's age and health. Dr. Hillman reminds us that the activities you do with your dog will change as they age.

Proper training is important.

Tackling any endurance race takes time to train for. Gradual builds in training distance are important to keep your body healthy. Stasiowski recommends that this is also important for our canine companions who need time to adapt to the stresses of the activity. She recommends “beginning with walking and building up to running if that is something that your dog will enjoy.” 

Dr. Hillman says another reason it is important to gradually increase distances on various terrains is to build up the toughness of your dog's paw pads.

Stasiowski also reminds dog owners to consider behavior training because “spending time on the trail entails communication between handler and the dog. Building an excellent line of communication off the trail is important to improve your and your dog's experiences.” Know the park or trail system rules and regulations if leashes are required. If dogs are allowed to be off-leash, she reminds us, "You don’t want an unleashed dog to run off into the woods or run up to an unfriendly dog. No one likes a dog popping out of the woods and not knowing where its owners are or its temperament.” 

Dr. Hillman adds that it is important to understand your dog's preferred running pace. He informed me that while dogs can be trained to run at a consistent human pace, some dogs do better by being able to self-select and vary their pace. Being off-leash allows a dog to sprint ahead, stop to sniff, and return to the trail, which is more natural for it than steady running. It is important to understand what works best for your dog.

Weather conditions

Know the weather conditions and their suitability for your dog. Dogs dissipate heat through panting and their paw pads, whereas humans sweat through the skin. A long day on the trail may not be the best option when it is 90 degrees as it can lead to heat stroke. This is a serious, life-threatening condition, for which veterinary attention should be sought if signs such as rapid panting, drooling, loss of coordination, and collapse, are evident. Ensure your training partner has water available and don’t restrict the amount of freshwater your dog wants.

Some people carry a collapsible bowl (I love the Ruffwear Trail Running Bowl!), while others use their hands. Stasiowski states that you should “allow your dog to drink freely. If they seek water from puddles on the trail, listen to that instinct and provide fresh, potable water. Don't allow your dog to drink out of standing water sources as these can harbor bacteria such as Leptospirosis, and parasites such as Giardia.” 

Likewise, in winter, protecting your dog from the elements is important. Dr. Hillman states the importance of paw protection when running with your dog in the snow. While soft snow may not be a problem, granular snow can stick to a dog's paws creating problems for their pads. He recommends a paw balm such as Musher's Secret to prevent snowballs and treat hot spots, whereas dog booties can further protect the paws.

Additional items to pack for your dog

Dr. Hillman recommends packing the following when adventuring with your dog:

• A dog-specific first-aid kit

• Basic booties—He recommends packing 4-6 booties for winter or rocky conditions. He states that “granite or other abrasive rocks can cause lacerations on the paws that are similar to how a person gets a blister. These can be very tender.” He recommends buying a basic booty that must be replaced every 50-80 miles.

• A dog pack. Once again it is important to know what works for your dog. Dr. Hillman says that some dogs like to carry a pack and associate this with adventure, but other dogs do not enjoy wearing them. Dogs should carry no more than 25% of their weight, although this may vary based on your dog’s size and fitness level as well as the intensity of your route choice. Dogs can carry items such as their own food/treats/ water

Know when to see help

Stasiowski recommends routine care for your pup for “vaccines, flea and tick preventives, and testings as recommended for your area and veterinary team.” If you notice that your dog is limping or seems to have pain, she recommends providing “time to rest and recover, but if symptoms do not resolve in a day or two, to seek veterinary care.” 

Additionally, if you plan to bring your dog along while you paddle, here are some further considerations.

1. As with running, know if your dog breed is suitable for swimming. Dr. Hillman does not recommend swimming for brachycephalic breeds, which have short snouts and flat faces, making it hard for them to breathe. He also says it is important to understand your dog's limits. The use of a dog-specific PFD can be helpful if your dog becomes fatigued while swimming. An additional benefit of the PFD is the handle on it can be helpful for pulling your pup back into the boat.

2. Use common sense about your boat type. If planning on using an inflatable boat, such as a pack raft, Dr. Hillman recommends that you should consider your dog's size and nail length to make sure they do not puncture your vessel. Alpacka Rafts claims their boats “are as tough as nails” and that dogs do not need booties to use them, but always check with your boat manufacturer before bringing your dog along. If taking your dog on a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard you may need to consider getting a floor covering or non-slip surface to make your dog more comfortable. You can familiarize your dog with its place on your boat by practicing on dry land.

3. Practice makes perfect, for you and your pup! Long, steady strokes as you paddle can keep your watercraft steadier to improve your dog's comfort. When you first start taking your dog out, start with shorter trips and gradually progress the length. Be prepared for your dog to unexpectedly rock your boat as it moves around or even jumps into the water. Never keep your dog on a leash while paddling as if your boat overturns, this can create a safety hazard.

Finally, it is important to consider water conditions. Harmful algal or cyanobacterial blooms can be poisonous or even fatal for your dog. Websites such as How's My Waterway can help ensure the water where you plan to paddle is safe for you and your pup.

Hopefully these tips will keep you and your dog healthy for continued adventures!

We’d love to share a collection of our fellow adventuring pups, so send us your favorite photo with your pup to Social@USARA.com