How to Safely Adventure with Your Pup
Healthy Dogs | May 1, 2023
Dogs can be amazing companions during any outdoor adventure. In the PNW, there are so many opportunities for adventuring—from hiking to paddle boarding to mountain biking, and so much more. In visiting the wild places throughout the PNW, it’s always a good idea to be prepared. So, cue the 10 Essentials!
If you’re familiar with outdoor recreation, you may have heard of the 10 Essentials for humans, but this list is equally as important for your dog. We recommend keeping these essentials close no matter what adventure you and your pup are on. Being prepared for any situation is part of being a pet parent and these essentials can be utilized during any adventure.
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Harness
While some pet owners and trainers may prefer to walk their pets on a collar alone, we recommend a harness over a collar for walking. This recommendation has a few benefits. For many dogs, walking on a harness can mean less strain over time on their neck and esophagus over time. Harnesses can also offer more versatility and control while training. When taking dogs off of city sidewalks and into more rough terrain, a harness provides the added benefit of being harder to slip out of in any uncomfortable situations and helps you assist your pet with tricky-to-travel areas.
Collars
We recommend that every pet spending time outdoors in any fashion should wear a collar with current tags and microchip information. If they were to ever become lost, especially in an unfamiliar area, this can help to ensure they are returned home safely. For dogs spending a lot of time in the dirt, exposed to the elements, or taking lake dips, a water- and stick-proof collar can be the ideal candidate.
Leads
The 4 to 6’ leash that folks are using every day can be a great starting point. Bringing along a climbing-worthy carabiner to attach the leash to pack straps can be one way to add some hands-free flexibility. However, there are many leashes that are specifically designed to be converted to waist-worn, so you can stay hands-free while hiking. The adjustable loop on these leads can also act as a handy tie-out when hiking, camping, traveling, or just heading to your favorite local spot.
One of the most prominent elements of “Leave No Trace Ethics” is packing out whatever is packed in. And this is especially true for cleaning up after your pet and packing out their waste. We recommend always coming prepared with your preferred bags to pick up your dog’s poop and finding the method that works best for you to carry the waste with you. Having a used waste bag holder can make it super easy to carry your dog’s waste back down the trail, and help avoid that awkward moment of getting back to your vehicle only to remember that you left that poop bag on the side of the trail 2 miles back.
A great starting point if you don’t already have one, is to buy a first aid kit specifically for pets. This will often cover you with all the essentials you need should the unexpected happen on your next adventure.
You can add a few key items to your own first aid kit for your pet. It should include at a minimum: vet wrap, gauze, your pet’s necessary medications, hydrogen peroxide, a syringe, gloves, hand sanitizer, tick key, and diphenhydramine (Benadryl). A mesh muzzle is also handy, but a cloth bandage or bandana can also be used to fashion an emergency muzzle if needed and may already be a part of your personal first aid kit.
Nutrition
Whether it’s a long hike or a quick swim off the paddle board, it’s important to provide snacks or food to replace the extra calories your dog’s burned. Bringing plenty of clean water for your pet is also important, so you don’t have to look for a fountain wherever your wandering takes you.
Hydration
For water, it’s best to bring roughly 1 liter for every 20 pounds of body weight for your pet. You may also want to plan for an extra liter for yourself and each one of your pets, especially on those warm days.
Treat Pouch
Make those snack breaks a little bit smoother with a handy treat pouch to store your high-calorie foods and treats. There are also many opportunities to incorporate training and positive social interactions on busy trails, so having rewards handy is always helpful!
Never underestimate the need for and ease of a good travel food and water bowl. Some pets can be surprisingly picky about what they will eat or drink from, especially when flooded with the novelty of new environments. Keeping their favorite style of travel bowl with you whenever you leave the house you can help to ensure there are no barriers to staying well-fed and hydrated.
#6: Flea, Tick & Insect RepellentAt home, we may only worry about encountering fleas here and there throughout the year, but when venturing out to more rugged areas, we begin to add to the list of worrisome pests. Ticks are, unfortunately, becoming more prevalent in the Pacific Northwest and mosquitoes don’t just love people, but our pets, too! To help avoid exposure, it’s best to ensure your pet is up to date on their flea and tick preventative and/or reapply your favorite natural flea and tick repellent frequently, especially after your pet takes a refreshing dip in an alpine lake!
Paw injuries can be some of the most uncomfortable minor injuries our pets experience and the most challenging to help heal. They can happen anywhere, but the changes increase exponentially when walking across rougher terrain than their paw pads are accustomed to. Even just walking through muddy terrain for extended periods can lead to abrasions on paw pads. A sturdy pair of boots or a specific paw wax can help alleviate paw injuries.
The weather can change in the PNW in the blink of an eye and the higher you go in elevation, the quicker this happens and the more extreme the ensuing change can turn out to be. It is important to bring layers for your pet that will help them stay comfortable and dry, should you get caught in an unexpected shift in weather. Layers are also helpful to account for changing seasons; less in the summer, more in the shoulder season, and even more in the winter. Think light and packable when and where possible!
Pets with short coats are especially prone to getting sunburnt and any pet can suffer from heat-exposure illnesses just as easily as we can. It’s very important that we bring along precautions to protect them. If you’re feeling overheated or uncomfortable in the sun, chances are your pet is really feeling it with their fur coat and inability to sweat. On warm days, plan your outings and breaks in shady areas or near lakes where your pet can take a dip and cool off.
#10: Backpack or Other CarrierAnd who will carry all those essentials?
Depending on your dog’s size, they can carry most or all of these in their own backpack. Just be sure not to fill with any weight greater than 25% of your dog’s ideal body weight.
Most owners will likely choose to carry their dogs’ essentials along with their own and, depending on the age, health, and stamina of your pet, you may need to carry them as well! So having an easy-to-use and comfortable option to carry your pet is nice, too!
Updated 4/2025
Furvor bone broth is made with 100% human-grade ingredients and is up to 30 times more concentrated than regular broths. It provides protein, collagen, amino acids, and important nutrients to help your dog’s gut, joints, skin, coat, and overall health.
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The 20 oz bottle provides more than 20 servings, making it an easy way to add beneficial nutrition to your dog’s daily routine at home.
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If you’re out and about, Furvor’s single-serve pouches will help keep your dog hydrated, with a pep in their step wherever you go. They’re great for summer, hikes, walks, or days by the water.
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Just tear open, squeeze, and serve. You can mix it with water, pour it over kibble, or give it on its own. You can buy them one at a time or in a pack of six.
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Shop Furvor Bone Broth in-store or online today! 🛍️ 🐾
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Capstar Oral Flea & Tick Treatment
🐾When fleas show up, it helps to act quickly. Capstar is an easy-to-use oral treatment that starts working in about 30 minutes and can kill most fleas within the first few hours. It’s a simple way to bring fast relief and can be used alongside your dog’s regular flea and tick routine.
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Vetality Flea & Tick Monthly Topical Treatment
🐾 For ongoing protection, Vetality Avantect offers vet-quality coverage at a great value.
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These broad-spectrum topicals kill and repel fleas, flea eggs, ticks, and mosquitoes, while also targeting all stages of the flea life cycle. It also helps repel biting flies and kill lice. Available in four weight ranges and a four-month supply for continued protection.
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🛍️ Shop in-store or online today.
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We have all the treats, toys, and zoomie-inducing catnip options for your cat, both in-store and online at Mud Bay.
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So whether you have a cat who likes to bite, rabbit-kick, or lie back and relax with a nice treat and some catnip, we have what your feline friend needs to keep them happy, healthy, and engaged.🐈
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Oven-fresh meals straight to your dog’s bowl.
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Nulo Culinary Harvest is a high-protein, oven-baked dog food, basted in bone broth to support your dog’s digestion and joint health.
Nulo only uses high-quality proteins like turkey, herring, chicken, pork, lamb, and beef, then bakes each formula slowly at low temperatures to retain nutrients and make meals easier to digest.
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Choose from Adult recipes such as Chicken & Whitefish, Turkey & Herring, or Pork & Lamb, available in 4-lb or 25-lb bags. For small breeds, Beef & Lamb comes in 4-lb and 10-lb bags.
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Shop Nulo Culinary Harvest Oven-Baked Dog Food in stores or order online today!
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Did you know that Mud Bay now has sushi 🍣 for cats?
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Thanks to our friends at Fabcat, your cat can now enjoy a 5-piece sushi combo platter at Mud Bay. Each piece is not only fun to play with, but also filled with North American-grown catnip that will get your cat excited to bite, swat, and zoom around.
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Check out the Fabcat Sushi Combo Platter and treat your cat to something special. Available in-store or online.
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Looking for a simple way to slow things down at mealtime or keep your dog busy?🤔
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The Walkabout from Woof is a multi-purpose enrichment toy that can hold up to 2 cups of food or treats. Just twist it open, fill it up, and rotate the inner dial to adjust how quickly food is released.
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It’s designed for quieter play, gentle on teeth, and safe for your floors—no marks, no noise, just steady engagement.
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A great option for busy days, working from home, or dogs that need a little extra enrichment. 🛒 🛍️ Shop the Walkabout in-store or online at Mud Bay.
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You heard us, now we want to hear from you! 📣 👂
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We want to know your dog’s favorite woof Pupsicle recipe. Let us know what your pup loves most in their Pupsicle. We’d love to share your recipes with our followers, too.
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Send us a DM, leave a comment, share photos, or tag us in your favorite woof recipe. We might even make your recipe in-store and give you a shout-out! We can’t wait to hear from you.
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Stay tuned, because we’ll be sharing some of your recipes 🧑🍳 in the coming weeks!
#mudbay #woof #letusknow #healthypets #pupsicle
Nulo Culinary Harvest coming soon at Mud Bay!
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This new option from Nulo is an oven-baked, high-protein dog food basted in bone broth. And because it’s oven-baked, that means it’s cooked at a lower temperature, so your dog can absorb more nutrients and get the most out of each meal. The bone broth also adds extra flavor, perfect for dogs who appreciate something extra at mealtime that also has functional benefits to their overall health.
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Nulo Culinary Harvest for Adult and Small Breed dogs, will soon be available both in-store and online at Mud Bay.
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🐝 🌷 🌈 Spring is here, and that means fleas and ticks are back. To help protect your cat, we’re excited to offer new TropiClean 🌴 options designed to make care simple and effective.
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TropiClean Laundry Additive helps tackle fleas, ticks, eggs, and larvae right in your wash. Just add half a cup with your regular detergent, let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes, and use it on bedding, towels, blankets, rugs, and toys. Plus, it’s safe for use with your dog!
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TropiClean Gentle No-Rinse Cat Shampoo offers an easy way to clean and protect without the hassle. It helps eliminate fleas, ticks, and mites, protects against mosquitoes, and is safe for pets and kids.
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TropiClean Gentle Mist for Cats is a quick, on-the-go option for added protection. Just spray and go for an easy way to help protect against fleas, ticks, mites, and mosquitoes.
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You can shop TropiClean products for your cat in-store and online at Mud Bay.
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Furvor bone 🦴 broth for dogs is made with 100% human-grade ingredients and is highly concentrated, so every squeeze adds real nutrition to your dog’s routine.
🐕 It’s packed with protein, amino acids, and nutrients that can support gut health, mobility, skin and coat, and overall wellness.
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It’s also an easy way to boost hydration and bring a little excitement back to the bowl—especially for picky eaters. Just mix it with water, pour it over kibble, or serve it on its own.
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Shop Furvor 🛒 🛍️ 🐕 Bone Broth in-store or online at Mud Bay!
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Weruva WX Phos Focused Freeze-Dried Chicken and Tilapia is a low-phosphorus, high-protein supplement made from 93% boneless, skinless chicken breast, tilapia, and egg white. It has no grains, fillers, bones, or organs.
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Due to its naturally low phosphorus content, this food is suitable for cats requiring phosphorus management, particularly those with kidney conditions. Additionally, it’s highly digestible protein helps maintain lean muscle mass.
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You can serve it dry or add water to soften the texture. Adding water can help your cat digest it more easily and boost their daily water intake. This recipe is meant as a supplement and works well as a topper or treat alongside a complete, balanced diet.
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If you want help figuring out if this is right for your cat, visit your local Mud Bay and speak with a Muddy, or shop with us online today.
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If your pup brings the energy indoors, meet their new favorite toy. The ultra plush Fluff & Tuff Soccer Ball is designed for fetch, toss, and all-out play.
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With a strong inner mesh liner and concealed double stitching, it delivers the durability Fluff & Tuff is known for in a soft, soccer-inspired design.
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Kick off the fun and shop the Fluff & Tuff Soccer Ball in-store or online at Mud Bay.
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