Adventuring with Your Pet in “Shoulder Season”

Enjoy the Outdoors During the Unpredictable Weather

Healthy Dogs |  August 26, 2024

Summers in the Pacific Northwest can be some of the most beautiful and lush around, but they often don’t last long, especially in the mountains. In order to extend the amount of time you can spend adventuring. it is often necessary to venture out in what we call “Shoulder Season.” which is typically in the early spring and late fall. Shoulder season is when the snow levels and weather in the mountains can be a bit more challenging, and thus presents different considerations than our more fair-weather ventures, especially when bringing along our furry adventure pals!

Here are some things to consider when planning your adventures during this time:

  • Choose Your Adventure Wisely – Striking the right balance between you and your pets’ skill level, the terrain you wish to experience, and how weather and other conditions will impact you is an art form. You might be long-distance peak baggers in the summer, but choose shorter river rambles in the off months to account for shorter days, mud, rain, and snow. Determining your own comfort levels and researching ahead of time helps to ensure you’ll be able to enjoy the scenery without worry.

Author on hiking trip

Packing the 10 Essentials for you and your pet is especially important during shoulder season. Over time, you’ll also want to customize this list with a few extra essentials that are unique to each place you visit.

  • Weather – Nothing is worse for you or your pet than to get caught in an unexpected rainstorm and the weather during these times of years can change rapidly. Be sure to check for rain, snow, wind speeds, and any warnings for wherever your adventure is planned. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Weather Service and maps make it easy to get a better idea of what weather will truly look like out in less populated areas.
      • Pack extra layers for you and your dog, including insulating layers and rain gear.
      • Muddy or snowy terrain can present issues for bare paw pads, so boots or paw wax can be a critical addition to you or your pup’s pack.
      • Pack a towel and warm and dry layers for the drive home.
  • Daylight – Ensure you plan your day accordingly and check when sunrise and sunset will occur, so you know how many daylight hours you have. Keep in mind that sunrise and sunset times might differ where you’re hiking. Establishing a turnaround time based on daylight remaining during this time of year can really help ensure that you’re able to get back to the car prior to dusk.

Shoulder Season Tip: Don’t forget your flashlight, headlamp, dog lights, and extra batteries just in case you end up being out longer than expected.

  • Trail Conditions – This time of year is also usually when you’ll experience more obstacles on trails and roads leading out to your favorite spots. Check your favorite resource to read recent trip reports to learn about downed trees, washouts, snow obstacles. and other hazardous conditions prior to leaving. It’s critical to ensure you and your pet have a great adventure and limit the risks of injuries. AllTrails and Washington Trails Association are great places to find such trip reports and updates.
    • Carrying a map while also having and knowing how to use a compass can be lifesaving, especially when trails might become harder to follow.
    • It may also be advised to utilize a harness and lead, limiting your dog’s time off-leash when trail conditions become potentially hazardous.
  • Avalanche Conditions – The very early spring is when avalanche conditions can truly be the worst–with warming weather and layers of snow destabilizing quickly. If you plan to head anywhere that snow might persist, it’s important to know how the risk of an avalanche. Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC) has a team that evaluates and forecasts avalanche conditions and can help you plan your trips accordingly.
    • Avalanche awareness classes can be a great way to learn more about these conditions and how to plan snowy adventures safely!

Shoulder season can be a wonderful time to begin or continue your adventures. We hope that these considerations help you to plan your next trip and safely enjoy the outdoors with your pet any time of year!

Dog In Backpack

I’m Holly, one of Mud Bay’s Category Managers and an avid adventurer, especially with my two pups, Goose and Edna. As the designated “camp mom” on most of my adventures, I understand the value of preparation and knowledge when it comes to enjoying the outdoors and keeping all of my four and two-legged companions comfortable and safe.

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.
#mudbay #healthypets #kidneyhealth #cats #catfood

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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. 🐈 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. 🐈 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. 🐈 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. #mudbay #healthypets #kidneyhealth #cats #catfood

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.
#mudbay #fluffandtuff #dogs #timetoplay #healthypets

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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. ⚽ 🐕 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. ⚽ 🐕 Kick off the fun and shop the Fluff & Tuff Soccer Ball in-store or online at Mud Bay. #mudbay #fluffandtuff #dogs #timetoplay #healthypets

Need to keep your dog engaged while you work, host, or help them burn energy?
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The Woof LickMat and LickMix make enrichment easy.
The textured design encourages longer licking, helping promote calm behavior and engagement. Premeasured lines make portioning easy every time.
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Simply mix the grain-free Cheddar and Bacon LickMix. It’s easy to digest, simple to prepare, and each bag provides 10 or more lick sessions. Made from 100 percent silicone, BPA-free, and dishwasher safe. Strong suction cups keep the LickMat stable for easy, everyday use.
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Enhance your dog’s daily enrichment—visit us in-store or online and bring home the woof LickMat and LickMix today.
#mudbay #woof #healthypets #dogs #petenrichment

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Need to keep your dog engaged while you work, host, or help them burn energy? 🐕 🐶 The Woof LickMat and LickMix make enrichment easy. The textured design encourages longer licking, helping promote calm behavior and engagement. Premeasured lines make portioning easy every time. 🐾 🐕 Simply mix the grain-free Cheddar and Bacon LickMix. It’s easy to digest, simple to prepare, and each bag provides 10 or more lick sessions. Made from 100 percent silicone, BPA-free, and dishwasher safe. Strong suction cups keep the LickMat stable for easy, everyday use. 🐕 🐶 Enhance your dog’s daily enrichment—visit us in-store or online and bring home the woof LickMat and LickMix today. #mudbay #woof #healthypets #dogs #petenrichment

👀 Looking for a way to slow down mealtime and keep your dog thinking? The GURU Pet Company Bobble Ball turns your dog’s food into an interactive activity.
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Simply fill it with kibble or small treats, screw the top back on, and let the wobble begin. The weighted base creates unpredictable movement that keeps dogs engaged and working for every bite.
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A great option for dogs new to enrichment or seasoned puzzle pros.
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Shop in-store or online at Mud Bay today.
#mudbay #dogs #staybusy #healthypets #dogtoys

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👀 Looking for a way to slow down mealtime and keep your dog thinking? The GURU Pet Company Bobble Ball turns your dog’s food into an interactive activity. 🐕 Simply fill it with kibble or small treats, screw the top back on, and let the wobble begin. The weighted base creates unpredictable movement that keeps dogs engaged and working for every bite. 🐾 A great option for dogs new to enrichment or seasoned puzzle pros. 🐕 Shop in-store or online at Mud Bay today. #mudbay #dogs #staybusy #healthypets #dogtoys

🎉 New Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers are now available in-store and online at Mud Bay!
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We’re excited to offer two new formulas that are complete and balanced for both cats and dogs.
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The Digestive Support Formula has beneficial fiber from lentils and sweet potato, along with probiotic inulin from chicory root. It also includes organic apple cider vinegar for extra immune and digestive support.
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Our Hip & Joint Support Formula features turmeric, oat flour, and omega-3 fatty acids from tuna 🐟 to help support joint mobility and immune health.
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All Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers are veterinarian-formulated and free of corn, wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives. And they are convenient and easy to use as a complete meal, a treat, or a topper.
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You can find the full line—including Skin & Coat, Cognitive, Digestive, and Hip & Joint Support formulas—exclusively at Mud Bay.
#mudbay #healthypets #mealtime #pnwpets #mudbayairdriedtoppers

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🎉 New Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers are now available in-store and online at Mud Bay! 🐕 We’re excited to offer two new formulas that are complete and balanced for both cats and dogs. 🐈 The Digestive Support Formula has beneficial fiber from lentils and sweet potato, along with probiotic inulin from chicory root. It also includes organic apple cider vinegar for extra immune and digestive support. 🐾 Our Hip & Joint Support Formula features turmeric, oat flour, and omega-3 fatty acids from tuna 🐟 to help support joint mobility and immune health. 🐕 All Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers are veterinarian-formulated and free of corn, wheat, soy, and artificial preservatives. And they are convenient and easy to use as a complete meal, a treat, or a topper. 🐈 You can find the full line—including Skin & Coat, Cognitive, Digestive, and Hip & Joint Support formulas—exclusively at Mud Bay. #mudbay #healthypets #mealtime #pnwpets #mudbayairdriedtoppers

We visited the local dog park today to share a fun spring surprise 👀🎉
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The park pups got to try our newest Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers!
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We can’t share all the details on these new toppers yet, but here’s what we can tell you:
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Two new formulas are coming soon, and you’ll find them both in stores and online. They’ll be available in 8-ounce and 24-ounce bags.
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Just like our current toppers, these new formulas give both cats and dogs complete and balanced nutrition. You can serve them as a full meal, sprinkle them on top of their food, or offer them as a treat.
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Thank you to all the pups who came by to try them today.🐾🎉
Check back next week because we have a giveaway coming up. Stay tuned and have a great spring!🌈 💐 🌷 ☀️ ☔
#mudbay #dogpark #sneaktreat #mudbayairdriedtoppers #new

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We visited the local dog park today to share a fun spring surprise 👀🎉 🐕 The park pups got to try our newest Mud Bay Air-Dried Toppers! 🐾 We can’t share all the details on these new toppers yet, but here’s what we can tell you: 🐾 Two new formulas are coming soon, and you’ll find them both in stores and online. They’ll be available in 8-ounce and 24-ounce bags. 🐕 Just like our current toppers, these new formulas give both cats and dogs complete and balanced nutrition. You can serve them as a full meal, sprinkle them on top of their food, or offer them as a treat. 🐾 Thank you to all the pups who came by to try them today.🐾🎉 Check back next week because we have a giveaway coming up. Stay tuned and have a great spring!🌈 💐 🌷 ☀️ ☔ #mudbay #dogpark #sneaktreat #mudbayairdriedtoppers #new

Stock up on your dog’s favorite Bulk Biscuits and make every refill count.
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Mud Bay’s Bulk Biscuits are all-natural, with many locally sourced options, including organic and grain-free varieties. When you refill your Mud Bay Mud Bucket, you pay $4.24 per pound instead of $4.99 on every refill. That’s 75 cents saved per pound, or 15% off each refill.
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Our Mud Buckets are BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and come in two handy sizes: 2.75 liters and 8.5 liters. Designed for easy refills and fresher storage, they help make treating your dog simple and eco-friendly.
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Refill. Reuse. Re-Biscuit. Visit your local Mud Bay today to pick up a Mud Bay Mud Bucket and some tasty biscuits for your dog!!
#mudbay #mudbuckets #dogs #treats #healthypets

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Stock up on your dog’s favorite Bulk Biscuits and make every refill count. 🐾 Mud Bay’s Bulk Biscuits are all-natural, with many locally sourced options, including organic and grain-free varieties. When you refill your Mud Bay Mud Bucket, you pay $4.24 per pound instead of $4.99 on every refill. That’s 75 cents saved per pound, or 15% off each refill. 🐕 Our Mud Buckets are BPA-free, dishwasher safe, and come in two handy sizes: 2.75 liters and 8.5 liters. Designed for easy refills and fresher storage, they help make treating your dog simple and eco-friendly. 🐾 Refill. Reuse. Re-Biscuit. Visit your local Mud Bay today to pick up a Mud Bay Mud Bucket and some tasty biscuits for your dog!! #mudbay #mudbuckets #dogs #treats #healthypets