“Take Only Sniffs, Leave Only Pawprints”

A Guide to Sustainable Adventuring with Pets

Healthy Dogs |  May 3, 2023

Our furry adventure pals sadly cannot join in all our adventures, but for the ones they can, we can work together to become impressive outdoor stewards. Engaging in the below considerations while adventuring with your pet not only allows our impact on fragile ecosystems to be minimal but can also ensure that our favorite recreation areas remain “pet friendly” for future generations! 


Here are 6 ways to reduce your pet’s “ecological pawprint” on your next adventure:

Make Your Plan and Be Prepared

Trip planning is the first and most vital step to any adventure. As fun as it can be to wing it, when you are traveling with your pet, planning ahead becomes even more important. You want to ensure that you know the rules and regulations of the area you are hoping to travel to or within, and you especially want to be certain that your dog or cat is allowed to join you. Other planning elements to consider:

  • What will the weather and terrain be like, and will you and your pet be comfortable traveling in those conditions?
  • What type of gear will make the trip more comfortable? (Ask any Muddy about our 10 Essentials list for ideas or click here to shop them now)

Stick to Durable Surfaces

Though it may sound fun to roam off leash and romp through a field of wildflowers, we suggest sticking to durable surfaces (well-worn trails, established campsites, rocky areas, etc.) to protect fragile ecosystems and vegetation. Keeping dogs on lead can help keep them on these surfaces, but some can be recalled before they travel off them.

The Dirty Job

Pack out whatever you have brought with you and that includes your dog or cat’s poop! There are a lot of great options that make carrying used poop bags easier.

“Take Only Sniffs, Leave Only Pawprints”

Some dogs sure do love finding new sticks on every adventure, but a good outdoor steward would bring their favorite toy along instead to ensure that no matter where you visit, you are able to leave it better than you found it.

Give Wildlife Their Space

Dogs and cats have a naturally high amount of curiosity and instinctual prey drives. Which makes it important for owners to be mindful of wildlife and help to keep their pets safe and in control when there is a possibility of any encounter.

Sharing Spaces

We not only share the outdoors with the wild creatures who call it home, but we share these spaces with other humans and pets. Being mindful of how you and your dog or cat’s actions could affect others is not only incredibly gracious, but it can enhance the experience for all!

We hope that these considerations help provide some insight into how to enjoy the outdoors with your dog or cat in the most sustainable and least impactful way!  

These considerations have been inspired by the Leave No Trace Seven Principles. 

Author, two dogs and friend on a hike

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. I hope you have enjoyed this addition to our Adventuring with Pets blog series!

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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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.
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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.
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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.
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🎉 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.
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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!🌈 💐 🌷 ☀️ ☔ 
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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!!
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