After penning my last column about porcupines and the problems that present themselves when our canine companions attempt to make a snack of the passive quill pig, I got to thinking about other ways our furry friends might fall into harm while enjoying a life of outdoor adventure with us. 

Following are some considerations for minimizing that risk and maximizing the lifespans of our favorite outdoor enthusiasts.

Wildlife encounters and leashing

The point (pun intended) to keep in mind about porcupines is that the risk factor for our dogs is zero—as long as they are leashed and thereby unable to reach this slow-moving, non-threatening rodent. 

Much as I love to experience the exuberant energy of a dog running freely, there are very good reasons to restrain your pet. 

Take, for example, deer and bear. 

If your dog digs the thrill of a chase and sets off after that white-tailed deer you flushed out on your hike along a trail in Pennsylvania,  you could find yourself with a missing, wounded or dead dog. According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) a dog found to be in the act of attacking a big-game animal might be killed. While this option is not preferred by the PGC, it is nevertheless supported by law.

“Dogs are not permitted to injure or kill wildlife. Owners are liable for any wildlife killed or injured by dogs. . .  It is unlawful for dogs to chase or pursue big game, however, the Game Commission recommends that dogs not be shot unless they are actually in the act of attacking a big-game animal and there is no other option,” p. 18, “PA Hunting and Trapping Digest.”

I can’t think of a better reason to leash one’s beloved dog.

Thrilling as it is to encounter a beautiful black bear in her element, a sow with cubs will not consider your enthusiastic canine  a good companion for the three cubs she is determined to keep from harm. 

Should your off-leash pup stumble into this situation, you can only hope that a bluff charge from the bruin will be the worst of it. Avoid it by leashing.

Being on leash is not a guarantee of avoiding harm, however. We discovered this the hard way when our 15-pound mini pinscher stepped on a foot-hold trap set along a public multi-purpose trail in the Delaware State Forest in Pike County, PA. What started out to be a healthy hike on commonwealth land turned into a harrowing experience that resulted in a $230 veterinary bill and considerable anguish for our dog.

The trap was set at the edge of the trail, where a dog on a leash, or a curious child could easily encounter it. We were less than a quarter-mile from the main road when Beetle went down, yelping frantically and tearing at the trap with her teeth. We were bitten in our fumbling attempts to free her before we wedged open the device enough to pull her paw out, then rushed to the nearest veterinarian. For situations like this, it’s good practice to pack a multi-purpose tool on your trips.

Water also presents its own hazards, not the least of which is drowning. Personal flotation devices (PFDs) save human lives and can keep your dog from disappearing into the depths as well. 

While it’s impossible to completely prevent harm from happening to the domestic animals that share our lives—as the old saying goes—an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. 

Stay tuned for Protecting pets: Part 2 in my next column.