Dogs and Climbing

[hollyclimber]

Going with my usual method (always ask why, know the details, stats, etc)

Do you know why? Do you know who the doc is? I would like to find out more. My vet was clueless, although they didn't consult the specialist.

[hollyclimber]

Also, just for everyone out there consider doggles, (ok it not very many of you, I know), one thing that is cool about them is that they block flying objects too. So, even if snow blindness isn't an issue, thing about that blowing snow or even hail and how bad it feels if you take your glasses/goggles off for a bit when you are skiing or climbing.

I didn't really think about this until I was looking into doggles for the issue of snow-blindness, but now I am thinking that since my dog is mostly trained to wear them (we are still working on wearing them longer and longer) if there is ever a issue of blowing sand, snow, whatever, we have a solution.

And, he looked super cool in them walking around Vancouver on Sat.

[Alpine_Tom]

Our vet is Gregory Combs, at Lake Forest Park Animal Hospital (206-363-5656.) I don't know the name of the specialist he checked with. (I know the name of a good doggie dermatologist, though!)

I have been trying for a while to logic this out without much success, since snowblindness is basically a sunburn of your retina (and that's why it goes away in a couple of days, just like a sunburn) it seems like a dog would have about the same danger as a human. OTOH, wolves and coyotes are out in the winter hunting, and if they were subject to snowblindness, they'd probably wouldn't survive. (My inlaws' dog with whom I go hiking a lot is part coyote, and he seems really visually oriented.)

And, since Max never seems to have any problems during after a snow hike (he summited Glacier Peak in a day) I guess I'm inclined to go with the advice. That, along with the frustration of trying to get him to tolerate Doggles when I'm not around to train him with them.

You're right, though, Holly, it's completely wrong to underestimate the style factor of Doggles! Especially in a cosmopolitan city like Vancouver.

Is yours a Bernese Mountain Dog, by the way?

[This message has been edited by Alpine Tom (edited 08-07-2001).]

[Mr._Blister]

Tom:

If I were to take my boa constrictor to the mountains, would I get him a pair of Snakles? Unlike dogs, snakes have no epidermal eyelids. A snowblind snake will not be much help in eradicating Snafflehounds, will it.

Just curious.

Your pal,

John

[Cpt.Caveman]

Blister,

I hear they make UVA resistant contact lenses for them guys. Anything to kill Snafflehounds!

[Eerie]

Holly you got a FOUR-EYED DOG!!!!

Dog owners - would you risk your lives in the mountains for your dog? how about your brother/sister? which one gets priority?

[Alpine_Tom]

There was a discussion here earlier about whether you should take your dog climbing with you. One of the issues was snowblindness, something that's worried me for a while.

Well, I asked our new vet, and he didn't know either, so he checked with a pet ophthalmologist (there apparently is such a thing) who assured him that it's not an issue for canines. So, you don't need to get Doggles if you want to take Fido up on the snowfields.

 

[Dru]

Even humans rarely get snowblind in the winter, let alone wolves and coyotes. Not enough sunlight.

But in the summer, when you got lots of sun and you are up in the snow....

Do they have Doggles to fit humans? [in case you are a werewolf and you don't want to switch glasses?] Cause I know someone with a dog shaped face and I want to buy him a pair as a present

[hollyclimber]

Answers to some of the above questions:

1) My dog is a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog. The Bernese are in the same family sort of, but they have long fur.

2) Yes, my dog has four eyes, when he is wearing his doggles. We have been trying them out. Its fun.

3) Would I risk my life for my dog in the mountains. Yes. But, would I jump into a boiling hot pool in Yellowstone like some ya-hoo did last week or so? No. Basically, we all risk our lives in the mountains. I am sure there is a limit to the risk I would take, but I would definitely take significant risks to save him if he was in danger or something. If I am not willing to do that, then I shouldn't bring him with me.

4) I have a picture of a human wearing the doggles. I love it. The large dog pair should fit your dog-faced friend. www.doggles.com

[This message has been edited by hollyclimber (edited 08-08-2001).]

[Jason_Martin]

I have been guiding for the last few years and have spent a significant amount of time on the two most popular routes on Mt. Baker. Many people bring dogs up onto those glacier. This is a practice that is getting more and more upsetting to me.

Though the sun does not seem to have an effect on every dog, it definately has an effect on some. I witnessed an incident last year where a dog had to literally be carried off the mountain due to the combination of snow blindness and exahustion.

I have witnessed a number of incidences wherein a dog has become extremely exhausted in deep snow. These dogs were essentially carried out as well.

In every occurance of snowblindness or exahustion other climbers have volunteered to help the pet owner evacuate the animal. Thus they lost their own trip to help these animals with thoughtless owners.

It sounds like these doggles things are the way to go. Especially if you don't want your dog to be responsible for ruining your trip or the trips of others.

Jason

[panther]

Risk your life in the mountains? Girl you been reading too many Krakauer novels. Take a reality pill.

[adr_901]

Any volunteers to issue doggles at the next iditarod?