Whether you live here among the Tetons, or you’re just visiting, hiking with your dog in Teton County is one of the greatest pleasures Wyoming has to offer. Dog-friendly Bridger-Teton National Forest has tons of beloved trails well-trodden by dogs and their humans. Dog lovers prefer this to hiking in the national parks, which have strict rules regarding dogs due to wildlife.

Benefits of Hiking with Fido

Hiking lets your lucky dog explore her environment freely – crucial for her cardiovascular health, sensory stimulation, and overall sense of well-being.  You get to sweat and unplug from technology and work. I’ve always felt dogs and humans were born to hike together, and with all the beautiful trails in Teton County, it’s a great way to exercise, reboot, and bond.

Naturally, you’ll both get thirsty. You can bring water in your backpack, but it gets heavy, and what if you run out before your trek is complete? I bring a good water filter so my dogs and I can hydrate wherever we are without getting sick or lugging heavy bottled water.  

Why Filter Your Water?

Water-Borne Diseases

Many species of wildlife frequent – and sometimes live in – the ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams that make Teton County so wonderful to explore. 

These wildlife naturally leave feces and urine there, give birth, kill prey, and sometimes die there. These pathogens spread illnesses that can pass to humans and pets who drink or swim in them.

Drinking untreated water, even from a spring, can put you and your dog at risk of getting some pretty nasty illnesses.  See my blog post here on water filters great for sharing clean water with your dog: Best Portable Water Filters for Hiking and Camping

Common Waterborne Illnesses in Wyoming

Some of the most common water-borne diseases found in Wyoming include giardiasis, cryptosporidiosis, and campylobacteriosis. These can present with various symptoms, from diarrhea to vomiting and fever, and may require veterinarian or medical treatment in severe cases.

They affect both humans and dogs

• Giardiasis is caused by the (Protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia). Symptoms in dogs and humans include diarrhea, gas, stomach cramps, nausea, dehydration, vomiting, and lack of appetite. Seek medical or veterinary treatment. Prescription medications like metronidazole can help.
• Cryptosporidiosis is caused by the Protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium. Symptoms in humans and dogs include diarrhea, stomach cramps, dehydration, nausea, vomiting, fever, and lethargy. If contracted, it’s important to stay hydrated. Treatment may involve antiparasitic medications.
• Leptospirosis comes from Bacteria Leptospira. Symptoms in dogs and humans include fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice, abdominal pain, diarrhea, severe weakness and depression, stiffness, severe muscle pain, and refusal to eat. This is a serious emergency for both humans and dogs. Treatment usually involves antibiotics.
• Campylobacteriosis, caused by the Bacteria Campylobacter, results in Diarrhea (often bloody), fever, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Maintaining hydration is key; antibiotics may be prescribed in severe cases.

It’s your job to keep him from getting sick

You can easily prevent water-borne illness by filtering or boiling fresh water before drinking.  Have handy one of the many reliable and portable water filters to remove potentially harmful organisms, contaminants, and pathogens. Get one with a canister so you can pour clean water into your dog’s bowl before he gets a chance to drink from a potentially contaminated water source!

What Should Your Water Filter, Filter?

A good filter should remove disease-causing microorganisms, bacteria, viruses, and protozoa while reducing chemical pollutants. If you hike with dogs, get one with a canister (as opposed to a straw type) you can use to fill your dog’s bowl. 

Bring a collapsible bowl for your dog that won’t take up much room in your backpack. I like Ruffwear’s Quencher dog bowl. (https://www.rei.com/product/129588/ruffwear-quencher-dog-bowl)

My favorite is the Survivor Filter Pro Water Purification System by Membrane Solutions. Its micron filtration is 0.01 microns, meaning anything smaller than that can’t get in. This 12.8-oz filter system is hands-free and gravity-fed. It filters and removes 99.99 % of tested viruses, staph, bacteria, and parasites. It’s $59.

Another good one is the Grayl GeoPress Water Filter and Purifier Bottle. It’s pricier, at $99,  but is a full 24 ounces. It removes viruses, bacteria, and protozoa, and even filters microplastics, PFAS, and lead.

Remember, if you’re hiking with dogs, avoid a straw filter, which filters water as you suck the straw. Get a cannister filter that can be used to fill your dog’s collapsible water bowl. 

Happy Hiking and Hydrating!

Hiking is a great way to deepen the bond between you and your dog while you both get stimulating exercise and fresh air. You get to unplug and slow your hustle so you can rejuvenate, revive, and refresh.

With love and all paws in,

Shelley

Whether skiing, hiking, working, or dining, happy trails to you! 

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