Keeping Your Dog Happy and Healthy in Mud Season
As the snow melts in Steamboat Springs, a new season quietly emerges—not quite spring, not quite winter—just a whole lot of mud. Locals call it “mud season” for a reason. It’s that quirky stretch of time when snow banks shrink into slush, trails become slip-n-slides, and the fields around town start revealing all the treasures (and trouble) hidden beneath the snowpack. For dogs, it’s a sensory wonderland. For their humans, it’s a bit more complicated.
If you’ve lived here a while, you know the moment: your pup charges ahead on a thawed-out trail, nose glued to the ground, tail wagging wildly, only to stop and gleefully roll in something… questionable. The snow might have hidden a lot, but as it disappears, so do the filters between your dog and whatever half-decomposed snack nature left behind. It might be elk scat, a discarded sandwich from what was once lunch during a mid-winter skin up Emerald, or a dead mouse that didn’t survive the winter. To your dog, it’s jackpot. To you? A looming vet bill.
Spring in the high country is prime time for upset stomachs, and unfortunately, we can’t always stop our dogs from sneaking in a quick bite of the unknown. But we can be prepared.
“We have a lot of probiotics,” says Dave Terranova, owner of Paws and Claws, Steamboat’s beloved local pet supply shop. “There’s quite a few sensitive stomach foods now to help them transition back to something that has a lot of good probiotics in it. Pumpkin works great too—it’s just about getting their digestive tract back in balance.” Having these simple remedies on hand can help nip minor tummy troubles in the bud. Of course, if symptoms persist or you suspect something more serious, always call your vet.
Besides the buffet of questionable cuisine, spring also means trails coated in chemical-laced runoff from roads and parking lots. Most of us wouldn’t dream of walking barefoot through that slush, but our dogs do it daily. Melting ice reveals a mix of salt, sand, antifreeze, and other substances that can irritate paws or cause internal issues if licked off later. Wiping down your dog’s feet after every walk might seem like overkill, but it’s one of the simplest ways to keep them safe.
“We have a number of different towelettes you can carry in your car and use before your dog hops back in,” Dave adds. “There are also dry and wet shampoos you can spray on and wipe off—super helpful if you’re not near a water source.”
Then there’s the grooming. As temperatures rise, dogs start shedding their winter coats. Combine that with constant mud and moisture, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for mats, tangles, and skin irritation.
“A lot of dogs have sensitive skin,” Dave notes. “We carry hypoallergenic shampoos with just a few effective ingredients. And depending on your dog’s coat, there are shampoos that either help expedite the release of that winter coat—or balance out the oils to help them hold on to the hair that shouldn’t come out yet.”
And when it comes to brushing, Dave says it’s all about using the right tools: “The Furminator is great for getting rid of the undercoat, but so are rakes and combs. It really depends on your dog’s hair type.”
A quick daily brushing can do wonders—and bonus, it saves your house from becoming a tumbleweed of fur. Regular baths with gentle dog shampoos can also keep allergens and grime at bay, especially if your dog likes diving nose-first into whatever puddle appears.
Speaking of puddles—avoid them. What looks like a harmless sip of spring melt can be loaded with bacteria, road chemicals, or even giardia. Bringing a collapsible water bowl on hikes ensures your pup stays hydrated without turning to mystery slush. And with the increase in exercise as cabin fever fades, don’t forget that your dog’s dietary needs may shift too. More movement might mean they need a little more fuel—or maybe a change in treats.
Of course, we can’t talk about spring in Steamboat without mentioning the return of wildlife. With more daylight and less snow cover, moose, bears, coyotes, skunks and even porcupines are out and about. While your pup may think it’s their duty to say hello, the best thing you can do is keep them leashed, especially at dawn and dusk. Wild animals are waking up hungry, protective, and less patient than usual. You’ll be doing both your dog and the wildlife a favor by keeping interactions to a minimum.
And don’t forget the tiniest threats of the season. “Fleas and ticks are already surfacing with this warm weather,” Dave warns. “We carry sprays that are good for dogs, cats, and even kids—as well as yard sprays that help discourage mosquitoes too.”
And because it’s the season of exploration, make sure your pup’s ID tags are updated. If they get loose chasing a deer or wander off on a solo mission, a microchip and a legible phone number could be the key to a happy reunion. It’s a small thing, but in a town where adventure is around every corner, it makes all the difference.
Mud season in Steamboat can feel like a mess. But beneath the grime, it’s also a time of discovery—for both dogs and their humans. It’s the in-between season where we transition together, stretch our legs, and shake off the frost. With a little extra care, some expert tools from locals like Dave, and a willingness to laugh at just how dirty things can get, we can make it a healthy, happy time for our four-legged companions.
And if nothing else, it’s the perfect excuse for one more cuddle—after the bath, of course.