Spring Unleashed
Keeping Your Dog Happy and Healthy in Mud Season
This year in Steamboat Springs, spring didn’t exactly wait its turn.
After one of the warmest, driest winters in recent memory, snowpack across Northwest Colorado has been well below normal. Currently, our area is seeing conditions closer to late April or even May than late March. In fact, much of the state spent the winter hovering near record-low snow levels, with long stretches of unseasonably warm weather.
So instead of the slow, slushy transition we’re used to, mud season has arrived early—and fast.
As the snow melts (or, in many places, is already gone and forgotten), a new season quietly emerges—one we’re not used to this time of year.. Yep, even as the ski area eeks out a couple final weeks at the highest elevations, we’re already well into “mud season” in the valley. More and more trails are turning tacky or dry almost overnight, snow banks shrink into patchy slush, and the fields around town start revealing all the treasures (and trouble) hidden beneath what little snowpack we had. 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. What little snow we had still hid a lot, but as it disappears—earlier than usual this year—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.
As spring runoff transforms Steamboat’s landscape into a muddy, sun-drenched playground—earlier than we’d typically expect—dogs revel in the sensory overload of sights, smells, and splashes.
“We have a lot of probiotics,” says Eli Campbell, owner of Paws and Claws, Steamboat’s beloved local pet supply shop. “Beyond sensitive stomach foods, there are also quite a few digestive help supplements now to help them transition back from upset stomachs to more normal stool. 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.
Spring adventures can mean upset stomachs. Pumpkin-based digestive support like Firm Up helps promote healthy digestion and stool consistency—perfect for this early mud season.
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. Even in a lighter snow year, melting ice and early runoff reveal 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,” Erin Campbell 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.”
Wet paws may leave more than just prints behind. As the ice melts—what little we had this year—it reveals a mix of salt, scoria, antifreeze, and other hidden hazards that can irritate paws—or cause harm if licked later.
Then there’s the grooming. As temperatures rise, dogs start shedding their winter coats. Combine that with constant mud and moisture (or in some cases, dry trails followed by messy patches), and you’ve got the perfect recipe for mats, tangles, and skin irritation.
“A lot of dogs have sensitive skin,” Eli 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, Erin 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.
Wet paws may leave more than just prints behind. As the ice melts, it reveals a mix of salt, scoria, antifreeze, and other hidden hazards that can irritate paws—or cause harm if licked later.
Speaking of puddles—avoid them. What looks like a harmless sip of spring melt can be loaded with bacteria, road chemicals, or even giardia. And with lower snowpack this year, some of that standing water is showing up earlier—and sticking around in different places than usual. 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 less snow and earlier access to open terrain, moose, bears, coyotes, skunks and even porcupines are already 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,” Eli warns. “We carry sprays and collars with more natural formulas that are safe preventative options for dogs and cats.”
And because it’s the season of exploration—arriving a little early this year—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. This year, that in-between season just showed up ahead of schedule. It’s still a time to transition together, stretch our legs, and shake off the frost—whatever version of winter we had. With a little extra care, some expert tools from Paws ‘n Claws, 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.
