Sure, big dogs are common here in Mammoth Lakes. You’re more likely to see a big ole husky or a goldendoodle on a trail up to Crystal Lake than a dachshund. But, as traveling with pets becomes more accessible and more people realize the many advantages of having a small dog, it’s no surprise that we’re seeing an increase in lil guys and lil gals around town.
In our view, small dogs deserve to enjoy the great outdoors just as much as the big guys! And in this article, we’re going to talk about how you can give your small dog an enjoyable (and safe) visit to the mountains!
Make sure your accommodations are pet friendly
Before we talk about packing and planning small dog friendly activities, the first order of business is finding a place to stay!
And who says that you have to sacrifice luxury and convenience for pet-friendly lodging? Here at Mammoth Mountain Reservations, our dog-friendly condos are some of our most popular! Whether you’re looking for a place downtown that’s close to restaurants or a condo that will accommodate your large travel group, you’ll find all kinds of options to choose from.
Just take a look at our list of pet friendly condos to find your perfect rental!
Pack for your pup
There are certain items that you’ll want to pack to make sure that your pup is happy and safe during their mountain adventure:
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Layers. Even if you come visit us during the summer, it’s not a bad idea to travel with a jacket for your small dog. And there are a couple of reasons for this. For one thing, small dogs tend to lose body heat more quickly than their larger canine companions. And the second reason has to do with the altitude. In most mammals, high altitude lowers the body’s capacity for thermoregulation. So, the higher your small pup goes, the harder time they’ll have staying warm.
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Doggie shoes. Maybe dog shoes make your small dog look even less rough and tough than normal, but trust us, this accessory can make all the difference. It can help with temperature regulation while also providing protection from snow melt, sharp rocks, pine needles, and other hazards.
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A portable carrier. We’ll talk more about this when we touch on public transportation, but it’s always a good idea to travel with a portable carrier for your small dog.
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Updated dog tags. This is good advice for dogs of all sizes: if you’re going to a new place, you’ll want to be sure that your dog’s tags are up-to-date.
Keep an eye out for wildlife
If your small dog stays close to you, the chances of them being targeted by wildlife are low. But that doesn’t mean that you should let your guard down! Here are a few ways to keep your little pup safe from predators:
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Keep your dog on a leash. Even if your dog has excellent recall, being on leash is an important safety measure. That’s because the sound of a predator could spook your pup into trying to run for safety, which will create a more dangerous situation. Having your dog on leash can also come in handy in the case that you come across an unleashed dog on the trail and need to quickly pick up your dog.
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Stay on trail. This will make it easier for you to keep an eye on your dog and prevent them from coming face to face with a rattlesnake or other animals.
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Consider an anti-attack vest. These are sometimes called coyote vests, hawk vests, or body armor, but the idea is similar. They are spiked vests that cover the areas of your dog’s body that would be most vulnerable to an attack. Do they look silly? Sure. But they could save your dog’s life.
Again, if you’re out with your little dog, most wild animals will stay away. But, the Eastern Sierra is a wild place, so it’s best to be on the safe side!
Get to know Mammoth’s dog-friendliest spots
Curious where the coolest dogs in town hang out? Take a look at some must-see spots for dogs of all sizes:
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Mammoth Community Dog Park
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Horseshoe Lake (and hiking trails throughout the Lakes Basin)
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The Village at Mammoth
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Mammoth Bike Path
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Dog-friendly restaurants and cafes (with outdoor seating) like Mammoth Brewing Company, Distant Brewing Company, Roberto’s, the Looney Bean, and Liberty Bar
Bite off only as much as you can chew
Maybe you have a super athletic little dog who is ready to hike and swim and cruise around town.
But remember: the Eastern Sierra can have some particularly harsh terrain, and the high altitude and intense UV exposure can make exercise tough for all dogs. So, you’ll want to be proactive about limiting your dog’s activities until you know that they’re adjusting well. For instance, maybe swap out the intense hike for something more manageable, or plan on bringing a doggy carrier in case your dog gets tired.
Be careful around water
If your little dog is a water-lover, they’re going to have plenty of opportunities to splash around in creeks, lakes, and rivers. But, it’s not always clear which waterways are safe for swimming, especially for smaller dogs. Here are a few considerations:
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If the water is stagnant, stay clear. Water that is not moving has the potential for bacterial growth, so it’s best to keep away.
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Be careful of fast-moving currents. This is especially true in spring when snow and ice melt can create powerful currents in our rivers and streams. A river may look calm on the surface and still be unsafe for small dogs.
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Keep an eye out for discarded fishing gear. Whether you’re walking along a tranquil brook or swimming at McCleod (one of our favorite dog-friendly swimming holes, by the way), always keep your eyes peeled for fishing line, hooks, or baubles that could pose a hazard for your dog.
Hop on public transit with your small dog!
During the summer months, the Mammoth Lakes trolley is dog friendly, which makes cruising around town even more fun and convenient! Of course, there are a few rules to be aware of.
Dogs who are not in a transport kennel must have a muzzle and leash while riding the trolley. And dogs are not allowed on the MAS Bike Park Shuttle.
Consider booking a pet sitter in town
Even if your pup is normally totally fine when you leave them at home, it’s very common for dogs to feel separation anxiety when they’re in a new place.
We would recommend reaching out to one of our local pet sitters in town who can keep your dog happy and calm while you enjoy some non-pet-friendly activities, like horseback riding or ice skating. There are a few options to choose from, including Walks ‘n’ Wags, PUP Hiking Company, Sierra Dog Ventures and more.
Remember that your small dog can still make a big impact
Every two-legged and four-legged visitor who steps foot in the wilderness around Mammoth Lakes will have an impact on the local ecosystem. Here are a few ways that you can make sure that your little dog leaves as little a trace as possible:
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Pick up their doggy do. It doesn’t matter how little those pebbles are, dog feces can change the pH balance of wild ecosystems and should always be removed.
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Try to limit barking. Dogs tend to bark and howl when they’re living their best life in the mountains. But, excessive barking can disturb local wildlife and fellow nature lovers. If your little guy is a talker, consider working on training at home before your trip.
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Don’t allow your dog to approach wildlife. As we mentioned, wildlife can be a danger to your dog. But your dog, regardless of their size, is also a danger to wildlife. Even brief interactions in which your dog touches noses with a deer (admittedly adorable) can remove that wild animal’s natural fear of people, putting them in danger in the long run.
We hope to see you and your small dog soon!
If you’ve ever visited one of our Mammoth Mountain Reservation offices, you’ve probably met one of our resident small dogs! So you know we mean it when we say Mammoth isn’t just for the big guys! With some extra safety precautions and considerations, your small dog can also tap into their wild side with a trip to the Eastern Sierra.
Give us a call or take a look at the dog-friendly condos we have available for your next trip to Mammoth Lakes!