Dog Care Information

Iditarod dogs enjoy top notch wellness care

Iditarod dogs enjoy wellness care uncommon among dogs and even most humans. They are currently undergoing extensive preventative exams that include full blood workups and electrocardiograms to ensure they are Iditarod fit. It is with much irony that detractors have used a disinformation smear campaign stating, “if an Iditarod dog is lucky enough to survive …

Hands on Learning at Michigan Symposium by Terrie Hanke

There’s nothing better than hands-on real-life experiences for learning. Thanks to musher and educator Tim Vandermeuelen, Symposium participants went to work making necklines and constructing a doghouse. Tim handed out pre-cut and marked lengths of braided nylon and the indispensible fid to everyone interested then the fun began – push the fid through the rope …

Dog Care, K9 Athletes and Veterinarians

Without adequate dog care, marathon racing such as the Iditarod would not be possible.  These athletes receive top quality care before and during the race.  The dogs are trained for months before the race season starts.  They are conditioned in a variety of terrains to prepare for different challenges. These dogs receive high quality kibble …

What Happens to the ‘Dropped’ Dogs?

Dropped dogs are dogs that are removed from the race for one reason or another.  A dog that isn’t feeling well, has an injury, isn’t running well, is in season, or just doesn’t have the attitude to race, are ‘dropped’ at checkpoints along the Iditarod Trail. Veterinarians at each checkpoint are on duty to examine …