A penguin, a sled dog, and a manatee walk into a diner… Well, maybe not. But even if they don’t frequent the same restaurants, they do share similar adaptations that help them overcome the challenges of life in cold environments. As veterinarians, we’re often asked how dogs can tolerate walking barefoot on snow and ice. …
by Jen Reiter, EDU Faculty and 2014 Iditarod Teacher on the Trail With the Iditarod Trail Committee announcing the historic route for the 2021 Race, The Gold Trail, all attention this year will focus on the historic town and checkpoint of Iditarod. Iditarod came into existence after the Christmas Day, 1908 gold strike on …
Today, the Iditarod Trail Committee confirmed that both the restart and the finish of the Last Great Race on Earth will take place at Deshka Landing. The decision was mutually made by the Iditarod and the Willow Area Community Organization due to concern for COVID-19 risk mitigation at the Willow Area Community Center, which is …
On Saturday, December 18, the 2021 Iditarod Rookie Musher Meeting took place via ZOOM. An Iditarod “rookie” is someone who hasn’t completed the Iditarod. As of the writing of this article, there are 15 rookie mushers signed up for Iditarod 2021.They hail from Alaska, Wisconsin, and even Canada and France. Four of them are …
After much deliberation and anticipation of modifications needed to safely execute the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race during a global pandemic, Iditarod race organizers and its board of directors today announced a modified race route in 2021, as well as a comprehensive COVID-19 prevention plan. Dubbed the Iditarod Gold Trail Loop, the race route …
By Lori E. Gordon, DVM Veterinary Surgical Care, Inc. MA Task Force 1 US&R Veterinary Officer, NVRT Veterinary Officer The answer is maybe. It depends on the dog, both their physical as well as individual emotional state of mind. It is the combination of their natural personality and their environmental upbringing that can answer …
Dear Iditarod Volunteers, Mushers and Staff, It seems that there isn’t a person on this planet who hasn’t been affected by COVID19 in some way. I couldn’t start this letter without first saying that our hearts, souls and minds stand with all those who have lost loved ones during this challenging time in our world. …
After racing season is over and the snow melts in Alaska, the canine athletes of the Iditarod begin a quick transition into the summer months. Although the terms “training” and “conditioning” are often used interchangeably, their distinctions should be noted for this discussion. In the purest sense, training is the mental process of learning how …
Each year in late February and early March Anchorage’s 4th Avenue transforms into an epicenter of sled dog racing. The Iditarod and World Championship races thrill spectators from around the world. Now, by mayoral proclamation 4th Avenue from A to G Streets is officially the historic Mushing District. Located at the start line of …
By Dr Veronica C Devall DVM,DACVSMR Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Devall Veterinary Consulting LTD Integrative Veterinary Rehabilitation and Pain Management No, sled dogs do not use high carbohydrate diets nor do they “carb up” prior to a long distance race. The reason for this is that dogs …
