MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The UP 200 is only a few days away, in this report we take a look at how the dogs are cared for along the route..
At each checkpoint, a member of the veterinary staff will evaluate each dog, looking for things like dehydration, exhaustion, trouble with their feet, or anything affecting the dog’s health. During the race, Dr gene Wilcox is one of those dedicated animal doctors who volunteer their time to ensure the health and safety of the dogs.
“We look for dehydration, any vomiting, diarrhea, bloody urine on the trail, anything that would indicate you know metabolically, that there’s something wrong,” explained Dr. Wilcox.
Wilcox says a serious concern is ice buildup in the dog’s paws, which compels many dog teams to wear booties.
“The wet snow that builds up between the pads is really a hard thing to control,” said Dr. Wilcox.
One of the biggest challenges facing the medical staff is keeping the dogs calm. After all, the UP 200 is a party for spectators and the dogs.
“Once they get out of the excitement of downtown and everybody clapping and screaming and yelling, they will settle down on a trail and get into sync with each other,” said Dr. Wilcox.
The health of the dogs is well documented from a pre-race examination to check-ups along the way to a post-race evaluation.
“When they get to a checkpoint with a mandatory vet check. It gives the mushers and the vets, a second look to see how those dogs are doing after they’ve been running along the trail.
