Dog rescued after injuring paws on Saddle Mountain trail

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A Great Pyrenees was rescued on Friday after injuring its paws on a Saddle Mountain trail, Cannon Beach Rrual Fire Protection District announced.

During the hike, the 160-pound dog "suddenly refused to keep walking," and needed help down the trail after its paws were raw and cut, officials said.

“Although saddle mountain signage and the state park website states that dogs are allowed but must be on a leash, it is not very dog friendly," Cannon Beach RFPD warned. "Over the years, we have had several calls for dogs that needed assistance off the mountain due to dehydration or cut/raw paw pads."

Officials said the trail has “copious amounts” of welded wire fencing on the ground for traction with many sharp wires sticking up.

Cannon Beach RFPD warns that walking on wiring and rocks for an extended amount of time “can be very rough on your fur baby,” and recommends dog booties for the Saddle Mountain trail.

“Just as we humans can build up calluses by incremental exposure to rough surfaces, you can do the same with your dog if you plan on frequent hikes or know they’ll be walking on rougher surfaces throughout their life," Cannon Beach RFPD said. "Start with shorter periods of time on these surfaces to let the pad build up toughness over time.”