The mushers spend lots of time cleaning the dogs' feet and checking for cuts on their paws. The mushers clip the hairs between their feet. The mushers also clean out the snow between the dogs feet and they clean the booties too. In the race foot care is very important. Bad foot care has made winning teams lose.

The following drugs are not allowed to be used by dogs:

A. Anabolic Steroids

B. Analgesics (prescriptive and not-prescriptive)

C. Anesthetics

D. Antihistamines

E. Anti-inflammatory drugs including but not limited to:

• Cortico-steroids (only those provided for ITC for use on feet)
• Antiprostaglandins.
• Non-steroidals.
• Salicylates.
• DMOS.

F. Bronchodilators

G Central Nervous System Stimulants

H. Cough Suppressants

I. Diuretics

J. Injectable Anticolinergics

K. Muscle Relaxants

L. Tranquilizers and Opiates

All dogs entered in the race must have current distemper, parvo, corona and rabies vaccines. Proof of these vaccinations, except for rabies, must come from a veterinarian or a certified lay vaccinator. If given by the musher, records must include type of vaccine, proof of purchase (a receipt), and date of vaccination in writing. The distemper/parvo/cornona vaccine must have been given between 4-1-95 and 14 days prior to the start of the race.