There's plenty of insect repellent sprays, drops, and lotions out there for human hikers. Even some fancy-shmancy clothing impregnated with bug repellent chemicals.

But what about a little help for Fido, one reader asked me.

Dunno, I said.

But dammit if today I didn't come across some bug dope made specially for dogs. Yep, found it on the Net during an idle moment in my work day. I just love Google.

Anyway, the stuff is called Flys Off. Comes in a spray can and costs a paltry $7.95. Repels flies, gnats and mosquitoes. And it's completely safe for your pooch, so it says.

So give Rover a break and get him some bug dope of his own to help fend off those buzzing and biting nasties on the trail. You might even get him his own dog pack to carry it in. Of course then maybe you can sneak a couple of cans of beer in there when he isn't looking...