Trail Dogs

Jessica Burtch
Fri, 15 Aug 2014 21:00:00 -0700
Lifestyle

Taking your dog hiking is a great way to make him love you as much as you love him, if that's possible. The two (or three or four...) of you out in nature, soaking up sunshine, watering trees, chasing chipmunks, sniffing snakes. What? OK, so hiking isn't all soft breezes and wildflowers — it's also rattlers, poisonous plants, heatstroke and hypothermia. But with some solid planning, you and your trail dog can be ready for just about anything.

Here are some tips to keep your pup safe on the trails:

—On-leash, all the time. I know some of you will ignore this, but in most places and in all national parks, it is the law, and violations are punishable by steep fine. If dogs are allowed on public trails, they are typically required to be on a 6-foot lead. This is for their safety, but it's also out of respect for fellow hikers, as well as native wildlife.
Updated: Mon Aug 25, 2014

Taking your dog hiking is a great way to make him love you as much as you love him, if that's possible. The two (or three or four...) of you out in nature, soaking up sunshine, watering trees, chasing chipmunks, sniffing snakes. What? OK, so hiking isn't all soft breezes and wildflowers — it's also rattlers, poisonous plants, heatstroke and hypothermia. But with some solid planning, you and your trail dog can be ready for just about anything.

Here are some tips to keep your pup safe on the trails:

—On-leash, all the time. I know some of you will ignore this, but in most places and in all national parks, it is the law, and violations are punishable by steep fine. If dogs are allowed on public trails, they are typically required to be on a 6-foot lead. This is for their safety, but it's also out of respect for fellow hikers, as well as native wildlife.

—Harness up. If hiking in rocky areas, consider a body harness with a handle, particularly for smaller dogs. If your dog is small enough to slip between rocks or get stuck in a tight crevasse, your job of getting him out is going to be a lot easier if he's wearing a handled harness, as opposed to a leash attached to a collar that could easily come off or strangle him.

—Hydrate. Just as you need ample water when hiking, so does your dog. Don't rely on water from lakes, streams and ponds as it may contain giardia, toxic algae or some gnarly parasites. Bring bottled water and a collapsible bowl, or fit your dog with his very own hydration pack — available online and at outdoor stores such as REI.

—Leaves of three, let it be. Learn to identify any poisonous plants in the area, and keep your dog away from them. If the oils from these leafy demons get onto your dog's coat, they are that much more likely to find their way to your skin. This is, if not the best, the most selfish reason for you to keep your dog on a leash when hiking. I wouldn't wish a case of poison oak on my worst enemy.

—Heed the bark. If your dog launches into a fixed and alert barking session, pay attention. He'll sense the presence of a bear, mountain lion, coyote or snake well before you see anything.

—Be alert and prepared. Wildlife is an awesome reality of hiking. It's also unpredictable. The best you can do is know what kind of wildlife is native to the area you're hiking and prepare for it: bear spray, a long stick, a loud whistle and a solid plan in the back of your head just in case. Most wild animals want nothing to do with us, so heeding your dog's natural warning system and keeping him on a leash will help you maintain a respectable distance.

—Know your hunting seasons. Be aware of hunters and put yourself and your dog in bright colors to alert them to your presence. A dog pack in neon yellow, orange or red makes him stand out in the forest — and allows him to carry his own stuff!

—ID tags and microchips. No kidding. This needs no elaboration.

—First aid on the trail and after. Carry a small first aid kit — one for humans should work for dogs, too. It should include bandages for cut or scraped paw pads, as well as disinfecting ointments and tweezers. And always check for ticks after hiking. These nasty buggers should be removed promptly to prevent potentially debilitating disease.

Happy trails!