Hiking with Your Dog

Hiking with your dog is fun and enjoyable experience It is also beneficial experience. It is a great exercise for both you and your dog; it is a great opportunity to strengthen bond between you and your dog; and it can be a great stress reliever – being away from everyday routine. It is a great opportunity to appreciate nature as well.

A well made plan and preparation is key to a fun and safe hiking trip. If you have never hiked before, getting a book for hiking is recommend. Start out with a short hike and increase the distance as you and your dog get used to it. If you are uncertain if your dog is physically fit for a hiking trip or not, consult with your veterinarian before the trip.

Planning for the trip:

• Make sure that dogs are allowed on the trails you are going to hike.
• Dogs (especially dark, heavy coated dogs)have less heat tolerance than humans. To avoid heat exhaustion/stroke, avoid hot humid summer day for hiking.
• Your dog will have an increased chance of exposure to fleas and ticks. Do not allow your dog to walk in grasses and bushes where ticks are likely to rest, if possible. Do appropriate flea/tick prevention before hand. Also be aware of tick borne disease – consider a Lyme disease vaccine. Consult your veterinarian for more information on flea/tick control.
• Your dog will have a chance to encounter wild animals that may carry rabies. Be sure that your dog’s rabies vaccination is up to date.
• Put a first aid kit together. You can make your own or you can purchase a kit especially made for dogs. Be sure to include your (or hiking area’s) veterinarian’s phone number. Items you should include (but not limited) in the kit for a short hiking trip are: 4" square gauze pads; Vet Wrap, small scissors, tweezers, antibiotic cream (Neosporin), small bottle of peroxide, antiseptic wound wipe, etc…

Gearing up your dog for hiking:

• Collar with id tags (one for your dog’s information and a Rabies tag)
• Leash
• Water (carry at least 8oz per one hour of hiking time)
• Water bowl (collapsible water bowl is compact and handy)
• Small amount of food/treats if staying for a long period of time
• Dog bootees (may need to protect your dog’s paws from trail hazards such as rocks, thorns, sticks, broken glasses, etc…)
• First Aid Kit (make up your own or buy dog first aid kit)
• Towel
• Poop bag
• Doggie backpack (if your dog is comfortable carrying it on his back – do not over pack)

Tips for the hiking day:

• Do not feed your dog right before the hiking trip. They might get sick from over excitement.
• Keep your dog on a leash and under control at all times. Be sure to supervise your dog around other hikers and animals.
• Be sure your dog is well hydrated. Always carry plenty of water and offer it to your dog frequently.
• Keep your dog out of poison ivy. Dogs do not get poison ivy, but they can transmit to humans.
• When you stop to rest, check your dog for ticks.
  
• Do not allow your dog to drink out of surface water such as streams, ponds, puddles and creeks. They can contain pollutants and contaminants.
• Be sure to pick up your dog’s waste.

After the hiking:

• Check your dog’s body thoroughly for ticks. Do extra checking on your dog’s ears, head, neck and between toes.
• Rest well.