So you want to start walking your dog. Walking your dog can be a fascinating way to explore America’s great outdoors from a canine perspective. Some things to consider:
dog health
Hiking can be a wonderful preventative for any number of physical and behavioral disorders. One in three dogs is overweight, and running down trails and jumping across streams is great exercise to help keep the weight off. Hiking can also relieve boredom in a dog’s routine and calm dogs prone to destructive habits. And walking your dog strengthens the overall bond between owner and dog.
Breed of dog
All dogs enjoy the new smells and sights of a trail. But some dogs are better suited to walks than others. If you don’t already have a partner, select a breed that matches your hiking interests. Fancy a whole afternoon of hiking? You’ll need a dog bred to keep up, like a retriever or spaniel. Is walking half an hour enough for you? It may not be for an energetic dog like a border collie. If you already have a hiking friend, tailor your plans to their abilities.
Conditioning
Just like humans, dogs must acclimate to the task at hand. An inactive dog cannot be expected to jump off the couch in the den to complete a 3 hour walk. He should also be able to physically hold his dog if he encounters distractions along the way (like a scampering squirrel or a pack of joggers). Have your dog checked out by a veterinarian before significantly increasing his activity level.
Time
The heat and sun do dogs no favors. With no beads of sweat and only panting to disperse body heat, dogs are much more susceptible to heat stroke than we are. Unusually rapid panting and/or a bright red tongue are signs of heat exhaustion in your pet. Always carry enough water for your hike. Even days that don’t seem too warm can upset dark-coated dogs if the sun is shining brightly. In the winter, temperatures at higher elevations can drop well below freezing in just a few minutes. In cold climates, short-coated breeds may require extra attention.
Altitude
If you’re hiking in the mountains and you and your dog aren’t acclimated to the altitude, take it easy and allow plenty of time to rest so your bodies can get used to the thinner air up here.
Bears
The huge, ferocious bear crashing through a tent in our imagination probably refers to the grizzly bear. These bears are long extinct in most places in the continental United States, but we do have the considerably smaller black bear. This bear is notoriously shy and hikers can spend a lifetime in these woods and never see one. Still, always check a ranger station for reported bear activity before starting a nature hike. If you see a black bear, stop and stay calm while keeping your dog close; bears don’t like dogs. Don’t yell and reassure your dog so he doesn’t bark. Don’t run, you can’t outrun a bear and you don’t want to look like prey. The bear will likely leave the area, but if not, keep your voice down and back away slowly, keeping your dog by your side. If you decide to camp somewhere, be sure to hang anything edible in a tree away from your tent at least 10 feet above the ground and 5 feet from the tree trunk.
rattlesnakes
Rattlesnakes are found in every state in America. It is not a particularly aggressive animal, but you should treat any rattlesnake with respect and keep your distance. The colors of a rattlesnake can vary, but they are recognized by the namesake rattlesnake on the tail and a diamond-shaped head. Unless cornered or taunted by humans, a rattlesnake will crawl away and avoid attacking. Avoid rocky areas, crevices, caves, and areas where ground cover (grass or grass) prevents you from seeing the ground. These are all places where snakes are likely to hang out. If you hear a rattle nearby, stop immediately and restrain your dog. Identify where the snake is and slowly back away.
If you or your dog is bitten, don’t panic. Ice the bite, tie a rope or piece of clothing around the leg above the wound (but not so tight that blood flow is cut off), and get to the hospital or vet with as little physical movement as possible. In many cases, a rattlesnake can give “dry bites” where no venom is injected, but you should always see a doctor after a bite, even if it feels fine or your dog looks fine. Keep in mind that snakes serve an important role in the ecosystem; without them we would grow into mice and other rodents, so there is no reason to harm them.
If you’re hiking where rattlesnakes are common, you can seek out the services of trainers that will make your dog “snake-broken” for life.
cougars
These elusive big cats are extremely shy and are rarely seen. Cougars fear humans, but dogs do not scare them. Still, they may view smaller dogs as prey, all the more reason to always keep your dog close to the trail.
ticks
Ticks can carry Lyme disease, HGE (human granulocytic ehrlichiosis), and babesiosis, all nasty things you want to avoid. To aid in combat, avoid deep grass and bushes. Tick repellent for you and your dog is a good idea, and always check your dog’s coat carefully before coming home. Ticks can be hard to spot on dogs with dark or long fur, but a simple comb can reveal any intruders. If you or your dog is bitten, remove the tick immediately. Use your fingers if necessary. Try to grab the tick as close to the head as possible and pull it out. Do not apply any oil before or after removal. If any part of the tick remains, or if swelling/itching or other complications develop, contact your doctor/veterinarian.
Other trail hazards
Dogs will not get poison ivy, but they can transfer it to you. Some trails are littered with small pieces of broken glass that can cut a dog’s paws. Unsightly thorns and thistles can also cover trails that we may never notice in our shoes. Tumbleweeds are also very prickly and prickly in their natural state, and even more so when dry and blown. They can dig into a dog’s fur and cut fingers when we try to remove them.
Water
Surface water, including fast-moving currents, is likely to be infested with a microscopic protozoan called Giardia, waiting to wreak havoc on a dog’s (and human’s) intestinal system. The most common symptom is paralyzing diarrhea. Algae, pollutants, and contaminants can all be in streams, ponds, and puddles. If possible, take fresh water for your dog on the way; your dog can even learn to happily drink from a spray bottle.
copyright 2006