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Happy Trails to You & Your Dog
By Donna Smallin
Aaaah...it’s
summertime at last. The trails are finally drying out, the mosquitoes
and black flies are getting a little less bothersome, and you can’t
wait to take a hike with your four-legged companion. You’re ready,
but is your dog ready?
Conditioning your dog
Long hikes, especially all-day climbs, require a considerable amount of strength and endurance. If you’re not in good physical condition, you’re going to be one hurtin’ puppy. The same is true for your dog.
Be sure that your dog gets a good workout at least three times a week. Running is a great way to build muscles; running up and down stairs is even better. Swimming is another good way to condition dogs; just don’t let them overdo it, especially in the beginning.
Nutrition is the other key to proper conditioning. Look for a high-quality dog food that includes animal protein for proper muscle development. High-quality fats are important, too, because fats are the preferred fuel source for dogs under physical stress.
On long hikes, be sure to pack a little trail food for your dog to avoid hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, which can lead to a seizure. Bring your dog’s regular kibble or treats, or try energy bars for dogs, now available in stores that sell hiking accessories.
A quick lesson in doggy etiquette
If your dog is off leash, he should be under your voice command; i.e., he should respond to your call to “come” when other hikers approach so that you can leash him. If you don’t like holding a leash, try a jogger’s leash which attaches to your waist.
If you are hiking in the High Peaks Wilderness Area, you should be aware that a new regulation, effective May 19, 2000, requires that you must “leash all pets while on DEC marked trails, designated camp and lean-to sites, in congregated areas, and at elevations above 4,000 feet.”
On some privately owned lands, such as the St. Huberts Section of the High Peaks, dogs are not allowed at all. Other trails such as those with ladders and sheer rock faces are unsuitable for most dogs. When choosing a trail, the best rule of thumb is to “know before you go.” Look for a guidebook that provides detailed trail descriptions.
While we’re on the subject of trail manners, there is some to-do about doo-doo. Most dogs naturally tend to “go” off trail. But, in the event that your dog leaves a memento on the trail, it is your responsibility to clean it up.
Cool tips for dog days
The
dog days of summer are especially brutal for dogs. If it’s sunny
or humid and your dog is working hard, he can overheat quickly. Plan your
hikes for cool days and avoid hiking between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the
sun is strongest. And be sure your dog has plenty to drink. It’s
okay for your dog to drink from streams; dogs are not affected by giardia.
Watch your dog carefully for signs of heat stroke. If he’s panting, that’s normal. If he’s panting heavily and lying down or digging for cool dirt, your four-legged pal may in the early stages of heat stroke. If he begins to stagger and/or collapse, you know he’s in trouble. Other warning signs include excessive salivation, glazed eyes, rapid or shallow breathing, or a bright red or purple tongue or gums.
Doggy first aid
At the first sign of heat stroke, get your dog into the shade, pour water over his head and neck. Try to get him to drink small amounts of water. Do not attempt to continue on your hike! Once your dog has cooled off sufficiently, return to your car at a nice, easy pace and then head for an animal hospital.
Always check your dog for ticks after a hike. If you find one, use tweezers to grab it as close to the skin as possible and twist it out. You can help keep your dog free of fleas and ticks with 30-day preparations available at pet stores and through your veterinarian. In our neck of the woods, veterinarians strongly advise regular heartworm medication.
If your dog becomes injured, do what you can to make your dog comfortable and get to a veterinarian. Before you go hiking, get a list of clinics in your hiking area from the American Animal Hospital Association. Call (800) 883-6301 or go online to www.healthypet.com.
Dog-friendly lodgings
This may come as a surprise, but there are a number of hotels and inns in the area that allow dogs, provided that you use the pet areas provided and do not leave them alone in the room. The Automobile Association of America (AAA) publishes a book entitled Traveling with Your Pet that lists pet-friendly lodgings throughout the United States, including a fair number that are convenient to some of the finest hiking trails in the Northeast.
Wherever you go, may you enjoy the beauty of your surroundings and return safely home with a happy tail!
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