V2_Issue2
V2_Issue2
V2_Issue2
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Hiking with<br />
Your Hound<br />
S<br />
pring is upon us and once again, and Mother Nature calls<br />
us to share in her beauty. So leash-up your four-legged best<br />
friend and head to the hills. Or the dessert. Or wherever<br />
you go when you want to revel in nature’s playground.<br />
Walking in the park or neighborhood is fine. It is convenient, familiar, and takes very little preparation.<br />
But when you commit to a true hike with your hound, you will need to do a little planning.<br />
The first consideration is physical ability. Is Fido an active dog with lots of stamina? Maybe a more<br />
sedate or older dog? Choose the trail accordingly.<br />
I once had a 100+ pound Great Pyrenees that adamantly refused to cross even the smallest of streams.<br />
My oldest dog is not comfortable climbing up and down rocky surfaces. My Bichon mix accumulates<br />
every leaf, twig and burr along the trail, and seems especially proud at the end of the day when he<br />
resembles a tumbleweed more than a dog. We keep a spare brush and towels in the car specifically for<br />
this reason.<br />
Water is essential when hiking with your dog. Our dogs love to drink (and often swim) in surrounding<br />
lakes and streams. But don’t allow your dog to drink from stagnant pools, which often carry Giardia,<br />
an intestinal parasite. Bring plenty of fresh water and a collapsible bowl in your daypack.<br />
In certain areas of the country, be cautious of “Foxtails”, or speargrass, which can lodge in the fur,<br />
nostrils or ear canals of dogs, leading to serious injury. And always make sure your dog is protected<br />
against ticks.<br />
Follow the rules. Dogs are not allowed on many National Park trails. Most State Parks require dogs<br />
to be on leash. National forests have no leash laws. Will you allow your dog off-leash on the trail?<br />
For our constantly hunting Bichon, the answer is “no”. He stays on a leash. Our other two dogs are<br />
well-behaved and return when called, so we allow them more freedom. Picking up after your pet is not<br />
only a courtesy, but essential if we wish to keep our trails pet-friendly.<br />
40 AmericanPetMagazine.com<br />
Whether your dog is big or small, active or a couch potato, as long as he’s<br />
healthy, you will both delight in sharing the riches nature offers. So put on<br />
your hiking shoes, grab Fido and his leash and head to the hills!<br />
hAPPY<br />
TRAIlS!<br />
Written by Julie Emrich Fredrick<br />
Julie Fredrick is an incurable wanderer and ardent animal lover.<br />
Since her teenage years she has loved traveling and experiencing<br />
different cultures, customs and characters. Julie & her husband<br />
rescued 3 dogs, Kismet, Roxie and Chance. They decided to<br />
travel with thier pups as they are ambassadogs of pet rescue<br />
and adoption, as well as spay/neuter. www.3pupsinapopup.com