HELP Animal Welfare - American Pet Magazine ...

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