Hiking with Your Dog - Prep for Them Too!

Sasha loves a rainy walk
on the Mount Vernon Trail.

A lot of people take their dogs along on walks, hikes, and camping trips. They are great companions. I like my dog better than most people I know. Sasha accompanies me on all my day hikes. She's a miniature Schnauzer and not terribly helpful, but she is cute and she keeps me company. She also serves as a way to slow me down when I get into "walking is also exercise" mode.

When you take your dog out on hikes and trips, you need to prepare and protect them as much as you do yourself. Are you taking water for yourself? Don't forget your dog too. They are as susceptible to giardia and other water-borne illnesses as you are. Make sure you have potable water for puppy too.

Did you pack your lunch and some extra food just in case? Pack lunch and extra food for the doggie as well. You might consider a treat or two also. Why? Because they love you. That's why.

Because hiking and bushcraft is a recently renewed interest for me, I asked my vet if there are any additional steps I should take to protect my dog. Here are a few things she recommended:

First and foremost, keep them up to date on their vaccines and flea/tick medicine. All the standards, especially rabies, are a must. You should also make sure your dog is vaccinated for Lyme disease and leptosporosis as well. Leptosporosis is a bacterial infection that is transmitted in the urine of wild animals and infected water, soil, or mud. It is most common in tropical, sub-tropical, and wet environments. It loves places with stagnant water and wild animals. It is increasingly common in the US and Canada. Remember how I said the DC area used to be a swamp?

Sasha doesn't love
closed trails.

Every time your dog rolls in that foul and enticing smell on the ground puts them - and you - at risk. That's right. You too. Leptosporosis is zoonotic. It can be transmitted to humans as well as animals. Getting your dog vaccinated protects you both and frankly, the symptoms of this disease suck.

There is some debate over this vaccine, but talk to your vet. There can be side effects, as with any medication. My dog has never had issues with it and I always get the pets with  issues.

Dogs can also contract Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, Be sure to give them their flea an tick medicine on time. There's even a chewable treat version out now that you only have to give your dog every three months. It also costs less than the equivalent number of doses of the smelly stuff you put on their skin. Ask your vet about it.

Also, if you use a retractable leash, consider using a normal, non-retractable leash instead. (I know some of you let your dog off lead, but in my area, dogs are required to be on leashes at all times.) Retractable leashes are nice. I have one for when Sasha and I walk the neighborhood. In the woods, they get tangled on branches and dogs tend to run off a bit more, then hit the end of the lead and they can get hurt when their necks get yanked back.

Hiking and camping are great fun. They are even better with your canine best bud. Just be sure you take all the safety precautions you'd take for yourself for them too.