Awesome Tips For Hiking With Your Pet

• 5 Great Tips for Hiking with Dogs
• How to take your cat on a day hike (Yes, you read right)
• Day hiking with pets in national parks
• Dogs also can suffer from weather injuries
• Should you bring family dog on a day hike?
• BONUS: "Every aspect of Nature reveals a deep mystery and touches our sense of wonder and awe."

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Day hiking with pets in national parks

Pets are important members of many families, and a vacation with them at a national park is possible, albeit with limitations.

Dogs and cats typically are only allowed in the park’s developed areas, such as drive-in campgrounds and picnic areas, but rarely on trails. They also must be on a leash as well.

So if heading on a day hike, what to do with Rover or Queenie? Some parks offer kennels; short of that, a member of your party will have to stay behind with the pet.

National forests surrounding the national park usually have more lenient rules regarding pets, so if camping you may want to consider pitching a tent there instead, though one of the party will have to stay with the dogs while everyone else hikes the national park.

More tips about hiking national parks:
• What are best times of the year to visit national parks?
• Kid-friendly programs plentiful at Grand Canyon National Park
• Keep hungry bears from breaking into vehicle

Learn more about national park day hiking trails in my Best Sights to See at America’s National Parks guidebook.

How to take your cat on a day hike (Yes, you read right)

Yes, a cat can go day hiking, too. Photo courtesy of Photoree.

Okay, you’re a cat lover. And you’re tired of always reading tips for taking dogs on the trail. It’s long past due for some equal time, isn’t it?

Though some may laugh, the reality is a leashed cat can go day hiking with you. Cats can be trained to do many of the things that dogs are capable of, such as play fetch. Because of a cat’s size, though, we usually don’t do that (Ever see a cat try to catch a Frisbee? Doesn’t work. But a crumpled scrap of paper? She’ll love the game.).

To get your cat to be a great day hiking companion, follow these basic guidelines:
g Start young – A friendly kitten that travels a lot will be more willing to go on a hike. Not so with an older cat that finds new situations uncomfortable.
g Train ‘em like a dog – Use the same principles of reward and association to get a cat to stay in a leash and to follow you commands.
g Keep Max and Chloe safe – Your cat should remain on a leash and in sight at all times. Eagles and coyotes will have no problem making lunch out of your cat should it scamper off.
g Slow down – Unlike a dog, a cat can’t make the long steps to keep up with a human. That means a slower pace and shorter distances. If you want to get quickly to a specific point, you’ll need to get a cat carrier that you place atop your backpack.
g Don’t forget the kitty treats – Just like a dog, your cat will need water and a snack for the trail. Be sure to bring some. Just don’t mix up the treats with your trail mix.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Dogs also can suffer from weather injuries

All too often when day hiking, we think our dogs are impervious to the warm or cold weather. A body covered in hair and the general belief that animals are hardier than humans both lead to this faulty conclusion.

Warm weather
Indeed, as soon as temperatures hit the high 80s, dogs are vulnerable to heat exhaustion and heatstroke on the hiking trail. This is especially the case when humidity is high.

The problem is dogs don’t sweat like humans and instead must cool themselves by panting. Short-faced dogs such as pugs and bulldogs particularly can suffer from heat exhaustion and heatstroke as they don’t pant or breathe very efficiently, and so have trouble cooling themselves down. And contrary to what one might think, athletic dogs also are quite vulnerable, primarily because they don’t realize they’re overdoing it.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke in dogs include dizziness and heavy panting that doesn’t subside. Of the two, heat stroke is more dangerous, as it can result in fainting, a hemorrhage, and even death.

To prevent heat exhaustion and heatstroke, limit hikes with your dog to the cooler morning and evening hours. While on the trail, ensure your dog rests in the shade for a while and that she has cool water to drink. Should heat exhaustion set in, get them into shade where a breeze is flowing, provide them with water to drink, and wet their coat.

Cold weather
Dogs actually are better able than humans to handle cooler temperatures. The cut-off point is when temperatures hit zero or colder.

Frostbite can occur, especially on the extremities of the nose, feet, ears and tails. Floppy and upright ears particularly are vulnerable to frostbite. The good blood flow of athletic dogs, however, generally means they’re less likely to suffer from it.

Another cold weather issues for dogs is paw irritation due to salt and de-icing chemicals.

To prevent frostbite, don’t hike with your dog when temperatures are zero or below. For paw irritation, avoid walking on sidewalks and roads where salt and de-icing chemicals are used. For both ailments, dog boots also ae beneficial.

Find out about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Dogs allowed on some Grand Canyon trails

Dogs are allowed on the North Rim's Bridle Path at Grand Canyon
National Park. Photo courtesy of Grand Canyon NPS.

The usual wisdom is that to leave the family dog at home if traveling to a national park. There is some good news for hikers traveling with a dog to Grand Canyon National Park this summer, however.

Dogs and other pets are allowed in the park, though owners still must obey strict rules. First, dogs always must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. In addition, they cannot go in hotel rooms or on park buses, so you may have to kennel them when you’re in those locations. Kennels (just for dogs and cats) are available only on the South Rim; there is a fee, and proof of vaccination is required. Leashed dogs are allowed at Desert View Campground, Mather Campground, Trailer Village, and the developed areas.

Queenie and Fido can go on a few park trails, if leashed. On the South Rim, those trails include any that are solely above the rim. On the North Rim, dogs are allowed only on the Bridle Trail connecting the lodge and the North Kaibab Trail and on the Arizona Trail continuing north from that point to the park entrance station. Dogs never are allowed below the rim.

Read more about day hiking the Grand Canyon in my Hittin the Trail: Day Hiking Grand Canyon National Park guidebook.

Great day hike near Seattle: Wilderness Peak

Bushtit at Cougar Mountain Regional
Wildland Park. Photo courtesy at Wikipedia.

Connecting trails covers mountain's
west side in 3.6-mile jaunt

The Wilderness Peak Loop, a circle of connecting trails, serves as nice summer jaunt through the forest for kids. The 3.6 miles of trails sit on the southeastern side of Cougar Mountain – the nearest of the Issaquah Alps east of Seattle – in Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park.

A quick 15 miles from the Emerald City, the trailhead can be reached by taking I-90’s Exit 15 onto State Road 900 (also known as the Renton-Issaquah Road). In about 3.4 miles, a small pullout serves as a parking lot with the Wilderness Creek trailhead off of it. If that lot is full, about 100 yards to the west is a paved driveway that leads to a slightly larger lot.

One might call this a trip up Emerald Mountain. Moss, tiny wildflowers, ferns, evergreens and aspen trees abound.

The Boulders
The trails definitely are for elementary school-aged children or those adults carrying a lone child in a baby carrier. A preschooler probably will find it too steep or slippery. The opening section of the trail boasts a number of switchbacks as it parallels Wilderness Creek, the latter’s water rushing down the mountain on its way to May Creek.

After crossing Wilderness Creek, the trail intersects Wilderness Cliff Trail. Take note of the site as the return portion of the hike will bring you back to this fork.

Staying on Wilderness Creek Trail, you’ll head left to The Boulders. The trail then takes a hairpin turn to atop a ridge’s right bank. Watch for Cougar Mountain Cave.

Reaching Shy Bear Pass, Wilderness Creek Trail ends. To make a full loop, you’ll want to veer right onto Shy Bear Trail. In a few yards, take another right onto Wilderness Peak Trail. Watch closely, as a number of trails intersect in the pass.

Summit
Wilderness Peak Trail leads to Wilderness Peak, at 1595 feet the trail’s highest point. As the trailhead was at 395 feet elevation, you’ve climbed about 1200 feet.

Since the summit is forested with old growth timber, so there’s no vista to see the surrounding region. A register sits at the peak, however, and it’s a good, shaded place to rest.

It’s mostly downhill from there. To return to the parking lot, take the Wilderness Cliff Trail for 0.7 miles. After a series of switchbacks, the sound of Wilderness Creek grows as the trail closes on it. Watch for a vista point, from which you can spot Mount Rainier on a clear day. Continuing on, you’ll rejoin Wilderness Creek Trail; take a left and head back to the parking lot.

While the single-file trails are well maintained, be aware that they are steep and during spring can be muddy. They also will be busy on weekends. Given the Pacific Northwest’s wet climate, be sure to bring your raingear.

Learn about trail guidebooks available in the Hittin’ the Trail series.

Should you bring family dog on a day hike?

Larger dogs sometimes can act as
Sherpas on a day hike.

Dogs are part of the family, and kids will want to share the hiking experience with them. In turn, dogs will have a blast on the trail, some larger dogs can be used as Sherpas, and others will defend against threatening animals.

But there is a downside to dogs. Many will chase animals and so run the risk of getting lost or injured. In addition, a doggy bag will have to be carried for dog pooh – yeah, it’s natural, but inconsiderate to leave for other hikers to smell and for their kids to step in. In addition, most dogs almost always will lose a battle against a threatening animal, so there’s a price to be paid for your safety.

Many places where you’ll hike solve the dilemma for you as dogs aren’t allowed on their trails. Dogs are verboten on national parks trails but usually permitted on those in national forests. Always check with the park ranger before heading to the trail.

If you can bring a dog, make sure it is well behaved and friendly to others. You don’t need your dog biting another hiker while unnecessarily defending its family.

Read more about day hiking with children in my Hikes with Tykes guidebooks.

How to speak canine on the day hiking trail

Kneel next to a dog to say "Hi!"

Though dogs and humans get along quite well as far as animal species goes, we do speak different “languages.” When on the trail, you don’t want to send your family dog – or someone else’s – the wrong message simply because you’re not fluent in canine.

Here’s a primer of key “words” you and your children should know when with a dog:
g “Hi!” – Kneeling or bending slightly at the waist, hold your hand out, palm up, to let it sniff you. This is useful when coming up another hiker’s dog.
g “I like you.” – Squint when grinning at a dog. When dogs squint, lay their ears, back wag their tail low and rapidly, and grin (even if baring teeth), they’re saying “You’re my friend.”
g “I don’t want to fight.” – Partially face the dog by turning your shoulder to it, looking down and slowly moving away in a curved direction. A dog is ready to rumble when its head is low and the weight forward (as if ready to pounce), its eyes remain on you, teeth are bared, tail is high, and ears are forward. Dogs typically interpret curved movement as nonconfrontational.
g “I’m not a threat.” – Yawn, look away and back away slowly. If a dog is trying to determine if you’re a threat or not, its tail will go up and remain still, its ears will go up and forward, and it may hold its breath.
g “It’s all right.” – Pet your dog and yawn with it, showing there’s nothing to fear. Dogs often yawn when they are anxious and desire your soothing. Frightened dogs will tuck their tails between their legs, squint or blink a lot, and curve their back.
g “Give me some time to myself.” – If you need time alone, say to check out the map, turn around to let your dog know you need to “sort things out.” When dogs are a bit confused or frustrated they’ll turn away from you.
g “Stay away from that.” – Stand between the dog and the object (such your backpack on the ground during a rest stop) you want it to stay away from. By doing this, you’re herding the dog away from the object, just as they would do to one another in a pack.
g “You’ve done well!” – Kneel next to the dog and pet the back of its head down to its upper back.
g “Go over there.” – Point to where you want the dog to sit and lay.

Read more about day hiking with children in my Hikes with Tykes guidebooks.

Outfit special first-aid kit for dog on hike

We often think of animals as better fit and more resilient than ourselves. Yet if going on a day hike with your family dog, always be as prepared to handle an injury to Rex or Queenie just as you would for your own child. Your dog’s innate curiosity about wild animals and no paws in boots makes it a prime candidate for an injury on the trail.

Just as you would meet the needs of your injured child in different ways than you would for a fellow adult – for example, CPR for an adult performed on a child would break the youngling’s ribs – you’ll need to be aware of your dog’s special medical needs. That means carrying a doggie first-aid kit apart from the one you bring for your children.

Here’s what to include in a doggie first-aid kit:
g First-aid guidebook for dogs – You can’t be expected to know as much as a veterinarian. A guidebook can help ensure you correctly deal with your pet’s needs.
g Iodine solution – A povidone-iodine solution works well as an antiseptic for dogs that suffer cuts and wounds. It should be the color of ice tea and can be applied with a sterile wash cloth.
g Liquid bandage – These work well for paws with cuts and scrapes. However, do not use them for deeper cuts on other parts of the dog’s body, especially if they require stitches, as they can itch, causing scratching and worse infections.
g Saline solution – This can be useful for flushing gunk from the eyes. Make sure that the solution is intended for use in eyes and for dogs, however.
g Skin stapler – Sterile, disposable staplers can be used to treat skin tears and cuts from barbed wire. Always know how to use one before actually doing so, though; you may want to consult with your veterinarian.
g Tourniquet – Dogs require a unique tourniquet to stop bleeding. Look for a latex strap that doesn't roll or pinch and with a quick-release metal clip.

All of these items typically can be purchased at large pet supply stores or through a veterinarian.

Read more about day hiking with children in my Hikes with Tykes guidebooks.

Ensure family dog knows trail etiquette

For most of us with dogs, Rover and Queenie are family members. So why leave them behind on a day hike with kids? They appreciate and enjoy the run in the wilds just as much as you and your children.

Still, dogs – like children – can misbehave. Just as we should teach our kids to act properly on the trail and model that behavior, so we should teach our dog as well.

Some basic trail etiquette rules for dog include:
g Trained dogs only, please – Your dog should know how to sit, stay and heel. This will ensure it behaves safely when crossing roads or coming upon other people.
g Don’t allow wildlife chasing – Domestic dogs are an unnatural introduction into a wild animal’s habitat; chasing will cause great stress to the wild animal and potentially injury to your pet. You’re fighting instinct, but your dog should come back within two commands if called.
g Familiarize your dog with other dogs – Dogs meeting on a trail sometimes will fight, which can lead to injury. Be friendly to other hikers with dogs to let you pet know that there’s no threat.
g Keep on leash if all else fails – This is especially necessary if your dog has a habit of jumping on others, which can be a frightening experience for children unfamiliar with dogs, if it continually chases wildlife, or if it regularly wanders off.
g Pick up your dog’s waste on trail – Sure, it’s natural, but it’s also smelly and offensive. Kids (and even adults) easily can step in it, making it a health hazard.

Read more about day hiking with children in my Hikes with Tykes guidebooks.

Trail etiquette all kids show learn for hiking

NOTE: This blog entry by “Hikes with Tykes” author Rob Bignell originally appeared at “Hiking Trip Reports” in October 2011.

As with driving on a road or walking on a sidewalk, there are some unwritten “rules” of the trail that help soothe the social fabric. As parents, we have an obligation to fellow hikers (and to our own sanity!) to teach our children these basic rules:
g Let faster-moving parties pass - If hikers are about to overtake you, step aside at a safe spot and let them pass. If you find yourself to be the faster-moving party, don’t crowd and push aside the slower hikers but kindly ask them if you can pass.
g Don’t come to a dead stop in front of other hikers - Hikers behind you will either have to come to a dead stop, too, or crash into you. Both can result in injury. At the very least, it’s an annoyance. If you need to stop, pull off to the side of the trail so others can pass.
g Be casually friendly - Be friendly to other hikers by acknowledging them as passing and stopping to talk if they so desire. You may be able to share knowledge of the trail. At the same time, don’t give out too much information about yourself to strangers. While most people on trails are safe, you don’t want to unnecessarily put yourself at risk, especially if you have children with you.
g Don’t pet another hiker’s dog unless you have permission - Presuming dogs on a hiking trail are safe seems reasonable, but not all are child-friendly. Some friendly ones even may be startled by your child. Kids should stay away from a dog unless it is acting friendly and then not touch unless the other hiker stops and invites the child to pet it.
g Walk single file on narrow trails - If you can’t walk two abreast on a trail without crashing through branches or going slightly off trail, then walk single file. Widening trails destroys the natural setting and can create problems for other hikers. For example, a small rock avalanche can occur on switchbacks. Hikers below you won’t appreciate that, and the rolling rocks also will erode the trail. In flat grassy areas, a multitude of trails created by hikers trying to walk side by side can create confusion for future hikers as a map only shows one trail through the meadow or prairie.
g Know when to be quiet - Keep noise to a minimum and your conversations down when passing campgrounds or other hikers. Many come to the wilds for solitude and to escape the noise and bustle of city life. Respect them just as you would the customs of people in a foreign country when visiting their land. As Caroline M., of Glens Falls, N.Y., advises: “Shouts and whistles only should be used during emergencies. Turn off your cell phone, too. You went on the hike to be with your kids and enjoy nature, not to chat on the phone.”
g Never tamper with signs or other trial markers - Other hikers depend upon these markers so they don’t get lost. There are hikers who believe such man-made intrusions scar the landscape, and so they always knock over cairns, or man-made rock piles, when coming across them. I can understand this temptation in remote backcountry, but such behavior on day hiking trails that kids traverse endangers lives.
g Always close gates behind you - Some trails cross privately owned land, and through the good graces of that landowner, hikers are allowed to cross it to avoid an extensive detour. If you cross through a gate onto private property, be sure to close it. The gate probably is there to keep pastured animals from wandering onto public lands.
g Do not force your way through fences - Besides running the risk of scratching and cutting your-self, it’ll only enlarge the hole, rendering the fence useless. The fence is there for a purpose.

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.

How to avoid ticks, handle their bites

Photo courtesy of
Wisconsin DNR.

Ticks can infect people with Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

They usually leap onto people from the top of a grass blade as you brush against it, so walking in the middle of the trail away from high plants is a good idea. Wearing a hat, a long sleeve shirt tucked into pants, and pants tucked into shoes or socks, also will keep ticks off you, though this is not foolproof as they sometimes can hook onto clothing. A tightly woven cloth provides the best protection, however. Children can pick up a tick that has hitch-hiked onto the family dog, so outfit Rover and Queenie with a tick-repelling collar.

If heading into an area where ticks live, after the hike you’ll want to examine your body and those of your children for them. Check warm, moist areas of the skin, such as under the arms, the groin and head hair. If they wear light-colored clothing, the tiny tick will be easier to spot.

Also check for signs of disease from ticks. Look for bulls-eye rings, a sign of Lyme disease. Other symptoms include a large red rash, joint pain, and flu-like symptoms. Indications of Rocky Mountain spotted fever include headache, fever, severe muscle aches, and a spotty rash first on palms and feet soles that spread, all beginning about two days after the bite.

To get rid of a tick that has bitten you or another in your hiking party, drip either disinfectant or rubbing alcohol on the bug, so it will loosen its grip. Grip the tick close to its head, slowly pulling it away from the skin. This hopefully will prevent it from releasing saliva that spreads disease. Rather than kill the tick, keep it in a plastic bag so that medical professionals can analyze it should disease symptoms appear. Next, wash the bite area with soap and water then apply antiseptic.

If any of the previously mentioned symptoms appear, seek medical attention immediately. Fortunately, antibiotics exist to cure most tick-related diseases.

Read more about day hiking with children in my guidebook Hikes with Tykes.