Summer Hiking With Dogs
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With the long days of summer ahead, you'll have all kinds of time for hiking with your dog. Just make sure that you choose the right time for your adventures.
All hikers, but especially those with dogs, should avoid hiking during the hottest hours of the day. Summer sun can increase the risk of over-exertion and heat stroke dramatically--especially in those whose dogged enthusiasm for the hike will trump their body's cry for a water break, every time. The sun is at its meanest between 10:00am-2:00 pm. A lack of shade and/or high humidity will add to the sun's punch even more. So even if you and your pal favor sleeping in on summer mornings, always set that alarm and rise early to hit the trail. Prepare For The Heat,
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First and foremost, hit the trail with a healthy dog; know his/her personal tolerance for heat and exertion, and watch for signs of physical distress.
Light colored, thin-coated dogs, and dogs with pink noses may actually need sunscreen as much as you; check with your veterinarian before you go.
Carry plenty of fresh water for both you and your dog. Never let your dog drink from natural water sources; most carry a variety of belly-whomping bacteria.
Play it safe; turn back when your water is half gone. Consider leaving additional bottles in the trunk of your car for the end of the hike.
Take lots of breaks in the shade; and offer your dog small drinks, often -- a panting dog will throw the water back up if he gulps it down.
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Paved trails and parking lots can burn the pads of your dog's feet. If you wouldn't walk barefoot on a surface, your dog shouldn't either.
If the trip includes a car ride, open windows and doors, and crank the A/C before putting your dog inside. Hot leather and seat buckles can burn.
Never leave your dog in the car, even if you're just making a pit stop. Temperatures can soar in a matter of minutes.
A late afternoon hike can be cool. Just keep it short and sweet so that you return before dark, and watch for more active wildlife at dusk.
NOTE: All of the above applies to the human hiker (except perhaps the veterinary advice). Drink Often, Take Breaks, and Wear Sunscreen.
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Signs of Possible Dehydration In Dogs |
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"The Dog Days Of Summer"
You may have heard the expression; dog days are those unbearably hot, mid-summer days when it's hard to do anything but sit and pant. The Farmer's Almanac identifies July 3- August 11 as the dog days of summer.
But why "Dog Days?" It actually has to do with the constellation of stars known as "Canis Major" (big dog). Get the whole story here.
Strange, but true: Would you believe that in the northern hemisphere, the earth is actually at its farthest from the sun during the summer months?!
But why "Dog Days?" It actually has to do with the constellation of stars known as "Canis Major" (big dog). Get the whole story here.
Strange, but true: Would you believe that in the northern hemisphere, the earth is actually at its farthest from the sun during the summer months?!
You know your dog pants hard to beat the heat, but did you know birds do as well? To read more about how animals cool themselves, click here.
Consider how much water you and your dog would normally drink on a hot day--then double or triple it when filling water bottles for the hike. It's worth its weight!
A fresh poop bag with its sides rolled down can stand in for a forgotten water bowl.
The Beauty Of A Bowl
When deciding how much water to carry for your dog on the trail, another important question to ask your self is, "How much will my dog drink, and how much will be spilled in the process?"
Our pack carries a collapsible dog dish, unless we forget, in which case we use the bag method above. There are also a variety of bottles for dogs with a built-in dish. Check out the video below to see how a dog takes in water when he drinks --you may find yourself rethinking the "sport bottle squirt into the mouth" method.
Our pack carries a collapsible dog dish, unless we forget, in which case we use the bag method above. There are also a variety of bottles for dogs with a built-in dish. Check out the video below to see how a dog takes in water when he drinks --you may find yourself rethinking the "sport bottle squirt into the mouth" method.
How Hot Dogs Cool
Your dog will take on the toughest of trails without breaking a sweat. Make no mistake--she's every bit as hot and tired as your are--her body just deals with it differently.
Instead of perspiration, your dog uses respiration to cool down. In other words, she pants. And pants, and pants and pants. As she does, the saliva in her mouth evaporates and carries away heat just like the sweat off your body.
It's important that your dog gets plenty of water throughout the hike to keep that cooling system operational.
Short-snouted dogs have a harder time cooling because there is less tongue and mouth from which moisture and heat can evaporate. A really short nose, like that of a pug, also makes breathing more difficult in general.
If this describes your dog, listen to her breathing and take frequent, shady stops so that she doesn't overheat.
Instead of perspiration, your dog uses respiration to cool down. In other words, she pants. And pants, and pants and pants. As she does, the saliva in her mouth evaporates and carries away heat just like the sweat off your body.
It's important that your dog gets plenty of water throughout the hike to keep that cooling system operational.
Short-snouted dogs have a harder time cooling because there is less tongue and mouth from which moisture and heat can evaporate. A really short nose, like that of a pug, also makes breathing more difficult in general.
If this describes your dog, listen to her breathing and take frequent, shady stops so that she doesn't overheat.
June / July 2012 HikingWithDogs.net
Brought To You by The Trail Hound's Handbook, Your Family Guide To Hiking With Dogs
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Brought To You by The Trail Hound's Handbook, Your Family Guide To Hiking With Dogs
About Our Website Notice To Parents Privacy Policy Contact Us