That time of year is here where getting out and hiking has to be carefully planned to avoid heat and high humidity.  Spring has kind of sprung into summer weather here on and off lately, so pay close attention to the weather before taking your pooch out for a walk.  A few simple rules can help make your walk pleasant for both you and your pup.

• Avoid hiking in humidity over 65% if temps are above 80.  This goes for rainy days that are hot.  Just because it’s rainy doesn’t mean it is a good time to walk.  Take the temps into consideration to.
• I also avoid hiking if the humidity is over 65% regardless of the temps.  This helps me keep to one steadfast rule.  Every dog is different and their tolerance level is different, so make the adjustment that suits your dog’s breed, fit level, and heat/humidity tolerance.  Some dogs are heat lovers and some dogs are not.
• If you can’t stand barefoot for 3 minutes, don’t expect your dog too.  If you walk in paved areas, this rule is not to be ignored.  If you walk in grassy or dirt areas, make sure your dog can safely walk from the car to the hiking path without spending too much time on paved areas.
• Always take 1 water bottle for every mile to a mile and a half you walk.  Just because you don’t walk your dog far, doesn’t mean he doesn’t need a drink.  I usually have 1 bottle for our 1.5-mile walk and another bottle in the car to have when we get back to it.
• Before putting your dog in the hot car after your hike.  Turn the car on, open all windows and wait 3-5 minutes before putting your dog inside.
• This year, I purchased a swamp cooler jacket by Ruffwear.  Brutus has worn it on several occasions and it has really helped to keep his body temps cooler.  If you’re an avid hiker in a hot climate, consider these types of jackets for your pet.
• Stop often, take breaks in the shade and let your dog lay down.
• A cool dip in a stream is always helpful, Avoid letting your dog drink standing water or water at an intersection or outlet that tends to sit for long periods not moving.
• Heeling is no fun.  Let your dog have some head room and take in the smells of the hike.  Just remember to rein him in to pass other hikers.

Heat Stroke in dogs can happen quickly and is not a joke.  We learned the hard way with our other dog, Xena when she had an incident one summer after 5 minutes outside.  She has never been exactly the same. I also take small packs of alcohol wipes which you can apply to your dog’s feet to help with cooling if they get overheated.

You’ll notice I did not mention anything about off leash hiking.  I do not believe any dog should be off leash when hiking.  Too many distractions, dangers and other things that can get your dog into trouble and, in turn, get you into trouble as well.  Just 2 weeks ago, an off-leash dog running ahead of its owner was attacked by a coyote and killed.  If the dog had been on a leash with its owner, this could have been avoided.  Your dog trusts you to keep it safe and make decisions in his or her best interests.  Please do so and keep your dog on a leash.

Hiking with your pet can be a lot of fun if you take the time to make sure everyone is safe and happy.

Brutus modeling his Swamp Cooler Jacket

Happy Hiking!

Til Next Time!

Brutus and L