"Respect the rules: The first rule of taking dogs into wild or natural places dogs is to respect the rules. Remember to keep an eye out for lease restrictions & always make sure you know the rules for the area you want to hike in. Dogs are not permitted on National Park or National Monument trails. National Forests may allow dogs on their trails, but there are exceptions, so check first. Dogs usually are allowed on wilderness area trails but, again, check to be sure.

Keep control: Keeping your dog on leash is a good idea at all times, even when it's not legally required. If you must let your dog off leash, be sure you have good voice command recall.

Health: Dogs must be in shape before undertaking a strenuous hike. If you're not sure about your dog's fitness level, start off small and then work up to longer hikes. Make sure that all of your dog's vaccinations and medications are current, including rabies, bordatella, and heartworm. If you're hiking in an area with Lyme disease, ask your vet about vaccinations.

Hydration: Dogs are often quicker to overheat than people. Heat exhaustion and stroke can be fatal. It's up to you to bring a supply of clean water (drinking from ponds and streams isn't any better for your dog than it is for you) and to make sure that your dog drinks often. Some people teach their dogs to drink from a squirt bottle. Others bring along a collapsible water bowl. If you notice your dog running from shady spot to shady spot, panting excessively or becoming red in the gums, stop and cool him down. Gently pouring water on the stomach and groin area is a good technique. And don't forget that your dog needs to drink on cold days, too.

Packing: Dogs can carry their own weight on a hike, or at least part of it. A healthy dog ought to be able to carry up to 1/3 of his weight in a special dog pack. Start with an empty pack full off shredded newspaper, though, to acclimate the dog to the pack before you gradually start adding weight on successive hikes. And don't put a pack on a dog on a hot, sunny day if there's a chance it will cause him to overheat faster.

Paws: If you're going to be hiking in an area with rough terrain, consider getting some dog booties to protect tender paws.

Post hike: After any hike, do a careful check for ticks and for any burrs or foxtails in your dog's coat. Foxtails can mean an expensive trip to the vet if you let them get in your dog's nose or ears, so avoid hiking through areas with lots of them.

First aid: Some antibiotic cream is a good thing to have along for both you and your dog. Also, some Vet Wrap® bandage tape (which sticks to itself but not to hair or skin) is a good thing to have along.

Join a group: Check to see whether there's a dog-friendly hiking group in your area. Some Sierra Club chapters have canine hiking groups; others allows pets along on some hikes but not others. Never show up for a hike with your dog unless you're certain he'll be welcome (and legal).

Pack it out: It shouldn't need to be said, but it's essential to pack out dog droppings rather than leaving them on the trail or even by the side of the trail. Dog waste is not the same as that other animals, even that of coyotes or wolves. It's dangerous to the environment, especially near water sources, and it makes a bad impression on other hikers — not to mention their boots."

Top Dogs, Cody & Havana, exploring Asheville, NC.

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