One of the benefits of living in Seattle is our incredible access to the great outdoors. Hiking with your dog can be a great 
experience
for both you and your pet. Dogs enjoy the excitement of exploring new
smells and terrain and the exercise is not only good for their health,
but can also help reduce behavioral disorders that result from boredom and inactivity.
There are numerous places to hike with dogs in the greater Seattle area. Below are several resources to help you find dog-friendly hikes in the region.
National Parks: Rules at individual parks may vary, but in general, pets are only allowed in U.S. National Parks along roadways, in developed areas and in campgrounds, and must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet in length, caged or crated at all times. Pets are not permitted inside buildings, on most trails, on beaches, or in the backcountry.
National Forests: Pets are allowed in U.S. National Forests, but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times while in developed recreation areas and on interpretive trails. Most other areas within the National Forests do not require your dog to be on a leash, but they should be under your control at all times. Pets are not permitted in swimming areas or sanitary facilities.
State Parks: Rules vary for State Parks, so it is important to check the regulations for the individual park before heading out. Per the Washington State Park website, pets are allowed in most state parks but must be under physical control at all times on a leash no more than eight feet long. Pets are not permitted on designated swimming beaches.
able to assist you in getting a lost pet home safely.
The best treatment for these is prevention – use common sense when deciding how far and how fast to push your pet. Dogs cannot sweat to remove heat – the main way that dogs cool down is by panting. If your pet does seem to be overheating (rectal temperature > 103.5), have your pet stop to rest in a shady spot. Make sure your pet has plenty of water to drink. If possible, apply cool water to the pet, paying special attention to the feet (dogs only sweat through their footpads) and to the groin area. Take your pet to the nearest emergency clinic as soon as possible – the potential side effects that result from overheating can be deadly to your pet!
Dr.
Julie Irwin, VMD was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. She attended
Cornell University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree with a
dual major in Mathematics and Biology. She then attended the University
of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1998.
Julie and Steve met in veterinary school and were married shortly after
graduation. Julie’s other interests include rowing, cross-country skiing
and hiking. She and Steve, along with their three children, have
recently relocated to Seattle and are enjoying exploring the Pacific
Northwest.
Seattle Veterinary Associates was founded in 1971 by Dr. Sanford Olson, Dr. Donald Canfield, and Dr. Stephen Jones. In 1971, the original practice opened its doors at the current location of Queen Anne Animal Clinic. Coupled with our considerate expansion and the advancement of our medical capabilities at all our hospitals, we are proud to be providing the highest quality veterinary care to pets and their families. SVA is comprised of four locations: Queen Anne Animal Clinic, Green Lake Animal Hospital, Ravenna Animal Hospital, and Northwest Veterinary Hospital.
Source: Seattle Dog Spot
http://www.seattledogspot.com/blog/dog-blog/post/hiking-with-your-dog-in-and-around-seattle
experience
for both you and your pet. Dogs enjoy the excitement of exploring new
smells and terrain and the exercise is not only good for their health,
but can also help reduce behavioral disorders that result from boredom and inactivity.There are numerous places to hike with dogs in the greater Seattle area. Below are several resources to help you find dog-friendly hikes in the region.
- Explorer Dog
- Washington Trails Association
- Best Hikes with Dogs: Western Washington by Dan Nelson
- Best Hikes with Dogs: Inland Northwest by Craig Romano
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Research your trail before heading out. Make sure that dogs are allowed on the trail and check requirements for leashing.National Parks: Rules at individual parks may vary, but in general, pets are only allowed in U.S. National Parks along roadways, in developed areas and in campgrounds, and must be restrained on a leash no longer than 6 feet in length, caged or crated at all times. Pets are not permitted inside buildings, on most trails, on beaches, or in the backcountry.
National Forests: Pets are allowed in U.S. National Forests, but must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times while in developed recreation areas and on interpretive trails. Most other areas within the National Forests do not require your dog to be on a leash, but they should be under your control at all times. Pets are not permitted in swimming areas or sanitary facilities.
State Parks: Rules vary for State Parks, so it is important to check the regulations for the individual park before heading out. Per the Washington State Park website, pets are allowed in most state parks but must be under physical control at all times on a leash no more than eight feet long. Pets are not permitted on designated swimming beaches.
CHOOSE YOUR TRAIL
Research the terrain and potential hazards of the trail. Make sure that your pet is in appropriate physical condition for the hike. Just like you wouldn’t run a marathon without training, don’t expect your couch potato pooch to be ready for10-mile hike without adequate training.TRAIL ETIQUETTE
Be considerate and maintain control of your pet at all times. Even if the trail does not require a leash, other hikers or mountain bikers may not share your enthusiasm for an unleashed pet. An unleashed pet can be frightening and could potentially cause injuries to other users of the trail. Control of your dog is also important for the safety of your pet. Wild animal encounters, traumatic injuries or loss of your dog can be avoided by keeping your pet on a leash or under strict voice control. Rattlesnakes, bears and coyotes have all been seen in this area – a surprise encounter with one of these critters could be deadly for your pet.DOG POOP
Yes, dog poop is biodegradable, but nobody wants to be the next one along the trail to step in it. In addition, even well cared for pets can carry parasites such as giardia that can be transmitted to humans or other animals. Pet waste should be disposed of in the same way that you dispose of human waste. Either pick it up and pack it out or bury it at least 200 feet from any trail, campsite or water source.IDENTIFY YOUR PET
Proper identification of a pet is the most effective tool we have to ensure that a lost pet can make it home safely. Ideally, all pets should wear a collar tag AND be microchipped. Before you leave, make sure that the phone number on the tag is correct. Also, check the registration on your microchip – make sure that your contact information is up-to-date. You may also want to list your veterinarian as a secondary contact – most veterinary offices keep the chip ID number as part of the medical record and may be able to assist you in getting a lost pet home safely.WATER AND OTHER SUPPLIES
Dogs need water too! Make sure that you bring enough clean water both for you and your pet. A source for water may not be available on the trail. If it is, please consider that many of our water sources are often contaminated by parasites such as giardia or by overgrowth of algal organisms that can cause toxicity to your pet. Treat or purify the water for your pet in the same way that you would for yourself. Bring a collapsible water bowl to make sure that your pet has a clean, safe place from which to drink.FIRST AID AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Pad/foot injuries and lacerations are two of the most common injuries we see in pets out on the trail. First aid supplies, such as bandaging supplies or butterfly band-aids may be helpful as temporary first aid for minor wounds. Very serious injuries such as heat stroke and exertional rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown resulting from excessive activity) can also occur out on the trail.The best treatment for these is prevention – use common sense when deciding how far and how fast to push your pet. Dogs cannot sweat to remove heat – the main way that dogs cool down is by panting. If your pet does seem to be overheating (rectal temperature > 103.5), have your pet stop to rest in a shady spot. Make sure your pet has plenty of water to drink. If possible, apply cool water to the pet, paying special attention to the feet (dogs only sweat through their footpads) and to the groin area. Take your pet to the nearest emergency clinic as soon as possible – the potential side effects that result from overheating can be deadly to your pet!
DOGGIE BOOTS
If you will be hiking over very rocky or icy terrain, you may want to get your dog used to wearing booties before the trip. This may help to prevent cuts and injuries to the pads and can be very helpful in snow, which tends to clump in the hair between the pads, causing discomfort and cold feet. It is typical for dogs not to seem terribly appreciative of their new footwear at first, but start with very short sessions, gradually increasing the time that your pet is wearing the booties. There are many different styles and options available – look for a set with a thicker, waterproof sole that can be fastened comfortably, but securely around the dog’s legs.DOGGIE PACKS
Depending on the size and fitness of your four-legged friend, he or she may be able to help carry some of the load by wearing a doggie pack. Make sure that the pack is fitted properly and that your pet has had the opportunity to become accustomed to carrying the pack before you go. Dogs can generally carry between 10-25% of their body weight, but this will vary greatly based on the conditioning and strength of your pet. When selecting a pack, consider the potential weather conditions – if rain is a possibility, a waterproof pack would be useful.HAVE FUN!
Lastly, have fun with your pet! Hiking with your pet can be fun and rewarding!
Dr.
Julie Irwin, VMD was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. She attended
Cornell University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree with a
dual major in Mathematics and Biology. She then attended the University
of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1998.
Julie and Steve met in veterinary school and were married shortly after
graduation. Julie’s other interests include rowing, cross-country skiing
and hiking. She and Steve, along with their three children, have
recently relocated to Seattle and are enjoying exploring the Pacific
Northwest.Seattle Veterinary Associates was founded in 1971 by Dr. Sanford Olson, Dr. Donald Canfield, and Dr. Stephen Jones. In 1971, the original practice opened its doors at the current location of Queen Anne Animal Clinic. Coupled with our considerate expansion and the advancement of our medical capabilities at all our hospitals, we are proud to be providing the highest quality veterinary care to pets and their families. SVA is comprised of four locations: Queen Anne Animal Clinic, Green Lake Animal Hospital, Ravenna Animal Hospital, and Northwest Veterinary Hospital.
Source: Seattle Dog Spot
http://www.seattledogspot.com/blog/dog-blog/post/hiking-with-your-dog-in-and-around-seattle
