It's the time of year to pack up your equipment and head for the hills for a little hiking and camping. Bringing along your four-footed friend is a great idea, but many things need to be prepared and considered.
Remember the value of being prepared. Make sure your pet is current on all vaccinations, and bring along that rabies certificate when traveling. You may need proof of rabies vaccination when crossing state lines, or if an emergency occurs.Also, consider parasite prevention before you travel. While Lyme disease is not all that common in Utah, many of the Northeastern and Midwestern states, as well as California, have problems with Lyme disease, which is transmitted through ticks. A vaccination is available to protect your pets.
It is also extremely important to have not only your pet's usual identification on it, but also an extra set that gives information on someone other than yourself who has your travel itinerary. This is important because many times a pet is found, but, of course, the owner is not home to contact!
Our pets need their own set of supplies: leashes, pens, carriers, extra identification, water (about 1 quart per day per average size dog) and food. This is not a good time to vary a pet's diet, so stick to its usual food.
Be sure to store the food and water in bug-proof containers, and remember to not leave food sitting out as it will attract insects and animals. A large dog can usually carry its own supplies in a special dog pack.
When traveling with your pet to the wilderness, please do not allow it to ride in an open vehicle or leave it unattended in the car, even for a short period of time. Your pet can get heatstroke or possibly be stolen if left alone.
While in the backcountry, check your pet's coat often for ticks, burrs and weed seeds; pay special attention to feet, ears, belly and genitals, where burrs like to hide. When your pet defecates, please pick it up with a baggie and dispose of it properly. I find it easy just to keep baggies in my dog's pack all the time.
Proper restraint for your pet is a MUST while hiking and camping; Your pet can be a nuisance to other people, pets, wildlife and the natural environment if allowed to run free. Even if your dog comes on command 99 percent of the time, it may run off after wildlife and never be seen again. If you do lose your pet while recreating, contact the animal control or sheriff in the area in which the animal was lost. Also alert the local park authorities.
Be careful not to exercise during the hottest parts of the day, and allow your pet to drink water often, making sure it is clean water, provided by you. Do not allow your pet to drink water from ponds, lakes, rivers or streams. Parasites such as Giardia can be ingested, making your pet very ill.
When participating in high energy activities, your pet should be given extra consideration. Dogs will try to please their masters, and this can lead to overexertion. Just as you would not start hiking a strenuous trail after a winter of minimal activity, your pet should be allowed to "work its way up" to strenuous hikes.
Remember, your pet cannot say, "My muscles are sore from yesterday, let's take it easy today." If planning some rock climbing, keep in mind that your pets go barefoot and can easily cut their foot pads on sharp rocks.
Basic first aid training for pets is essential when traveling with your pet. The nearest veterinarian could be quite a trek away, so learn some basics that could save your pet's life.
Lastly, before you leave, find out policies on pets in the areas you'll be visiting; each area may have different rules and regulations. A seminar on hiking and camping with pets will be held, Tuesday, July 13, 7 p.m., at REI, 3285 E. 3300 South. Happy hiking!