Hiking Safely with your Dog

Best Dog-Friendly Hikes 

Not all trails are created equal when it comes to our furry companions. Here are some top dog-friendly hikes that are scenic, fun, and safe for you both:

1.  Runyon Canyon, California  This 2.7-mile loop offers beautiful city views, and best of all, it has a leash off area. Please check the map. You can let your pup roam free while you enjoy a relatively easy hike with plenty of water stations.

2. Acadia National Park, Maine  Acadia is known for its dog-friendly policies, offering over 100 miles of trails where dogs are welcome. Check out the Jordan Pond Path—a flat, scenic route perfect for pups who love to take in new scents! Federal law requires that all pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet (2 m) at all times.

3.  Mount Baker, Washington  For more adventurous hikers, Mount Baker offers moderate trails like the Park Butte Lookout . While it’s a bit of a climb, the views are worth it, and your dog will love exploring the alpine meadows. 

Bert's Tip:  Always check trail regulations ahead of time, as not all national parks or trails allow dogs. And remember, even dog-friendly trails may have leash rules in place for your pup's safety. 

Carolina's Specific Hikes Looking to explore the Southeast with your dog? The Carolinas offer breathtaking trails where you and your dog can enjoy nature together. Here are three of the best hikes for your furry companion: 

1.  Table Rock Trail, South Carolina  Located in Table Rock State Park, this 6.5-mile roundtrip trail leads to an incredible summit view. It’s a moderately strenuous hike, so bring plenty of water for your dog. The shade and cool breezes make it perfect for pups in the warmer months.

2.  Looking Glass Rock, North Carolina  This 6.4-mile trail in Pisgah National Forest is a must-do for anyone hiking with their dog in North Carolina. The views from the top are spectacular, and the trail offers a steady climb that’s great for active dogs. Just be mindful of the rock surface at the top, which can be slippery for paws!

3.  Congaree National Park, South Carolina For a flatter, easier hike, try the Boardwalk Loop in Congaree. It’s a 2.4-mile loop through an enchanting forest. Dogs will love exploring the sights and smells of this swampy paradise, and the raised boardwalk keeps their paws dry.

Q & A with Dr. Adam McGarity, DVM:🐕‍🦺

Q. What are the most common injuries dogs face while hiking, and how can we provide immediate first aid on the trail?

- Paw pad abrasions - wash the paw in cool water and wrap with soft gauze and ointment then overlay with stretch gauze.

- Small penetrating wounds from sticks and rocks - clip surrounding hair and clean with soap and water as soon as you get home or to camp. If possible, given the dog's anatomy wrap the wound to keep it clean.

- Ligament/Tendon Sprain - apply a cold compress like a cold wet rag to joint. Your dog may require a rest period, gentle massage, or be carried out and back to camp or car. You could give an anti-inflammatory pain medication like Rimadyl, Carprofen, or Previcox for a few days.

Q. How can we prevent our dog from overheating on hot trails, and what signs of heat exhaustion should we watch for?

- Prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke with proper conditioning, going slowly when the temps or humidity are high, frequent water breaks and stopping to swim. If you're hot then assume your dog is probably feeling more hot.

- Signs of overheating include excessive panting, drooling, difficulty catching their breath because of such heavy panting, weakness, stumbling, or uncoordinated walking.

- Treat by moving dog to shady area, wetting their feet and bellies with cool, not cold, water and applying a fan if available, offer small amounts of water frequently.

Q. What should a basic dog-specific trail first aid kit include?

SUPPLIES

- stretch gauze (i.e. Vetrap)
- non-stick pads
- triple antibiotic ointment
- small pair of battery operated hair clippers ($20 on Amazon) for keeping long hair out of wounds
- brown medical tape (Elasticon) or duct tape
- bath towel for drying a cold dog off or for wrapping an injured leg tight with duct tape
- tweezers (tick or splinter removal)
- hemostat for grabbing or plucking (stick stuck somewhere or in the roof of their mouths, hair around a wound)
- scissors (for cutting skin flaps on pads or bandage materials, or tape off of splints)
- small hand-held fan
- disposable gloves
- eye wash or saline solution
- alcohol wipes
- slip lead for potentially reigning in a dog that is injured and panicking
- muzzle so that if he/she is hurting they aren't able to reflexively bite their owner
- emergency backpack style dog sling for carrying them out on your back

MEDS

- anti-inflammatory pain medication (Rimadyl, Carprofen, Previcox)
- antihistamine medication (Benadryl, Zyrtec, Claritin)
- pain medication (Gabapentin)
- sedative medication (Trazodone, Acepromazine) - in case pet is injured, needs to be worked on, is scared and won't calm down at camp, or needs to be carried out.

Q. If my dog gets bitten by a snake or stung by an insect, what are the immediate steps I should take before seeking professional help?  

SNAKE

- notice specific characteristics and try to take a picture of the snake if possible

- clean the wound with cool water and soap

- pain medication (i.e. Gabapentin)

- anti-inflammatory medication like Rimadyl or Previcox

- ice the area

- wrap the wound loosely with non-stick pad and stretch gauze, loosely to allow for swelling

- if wound is on the head or neck remove the dog's collar in case of swelling

- carry the dog back to the car, holding the wound if possible higher than

- get to an emergency vet as soon as possible, they will need an antibiotic at a bare minimum 

INSECT

- clean the wound with cool soap and water

- apply hydrocortisone cream

- give a dose of antihistamine medication like Benadryl or Zyrtec

Q. How do I assess whether my dog is too tired or injured to continue the hike, and what should I do if I need to stop and rest or head back?

- if they are lagging behind slow down, if they are having a hard time panting and breathing then stop for a bit.

- dogs need to be conditioned for this sort of activity just like we do, practice is important leading up to a big hike, over several weeks increasing the duration and difficulty of the hiking.

- watch strong-willed dogs especially closely, look for ataxia (walking unsteady, swaying, dragging tops of feet), these would be signs it's time to either take a long long break or carry the dog for a while.

- emergency slings will greatly help if trying to carry a dog over 30 pounds for any real distance.

A personal experience from Dr. McGarity:

There is nothing more pitiful than the thought of a dog growing exhausted trying to nervously tread water in the event of a boat capsizing. They don't know to go to shore so they try to keep up with you and the boat, they get confused and just like us aren't thinking straight.

This happened to me when a canoe I was paddling with my 4 year old daughter and dog Captain tipped over in the middle of the lake. Luckily, I had done some extra thinking the day before and had Captain in a life jacket. I was busy tending to my daughter, calming her down and reassuring everyone that we were okay when off to my left I saw Captain. He was doing tight circle after circle breathing hard and panicking but he was okay. I've never been so thankful I did something smart; the life vest was the best $40 I ever spent. A great story that could've been a real nightmare for everyone.

Again, a special thank you to Dr. McGarity. 

You can reach him at (803) 548-7387.