Hiking the Appalachian Trail with your dog.

Taking your best friend on a camping adventure or into the backcountry requires some planning and some special considerations.

* Assure your pet is up to date on their immunizations, especially rabies, and on heart worm and flea & tick prevention.

* Check your pet for ticks each night. Carry a set of tweezers to remove them if you find some.

* Offer water to your pet frequently. You may be surprised to find that you may teach your dog to tell you when they want a drink. I have accomplished this multiple times by offering water and stating "Do you want water?".  Soon, your dog may begin to respond to the question "Do you want water?" by coming towards you (yes, I want water), or by briefly looking at you, then continuing what they were doing (no thanks). Eventually, they may begin to make eye contact with you when they want a drink!

* Consider the terrain you will be exposing your dog to. Rocky terrain may result in a paw pad injury and leave your pet hobbling and in pain. Special boots are made for dogs that will protect their pads on rough terrain.

* Consider your pets activity tolerance. If your pet is overweight or older, adjust your activities to your pet's tolerance level.

* A barking pet is annoying to other campers and will scare wildlife away from the campsite. If your dog barks at or chases wildlife, or barks at people - work with your pet in a local park to break the habit before attempting a camping trip.


* Monitor your pet for signs of overheating or becoming too cold.

Signs your dog is overheating:

Early Signs: Heavy Panting, Deep Breathing, Increased Salvation, Seeking Shade

Progressing Signs: Dry Gums, Weakness, Confusion, Inattention, Vomiting, Diarrhea

Progressing Very Dangerous Signs: Pale Gums, Shallow Breathing, Seizures

Ominous Signs: Seizures, Coma progressing to Death

* dogs will often try to keep up with their companions. It is essential to recognize the early signs of overheating and stop the activity so the dog may cool down. Progression occurs rapidly, and sadly, I have seen unaware hikers have their dogs die out on the trail.

Treatment: The best treatment is PREVENTION. Stop the activity when you notice any of the following; your dog is panting heavily, breathing deeply, has increased salvation or is seeking shade. Facilitate cooling the dog by finding shade, offering water, wetting the dog and fanning them if possible. Once your dog exhibits signs of a normal temperature; mild to moderate panting and normal breathing patterns, you may then resume your activities.

Once your dog has signs of dry gums or exhibits weakness, confusion, inattention or begins to vomit - the clock is ticking.

Cool your dog by wetting the dog with continuous running water from a hose or in a running stream, creek or river. If you simply wet the dog, the heat of their body will warm the water next to their skin and cooling will not occur. Once the dog is wet, fan the dog with what ever you can use. Seek the care of a vet if possible. Backcountry dog owners, must recognize the first signs of overheating as vet care is not a reality.


Signs your dog is becoming too cold:

* the major sign your dog is cold is shivering.
  
Treatment: cover the dog with your sleeping bag or clothing until they stop shivering. You can attempt to give them warmed water to drink.