When planning a backcountry adventure or a simple day hike with your
canine companion, bring the right gear and plenty of it—not just
for you, but also for the dog, too. You’ve heard about the Ten
Essentials for people—you need to carry the Ten Canine Essentials
as well, say Craig Romano and Alan Bauer, authors of Best Hikes with
Dogs: Inland Northwest.
- Obedience
training. Your
dog must be
able to behave
properly
around other
dogs, people,
and wildlife.
- Doggie
backpack. Your
dog should
be able to
carry his own
gear,
including food
and water.
Unless you
double as
a Sherpa, let
your sharpie
carry his own.
A general rule
is one pound
in the pack
per twenty
pounds
of dog. (If
your dog like
to immerse
herself in
streams, you
might want
to package
items in plastic
bags.)
- Canine
first-aid kit.
Dogs are
prone to injury,
bee stings
and other traumas.
Take a canine
first-aid course
and read up
on
the subject
for details
on what
include in
a doggie first-aid
kit.
- Dog food
and trail treats.
As with your
own supply,
pack
more dog food
than you think
your pooch
will need.
Also consider
that your dog
will be burning
more calories
than when the
two of you
sit
at home watching
Best in Show.
Scooby Snacks
are a good
idea as well.
- Water
and water bowl.
Your dog has
to intake
sufficient
fluids, too.
Don’t
count on dog
water being
available on
the trail.
A lightweight
collapsible
bowl will make
it
easier for
her to drink.
- Leash
and harness
or
collar. Always
carry
one even it
if is not required
on the trail.
A situation
may
arise that
warrants lassoing
your
Lassie.
- Insect
repellant.
Mosquitoes
love dog blood,
too.
But before
dousing your
dog with
DEET, be sure
that he doesn’t
have any negative
reactions to
it. And use
it sparingly.
Be
sure that he
can’t
lick where
you apply
it (and stay
clear of the
eyes and inner
ears). Ticks
are also a
concern on
some trails
and can be
thwarted
by applying
Frontline or
K9 Advantix.
- ID tags,
microchips
and picture
identification.
Like hikers,
dogs can get
lost. Be sure
your dog has
his ID tags
on.
Carrying a
picture can
help other
identify your
dog. For all
George Orwell
fans, consider
having your
dog microchipped.
- Dog Booties.
Good for protecting
your dog’s
feet on rough
terrain, good
for traction
on snow and
good for keeping
bandages
in place if
your buddy
injures
a paw.
- Plastic
bags and trowel.
You’ll
need the bags
to collect any
presents your
dog may leave
on the trail.
If you’re
on a popular
trail, pack
it out. Otherwise
use your trowel
to dig a small
hole (away
from
water sources)
and bury it.
Additional items
to consider:
- A
brush comes
in handy,
especially
if your dog
is of
the long
hair persuasion.
A
brush will
help remove
seeds
and other
debris and
may also
reveal tenacious
ticks.
- Some
type of sleeping
pad for your
dog is a nice
touch.
- Consider
vaccinating your
canine companion
for giardia—dogs
are susceptible
to this waterborne
parasite, too.
Adapted from
Best Hikes with
Dogs: Inland
Northwest by
Craig Romano
and Alan Bauer,
The Mountaineers
Books, $16.95
paperback
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