One of the benefits of living in the Pacific Northwest is our incredible access to the great outdoors – coast, mountain, forest and desert, we have it all. Hiking with your dog can be a great experience for both you and your pet. Dogs enjoy the excitement of exploring new terrain and the exercise 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
Here are some tips to make sure that both you and your four-legged friend are safe while hiking.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
Research your trail before heading out. Make sure that dogs are allowed on the trail and check leashing requirements.
National Parks: Park rules may vary, but in general, pets are only allowed in U.S. National Parks along roadways, developed areas and in campgrounds, and must be restrained on a leash no longer than six 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 less than six 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 for a 10 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. Pick up after your pet as well, nobody wants to step in his or her waste.
Control of your dog is also important for the safety of your pet. Wild animal encounters, injuries or loss of your dog can be avoided by keeping your pet on a leash or under strict voice control. Remember, rattlesnakes, bears and coyotes have all been seen in this area, and could result in a deadly encounter.
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. Make sure the contact information on both 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 SUPPLIES
Make sure that you bring enough clean water both for you and your pet. A potable water source may not be available on the trail. Please consider that many of our water sources are often contaminated by parasites such as giardia or by overgrowth of algal organisms are toxic 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 drinking container.
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 should be available for minor wounds. Serious injuries such as heat stroke and exertional rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown resulting from excessive activity) can also occur out on the trail.
Prevention is key – use good judgment 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 seems 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. 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.
DOGGIE APPAREL
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. Repeated use will acclimate your dog to the footwear. Look for a set with a thicker, waterproof sole that can be fastened comfortably, but securely around the dog’s legs.
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.
HAVE FUN!
Lastly, have fun with your pet! Hiking with your pet can be fun and rewarding!
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.