Hiking with your dog in northern Arizona

hiking with dog near Prescott
How hot is it going to be in Phoenix next week? 117???? Yee-ow – time for people and dogs (and people with dogs) to get out of town and go hiking in the hills in northern Arizona.

We caught up with awesome Mare Czinar, Arizona hiker extraordinaire, to ask her recommendations on hiking in northern Arizona with your dogs.

Mare, who has eight dogs at home, shared some good suggestions.

Prep before you go hiking

Make sure your dog is ready to hit the trail. Get her vaccinated and protected against ticks, fleas and other summertime dangers, says Mare.

It’s also good to have the veterinarian give your dog the once-over before doing any serious long-distance hiking just to make sure she is in good shape.

Also,know what trails require dogs to be on leashes. That’s especially handy when you share the trail with horses; a loose dog can get a horse tangled up pretty fast and that can lead to some bad complications (true story!)

Water, water, water

The biggest problem Mare sees on the trails is that people don’t bring enough water for their dogs. It’s important that people give their dogs water before, during and after the hike.

Generally speaking, larger dogs might drink 0.5 to one ounces of water per pound. Dogs 20 pounds and lighter will be closer to 1.5 ounces per pound per day. And just like with people, it always pays to have more water than you think you will use.

Water is the best insurance you can have on the trails. If you or your dog get hurt, you will be grateful for that extra water you carried.

Favorite dog-friendly hiking trails

Two of Mare’s favorite hikes to go on with her dogs are Horton’s Creek near Payson and Parson’s Trail near Sedona. She loves these spots with with running water but she also cautions that that water can be harmful to your dog. Water contaminated by animal or human waste can contain bacteria, which can cause diarrhea and worse for your dog.

Hiking with dogs, is just like hiking with humans – a little prep work goes a long way.

Happy trails everyone!

Hiking with the dog in or around Phoenix

hiking near tortoise trail in phoenix
Went to a great presentation at the Paradise Valley REI the other night about hiking with your dog in the Arizona desert — I and several other interested dog people/hikers came to learn from the instructor, Chris, and swap stories about being out there with the dog.

All of us agreed that having your dog on the trail with you is one of the best things ever – It provides both of you with some exercise and bonding time and it is an excellent way to have some companionship without having to say too much.

Chris suggested that before you go it is a good idea to talk with your vet first to let them know your hiking goals. The vet can assess your dog’s fitness and give some any Fido-specific first-aid tips.

When hiking with the dog

He also suggested some other prep work to get you and the dog ready for a Big Outdoors Adventure:

  • Need to have a leash: Non-retractable is preferred. Rein in your dog to prevent them from stumbling onto snakes. Also, some people have gotten their legs shredded when leashes got wrapped around their legs as their dogs lurched for something. It’s good to have a leash with less “give.’’
  • Poop bags: All local trails require people to clean up after their dogs; dog poop carries several disease and viruses harmful to other dogs and people.
  • Medications: You can carry several over-the-counter drugs with you in case of emergencies – talk with your vet to make sure these are right for your dog:
    • Anti-histamines for allergic reactions or swelling. Benadryl is a favorite.
    • Hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting
    • Buffered aspiring for pain
  • Extra bandana and cool towel: Place them on dog’s neck, armpits and ears to cool your baby down
  • Tweezers, pliers, comb, Leatherman: Any of these can help do the trick when your dog dives into cholla.
  • Water: Do you have enough for you and the dog? What about if you were stranded or had to carry the dog out? What about if you ran across another dog in trouble?
  • Vet phone number: Do you have it as part of your contacts on your phone? And do you know where the nearest 24/7 emergency clinic is – just in case.

When getting ready for a hike, I always feel that I am prepping for the Apocalypse. But it’s simply preparing for the worst and hoping for the best. And usually, it is the best, when you are out there with your dog.

Where to hike with your dog?? We have some trails for you

New rules for hiking with dogs in Phoenix

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Starting in July, people can no longer hike in the Phoenix mountain parks and preserves with their dog if the temperature is 100 degrees or more.

Under the pilot program, which went into effect July 1 and runs through Sept. 1, someone who disobeys the rule could be cited for a Class One misdemeanor, be fined up to $2,500 and receive up to six months jail time. Phoenix officials say they will emphasize the educational aspect of the program and not the punitive measures.

Off limits Phoenix trails

In addition, the city has made Cholla Trail in central phoenix off limits to dogs altogether. Too many dogs have been off leash or in danger for heat distress on that particular trail, city officials say. Also, many people didn’t pick up after their dogs either.

Cholla, Piestewa Peak and Echo Canyon trails are Phoenix’s no-dogs-allowed trails. Anyone with a dog on Cholla trail faces the same fines and punishment as those who hike with their dogs if it is more than 100 degrees outside.

Phoenix officials said they have been more reports of dogs being in distress on the trails during this really hot summer. Already this year, six people have died on trails and there have been anecdotal reports of dogs dying but there are few statistics to back that up.

Heat is deadly for dogs

The city of Glendale reported in 2011 that three dogs passed away on trails. The only way the city knew about those deaths was because the fire department was called to help the dogs. “For everyone incident reported, we believe there are dozens of animal fatalities that we don’t hear about,’’ said Sue Breding, Glendale spokeswoman.

For many, it is really a matter of educating people how dangerous the Phoenix summertime heat is to pets. The Arizona Humane Society says it receives up to 50 calls a day during the summer for animal rescues and investigations and up to half of those involve no shelter or water for animals outside.

 

 

Hiking with the Hound

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What to take along on your next hike with the dog?

Pliers.

A good sturdy pair of pliers. Because if your dog is anything like the Beagle who gets her snout into cacti, you will need them.

Also, bring along some good friends. You will need them as well because it takes at least one person to hold the Beagle, one to do the pulling of the cacti and another kiss the dog’s boo-boo. True story.

Nonetheless, the weather is beautiful and the trails beckon for you and the dog. So here are some common-sense guidelines to follow on the trail with your dog. Of course, if you have a Beagle, then all bets are off.

 

  • Keep your dog on a leash. Oh yes, it is just wonderful to have the dog roam free. Except of course when she gets attacked by a snake, coyote or anything else that thinks she is trespassing on their turf. Also your dog can get easily tangled up with other hikers and cause them to fall on the trail.
  • Bring water. No, bring more water than what you are thinking. You just never know and plus you can help out some poor dog whose human didn’t bring enough water.
  • Hike early in the day and select trails that offer some shade along the way.

Liz Illg, owner of Puff and Fluff Grooming and Pet Sitting in Phoenix, says a mini first-aid kit is also a must-have. “There are so many things that can happen on the trail and I like all pet people to be ready if anything were to happen, worse case,’’ she says.

Basic first-aid supplies:

  • Absorbent gauze pads
  • Adhesive tape
  • Antiseptic wipes, lotion, powder or spray
  • Blanket (a foil emergency blanket)
  • Cotton balls or swabs
  • Gauze rolls
  • Hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting—do this only when directed by a veterinarian or a poison-control expert)
  • Ice pack
  • Non-latex disposable gloves
  • Rectal thermometer (your pet’s temperature should not rise above 103°F or fall below 100°F)
  • Scissors (with blunt ends)
  • Sterile non-stick gauze pads for bandages
  • Sterile saline solution (sold at pharmacies)
  • Tweezers

And now that you are fully prepared, get out there! The weather won’t be cooler much longer!

 

 

Keeping safe when it is still summer

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Via Flickr – by John Liu

Well, realistically speaking, we are halfway in the summer season in metro Phoenix. Let’s be honest, the thermometer doesn’t budge until October in Phoenix. Guest blogger Vee Cecil does a great job in reminding us to keep safe out there.

You may be thinking about how to squeeze in another vacation before you have to get back to the daily grind of the rest of the year. And if you have a pet, you may be among the 53 percent of pet owners, who according to TripAdvisor.com, bring their pets along with them when they travel.

While traveling with the family is certainly enjoyable for you and your pet, it’s important to remember that they are vulnerable to many other dangers once they leave the safety of your home. Here’s some advice on how to keep your four-legged family members safe when you travel:         

At the pool. Many dogs love to swim and it truly is great exercise for them. That said if your vacation destination allows dogs to swim, it’s important to use caution when they’re in an unfamiliar pool.

First, be sure your pet knows how to get out of the pool. On his first swim, train him to find the stairs. Second, be sure the pool’s chemicals and other cleaning supplies are kept where you pet can’t get to them. This list of pool chemicals shows what chemicals are needed to clean a pool and how they’re used. It also gives a good indication of just how toxic they are. If your dog comes into contact with these chemicals or ingests them it can be very dangerous. You’ll also want to make sure the chemical levels in the pool aren’t so high that they harm your pet. Be on the look out for red eyes, which can be an indication of over-chlorination, and rinse your pet off with fresh water when he’s done swimming.

At the beach. Dogs enjoy a day at the beach as much as humans, but if you’re bringing yours along with you be sure to take a few precautions. Dogster.com provides several great tips about beach safety for dogs. For example, it stresses the importance of always keeping an eye on your dog. It would only take a split second for you to lose track of them on a crowded beach. And be aware of the dangers associated with swimming in the ocean. If your dog isn’t a good swimmer, it’s best to not let them go in too far, to have them wear a doggie swim vest, and to be on the lookout for ocean creatures, such as jellyfish and stingrays.

On the trails. If you’ll be camping or hiking in the great outdoors with your dog in tow, it’s important to know how to keep them and other hikers safe on the trails. Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) offers some do’s and don’ts for hiking with your dog. AMC notes that the weather should always be a consideration. If it’s hot and humid, don’t over do it. Choose an easier trail, and preferably one that ends with a pond or lake where your dog can cool off. Another great tip: keep your leash handy. AMC explains that you’ll want to have your dog on a leash when you encounter other hikers or if you happen to run into a loose dog on the trail.

At the dog park. If you’re opting for a staycation, there are still plenty of opportunities to get out and about and play with your dog. For example, you might try one of these dog parks in Phoenix. Just be sure to follow dog park safety and etiquette as set out by the ASPCA. In this article on dog parks, in addition to other helpful information, the organization advises that upon arrival you always check to make sure fencing and gates are secure, make sure there’s plenty of shade and access to fresh water, and always, always watch your dog so that you can quickly step in if their play with another dog takes a bad turn.

There’s no reason every member of the family (even the furry ones!) can’t enjoy a great vacation. If you do plan to bring your dog with you on your end-of-summer travels, just be sure to take the necessary steps to keep them out of harm’s way.

 Vee Cecil is passionate about wellness. She often studies the topic and shares her findings on her recently-launched blog. She is also a Kentucky-based wellness coach, personal trainer, and bootcamp instructor.