Hiking with dogs

This is the most common and most frustrating mistake, and it takes two minutes to avoid.

Dog rules vary enormously between land managers and between units of the same agency. Many national parks allow dogs in campgrounds, parking areas and on paved paths while prohibiting them on almost all trails. National forests and BLM land are generally far more permissive. State parks differ by state and sometimes by park.

Check the managing agency's page for the specific trail before you drive there, and check for seasonal restrictions too -- some areas close to dogs during wildlife breeding seasons.

Where dogs are allowed, leash rules are usually absolute and often specify a maximum length. Assume leashed unless you have confirmed otherwise, and note that a long retractable lead is not a substitute for a fixed-length leash where one is required.

If you remember one thing from this page, this is it, because it is the risk that causes actual harm.

Dogs do not sweat meaningfully. They cool by panting, which is considerably less effective than human sweating, and they will keep going past the point of safety because they want to be with you. A temperature that feels pleasant to you walking can be dangerous for a dog working.

Flat-faced breeds are at substantially higher risk. Brachycephalic dogs -- bulldogs, pugs, boxers and similar -- have compromised airways and much reduced cooling capacity, and should not be worked hard in warm weather at all.

Ground temperature is a separate problem from air temperature. Rock, sand and asphalt reach temperatures that burn paw pads long before the air feels dangerous. The usual test is to hold the back of your hand flat on the surface for several seconds -- if you cannot, the dog should not walk on it.

A dog's fitness is not a given, and the assumption that any dog can hike any distance is how dogs end up sore, lame or worse.

Paw injuries are the most common physical problem on a dog hike after heat, and most are preventable.

A dog on a trail affects everything around it, and most trail conflict involving dogs is avoidable.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. We are a gear site, and questions about your dog's fitness to hike, its appropriate distance, its load limit, its heat tolerance, and anything to do with an injury or a condition belong with your vet, who can assess the individual animal.

That applies with particular force to puppies, older dogs, flat-faced breeds, and any dog with a respiratory, cardiac or joint condition. For those dogs the right starting point is a conversation with a clinician rather than a product recommendation.