Off-Leash Advice—Special Adventuring Edition

Pupper in Paradise

Dear Off Leash Advice: I’m new to the PNW, and I am really looking forward to taking my dog out on some trails and doing some overnight hikes. What are some things a newbie should know?

-Pupper in Paradise  

Dear Pupper in Paradise:

Welcome to the PNW to you and your dog! Here’s a quick checklist of things to keep in mind before setting out together:

Know your dog’s limits – start off with shorter hikes (maybe start with 1 mile if your pup’s not used to exercise) then gradually increase as their fitness increases. Since you are wanting to try your hand at overnight trips, please slowly work up to it by trying some big mile days close to home before heading out into the backcountry.

Take special care with older dogs or young puppies, they may not be able to take long hikes with you or if they are small enough you can carry them in a backpack.

If it is warm out, be highly aware of your dog’s behavior; excessive panting, gagging, or lethargy may indicate heat exhaustion and they need water and rest in the shade.

Make sure they have a current ID tag and preferably a microchip—Always have multiple forms of identification on your pet when hiking in case they get separated from you. If they accidentally become tangled, collars can come off, so secondary identification like a microchip, is extremely useful.

Carry a leash—most wilderness areas require pets to be on a leash at all times. Generally, it is recommended to have a leash that is 6ft or shorter so that you are in full control of your dog at all times. This rule is in place to protect wildlife and sensitive ecosystems, so it is important for everyone’s enjoyment to follow the rules. Even in areas where a leash is not required, it is still a good idea to protect your dog from other dogs on the trail (even if yours is friendly, not all dogs are) and to protect the native flora and fauna.

Poop bags are a must—As the saying goes “pack it in, pack it out.” You want to pick up pet waste and dispose of it at home to keep the area clean for other hikers and to reduce foreign material left in pristine ecosystems.

High-calorie snacks—make a great addition to longer hikes and overnight trips. If your pet is not used to the higher calorie snack, you might want to slowly get them adjusted a few days before your trip, so you don’t upset their tummy on your hike. Some of my favorite hiking snacks for dogs are raw freeze-dried foods. They are super light and easy to carry and typically pack a big punch, calorically speaking.

Water—Just like we do for ourselves, dogs should have filtered water from home when out on the trail. Though serious infections in dogs are rare, dogs can be affected by water-borne illness, such as cryptosporidium and Giardia.

Beware of Salmon—Never let your pet play with, lick or eat Salmon (trout, steelhead, or pacific wild salamanders) that you will likely encounter here in the PNW. These fish carry a parasite—a bacteria dogs can get that causes Salmon Disease and can induce life-threatening fever and diarrhea.

Paw Protection—For rocky and abrasive ground like volcanic rock, I recommend dog hiking boots to protect the paws while on this treacherous terrain, and for surfaces like sand, pavement, or ice that may get extremely cold or hot, I recommend a paw wax as a protective layer.

Up to date on vaccinations, heartworm medication, and flea and tick treatment—You never know who your dog will encounter on the trail—and unvaccinated dogs are at risk when in public areas—so it is always a good idea for dogs that adventure to be up to date on vaccines. Parasites are another risk that wildlife can spread  like fleas, ticks, and, in some areas, heartworm disease from mosquitos) so preventative is recommended for adventuring in the woods.

First Aid Kit—A small first aid kit can be especially helpful on longer hikes or overnight trips to be able to handle an emergency quickly until you can get to veterinary care.

     -Dr. Katy

Go Kittie Go!

Dear Off Leash Advice:

Is it OK to take your cat camping? We certainly wouldn’t let our cat loose, but would a cat who is used to indoor living react well to a tent or even car camping? We have a harness and leash.

     -Kitty on the Go

Dear Kitty on the Go :

Without knowing any other information, I’d say the answer is “Maybe.” It is highly dependent on the individual cat. Some kitties would be mortified by the idea, while others would thrive. I would start by trying to take your cat on a walk with a harness and leash. If they like that, then I would consider a car camping trip first, and if that goes well, go ahead and try the tent! If at any time your cat starts yowling, panting, or showing signs of distress, it is time to take a step back and rethink your plan. Before you go, I would make sure your cat has a microchip in case they escape, as well as a snug-fitting harness and collar with current ID tags on both for added security.

     -Dr. Katy

Can My Old Dog Take It?

Dear Off Leash Advice: We have an older, large dog who is showing signs of stiffness. Is it still okay to take him on regular hikes (nothing with too much elevation, but several miles per session)?

–Senior Hiker

Dear Senior Hiker:

That really depends on your dog. If you have not started them on a hip and joint supplement, I would do that first, and see if that helps resolve some of the stiffness for now. If there is still stiffness all the time, I would limit them to short walks of less than a mile. If it is stiffness the day after a walk, I would reduce your walk by 10% then try again until you get to a point where they are not uncomfortable the day after. Another option would be to take your pet swimming instead. Swimming is a great exercise for pets with stiff joints because it takes the weight off the joints and allows them to move freely. Good job on thinking of ways to keep your older dog engaged and getting exercise!

     -Dr. Katy

Food For Thought!

Dear Off Leash Advice:

Are there any foods that are better than others for an extended trip with our dog? Is it okay to change his diet just for the trip, or should we keep everything exactly the same?

-Packing for Poochie

Dear Packing for Poochie:

If your dog does well on their diet, there is no particular reason you need to change that diet. If you’re going hiking or on a trip where the amount of weight you are carrying may be a concern, I would consider dehydrated food that you rehydrate on your trip, or freeze-dried food. If you do change the diet for your trip, you want to slowly transition the diet over a 7-10 day period before you leave—to reduce the chance of tummy upset.

     -Dr. Katy

Updated 4/2025