YOUR AD HERE »

Hopeful Henry: Hiking safely with your dog

First I want to say a big thank you to the community for supporting the Lake Tahoe Humane Society and SPCA last week during the Big Day of Giving event, they raised $5,920 in just 24 hours! What an amazing job this community did pulling together to help our local animals in need. These funds will be put toward the Veterinary Emergency medical Program, which currently is costing the Lake Tahoe Humane Society more than $7,000 per month.

For those who want to continue to help the Lake Tahoe Humane Society and all it does to help the community, attend some of the many upcoming events. Join me for the Hike and Action Adventure Expo Saturday at the Tree Line Parking lot at Harrah’s. Remember this is a dog-friendly event, but please, all dogs must be on leash. The event starts at 9 a.m. with guided hikes starting at 9:30, 10:30, 11:30 a.m and 12:30 p.m. There is a $10 donation to participate in the guided hike and that includes lunch. There will be a $5 vaccination clinic that starts at 11 a.m. Sign-ups start at 9 a.m. Get there early to sign up for this deal, as there are limited supplies. You will be able to get a rabies vaccination and parvo, distemper for your dog. You can also pre-register on line at http://www.LakeTahoeHumaneSociety.org click EVENT TAB or call the office at 530-542-2857. The event will have lots of fun vendors to explore while you wait for your hike to start or for your pups turn for their vaccinations. Tahoe Production House is providing a couple of professional photographers who will be taking photos of your dog on their hike, a perfect opportunity to get that snapshot for the Tahoe Pets Calendar and Cards contest.

Let’s talk about hiking with your dog, so you’re all ready to go on Saturday’s hike and hikes all summer long. Whether you are planning a hike for the afternoon or for the weekend, remember that dogs need a few supplies to make sure they stay happy and healthy when on their outdoor adventures.



For proper fitness and endurance, train your dog first with small hikes. The hike on Saturday is a perfect starter hike at about three miles total. For those not used to the altitude consider that there might be elevation changes on some trails. Be sure that dogs are allowed on the trails you plan to hike and take note of the nearest emergency veterinary clinic in the area if you are not hiking in your hometown.

Stop frequently and offer your dog water throughout your hike. Don’t feed your dog a large meal before a hike instead, feed a portion of his/her meal and supplement treats throughout the hike. Also, avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day and keep walks to a reasonable pace and distance. Watch for signs of overexertion, such as excessive panting, drooling, weakness or bright red gums. Also look out for hypothermia, frost-nip, and injury to paw pads, lameness and exhaustion.



Don’t forget to check with your veterinarian to make sure your dog is up-to-date on his/her vaccines, as well as flea and tick preventives (depending on the area you are hiking), and properly microchipped before you head out on a trip. You never know what your pet can pick up in the great outdoors. Many parasites and viruses are shared by wild animals, such as distemper, parvo, lepto, intestinal worms, fleas and ticks.

On the trail, keep your dog on a leash while hiking, steer clear of poison ivy, oak and sumac (look for leaves of three), stay away from critters such as snakes, porcupines, bears, mountain lions and coyotes, allow time for frequent rest and water breaks, preferably in the shade and after the hike, check for fleas and ticks.

If you can, hike where there is shade and some water along the way for cooling paw pads. Avoid areas that permit hunting. For smaller or older dogs, forego an overly strenuous hike. For dogs with arthritis or medical conditions, consult your veterinarian.

With a little planning, hiking with your dog can be a rewarding experience for both of you. Along with providing exercise, you’ll be spending quality time together. Be sure to head out prepared.

It’s time to submit furry family member photos to the Lake Tahoe Humane Society’s Calendar/Card photo contest. Visit http://www.LakeTahoeHumaneSociety.org and click on the calendar link, scroll to bottom of the page, fill out form and Submit your photo It is a fun way to support our Lake Tahoe Humane Society and help them help local animals in need.

Submit questions or letters via email to AskHenry@LakeTahoeHumaneSociety.org or by mail to P.O. Box PET South Lake Tahoe Calif. 96158. The Lake Tahoe Humane Society and SPCA has a Facebook page, so stop by and check it out at http://www.FaceBook.com/LakeTahoeHumaneSocietySPCA. Also become a Facebook friend of HopefulHenry at http://www.Facebook.com/Hopeful.Henry or follow us on Twitter @LtHumaneSociety.


Support Local Journalism

Support Local Journalism

Readers around the Lake Tahoe Basin and beyond make the Tahoe Tribune's work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.

Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.

Your donation will help us continue to cover COVID-19 and our other vital local news.