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http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/hiking-safety-tips.html

Hiking Safety Tips

Looking to escape your hometown haunts for a wilderness hike? Don't
forget your pooch! Dogs love to explore our country's vast natural
resources as much their two-legged counterparts—not to mention,
hiking is great exercise for all. But remember, a hiking trail isn't your
average walk around the block. The ASPCA offers some helpful tips
for keeping you and your pet safe and sound on your outdoor adventures.

Extending leashes are great for wide open spaces, but if your romp is
taking you through wooded areas, it's best to leave the flexi-leads
at home. Otherwise, you'll probably spend more time untangling
your dog's leash from trees and brush than you will enjoying your
walk!

If your pup is the trustworthy sort and you want to give him the
opportunity to enjoy some untethered time on your hike, first make
sure that dogs are allowed to be off-leash in the area you're exploring.
Second, be sure that he responds reliably to your recall command—
even the most obedient dog might bolt after some fascinating new
critter.

Hard to believe, but not everyone is as enamored with dogs as we are!
Some people get very nervous around unleashed dogs. As a courtesy,
have a leash on standby to clip to your dog when encountering other
hikers.

Whether you're using a leash or not, don't forget IDs, please! Always
make sure that your current contact information, including your cell
phone number, is attached to your dog's collar or body harness. If
for any reason your pet gets lost, a collar and tags and a microchip
will increase the likelihood that he or she will be returned to you.

You never know what you may encounter on a hike—so before setting
out into the wilderness, check your pet's veterinary records and make
sure his vaccinations are up-to-date.

Training tip: Teach your dog to come to you for treats whenever you
pass by other hikers, especially if they have dogs, too. Your dog will
learn to not interfere with passersby, and at the same time, you're
ensuring he associates new people and dogs with good things, like
tasty treats from you.

If a poop falls in the woods and no one else sees it, do you get a free
pass? NO! There's no such thing as a victimless poop. Please have
respect for your surroundings, native wildlife and fellow hikers by
scooping up after your dog and toting the baggie back to civilization
if there are no trash cans around.

Both of you need to stay hydrated, so bring enough water for two.
Don't allow your pup to drink from puddles, ponds, lakes or streams—
in other words, "nature's dog bowls"—as they may contain nasty
parasites or toxins that could cause her harm.

When your hike is finished, give your pooch a thorough once-over
for ticks and other creepy-crawlies. Pay special attention to her belly,
ears, and any skin folds and crevices. If you do spot a tick, treat the
area with rubbing alcohol and remove the parasite immediately by
slowly pulling it off with tweezers. Be careful when removing a tick,
as any contact with its blood can potentially transmit infection to
your dog or even to you. Wash the bite area and keep an eye on it for
the next few days—if irritation persists, contact your vet.

Posted on SHARE Yahoo group - 10/9/09