A basset hound climbs the wooden stairs with his pet parents at Cascade River State Park. Perhaps it’s the dog’s floppy ears or sad droopy eyes or just the idea that a basset hound is hiking, but the dog is a star. Hikers stop and ask questions. The dog’s name is Earl, he likes to be petted, and he loves camping, which he’s been doing since he was a puppy.
The Minnesota DNR estimates 11 million people visit Minnesota state parks every year, and 1.1 million of those visitors will overnight camp. They don’t count canine visitors but hiking and camping with dogs is popular. All Minnesota state parks allow dogs, as do many private parks.
Dr. Louise Beyea, a retired veterinarian, likes camping with her dog Shade. She says, “He’s part of the family and well behaved.” Lynn Watson takes her dog Lutey camping because, “She loves new smells, and it’s stimulating for her.”
Before hiking or camping with dogs, pet owners should consider their needs. Beyea says, “Dogs are situational, and immersing them in new experiences could make them anxious and make their next experience more stressful.” Puppies usually adapt quickly, but an older dog may need a gradual introduction to camping. When Marie Zhuikov and her husband decided to tent camp with their adult dog Buddy, they didn’t know if he’d like it, so they pitched a tent in their backyard. Buddy, who wasn’t allowed in their bed at home, loved the tent because he could sleep next to his two favorite people. But some dogs may never like camping.
Planning is important. Ticks thrive in the woods and tall grasses, so dogs should be given tick prevention. They should wear comfortably snug collars with current ID tags. To avoid digestive problems, it’s best to bring their regular food, which is securely stored so wild animals can’t access it. Collapsible food and water dishes are lightweight and convenient. Even on short hikes, a dog’s paws can blister from walking on hot or rocky trails. Booties protect their paws. While it may never be needed, a first aid kit for dogs is essential. An internet search will recommend items to include in the kit, such as phone numbers for nearby veterinarians.
In order to protect dogs, people, and wildlife, dogs in Minnesota state parks must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet and with a human at all times. If a dog doesn’t meet the Americans with Disabilities Act definition of a service dog, it can’t enter state park buildings. Some parks limit the number of dogs a person can bring. Also, dog waste must be bagged and disposed of properly by pet owners. Private campgrounds have similar rules.
People may be tempted to let their dogs off leash, believing they’ll have more fun. But that can be dangerous. Beyea worked 15 years as an emergency vet. Occasionally, she treated dogs who sustained injuries while hiking or camping, many of which could’ve been avoided if the dogs had been leashed. Dogs have the maturity level of a 2-year-old, and Beyea says, “Just as you wouldn’t let your toddler run ahead of you on a trail or wander off in the woods around a campsite, a dog shouldn’t either.” Beyea has treated dogs that tumbled down hills while pursuing animals through brush. She once heard about a dog that died after falling off a cliff.
Dogs who roam freely are more likely to startle wolves or bears. While these creatures usually run from humans, they tend to hold their ground when confronted by an unaccompanied dog, especially if the dog becomes aggressive. Wolves and bears have sharp teeth and claws that can inflict deep wounds, sometimes with lethal results. Encounters with porcupines are more common, and while rarely fatal, they are painful and require prompt medical attention by a veterinarian.
If a camping trip includes a canoe, kayak, or motorboat, the dog should be comfortable on the water and in the boat. Dogs should wear flotation gear, just like their humans. Extra caution is needed when a dog rides in a motorboat. “Some of the most traumatic injuries,” Beyea says, “are caused by dogs being hit by propellers.”
Hot, sunny weather is problematic because dogs can suffer heatstroke. Dogs overheat faster than humans because they don’t sweat. If a dog is breathing hard and fast, or their tongue is enlarged and hanging out, or they’re frothing at the mouth, they need shade, rest, and water immediately. Dogs can overheat on a boat if the sun beats down on them, especially if their coats are dark. Dogs with thin or light-colored coats can sunburn. T-shirts that block the sun are available for dogs.
While hiking or camping, dogs face new experiences. Beyea says, “Your dog may have no trouble walking across a bridge in a city but may refuse to cross a bridge that spans a river or a ravine.” Beyea recounts the time she and her dog Snappy, who was on a leash, climbed 600 stairs to the top of a fire tower. Although her dog willingly climbed up, when it was time to descend, he looked down and refused to move. He weighed 75 pounds, and Beyea had to carry him down.
Dogs have different quirks and needs. Some dogs eat almost anything. Beyea once treated a dog who ate some cold charcoal briquettes soaked with hamburger grease. Watson’s dog Lutey is fearful of thunderstorms, so she packs medication for the dog. Plus, when it storms, she drapes a towel over Lutey’s head, which comforts the dog. Dogs who detest rain may appreciate a waterproof jacket.
Hiking and camping with canines can be a wonderful experience if people plan ahead, follow the rules, and understand the needs of their dogs.