Welcome, Trail Scout
About This Guide
This digital field guide helps you plan safe, enjoyable hikes with your dog. Use the tabs above to navigate through trail planning tips, hazard information, first aid procedures, and more.
Log your hikes and export them as PDFs to track your adventures over time.
Quick Reference
Planning Tips
Learn how to check trail conditions, match trails to your dog's personality, and time your hikes.
Trail Hazards
Understand heat risks, snake encounters, foxtails, ticks, and rough terrain.
First Aid Guide
Quick reference for handling emergencies like cut paws, overheating, and snake bites.
Hiker Types
Identify your dog's hiking personality to choose appropriate trails.
Guide Legend
- General Info: Standard guidance and descriptions (plain background)
- Warnings: Hazards, risks, or urgent issues Highlighted in yellow with gold bar
- Tips: Helpful advice or best practices Highlighted in blue with green bar
Trail Planning
Check the Trail First
Before you lace up or leash up:
- Verify the trail is dog friendly
- Research water sources, trail surface, and shade availability
- Check distance, elevation gain, and weather forecast
- Your dog's tolerance varies day to day
Match Trail to Dog Type
Every dog hikes differently:
- Trail Blazers: Thrive on longer, technical routes
- Casual Sniffers: Prefer flat loops and exploration
- Adventure Seekers: Enjoy variety and mid length hikes
- People Watchers: Like easy trails with fewer surprises
- Sprinters: Love short bursts, avoid endurance routes
Health Check
- Trim nails and check paw pad condition
- Skip long hikes after recent shots, illness, or injury
- For senior dogs: reduce distance, avoid heat, bring rest gear
Timing Matters
- Hike early morning or evening to avoid heat
- Avoid post rain trails if mud or ice are present
- Skip busy times if your dog is reactive
Trail Hazards
Heat & Sun
- Avoid hiking during peak heat from 11am to 4pm
- Test ground temperature with your hand
- Watch for heavy panting, slowing down, or red gums
Snakes
- Stay on open, well used trails
- Avoid tall grass and thick brush
- Leash near blind corners or rocky outcrops
- Do not let dogs investigate under logs or rocks
Foxtails
- Seeds can embed in ears, paws, or fur
- Avoid dry, grassy fields
- Check paws, ears, eyes, and armpits after every hike
Ticks
- Common in woods, brush, and tall grass
- Use vet recommended tick preventative
- Full body check after hikes: neck, ears, groin, between toes
Rough Terrain
- Rocky or icy trails can cause split pads or slips
- Bring dog booties or paw balm for long hikes
- Trim nails before hiking for better grip
First Aid Guide
Always know your vet's number and the closest 24 hour animal hospital.
Carry a small trail first aid kit that includes gauze, tweezers, vet wrap, and wipes.
Cut or Scraped Paw
Signs: Limping, licking paw, visible bleeding or torn pad
What to Do
- Flush with clean water
- Apply gauze or clean cloth
- Wrap gently but firmly
- Limit movement
Overheating or Heat Stress
Signs: Heavy panting, red gums, wobbling, vomiting
What to Do
- Move to shade immediately
- Offer small amounts of water
- Wet paws, belly, and ears
- Let the dog rest and stop walking
Snake Bite
Signs: Sudden yelp, swelling near face or leg, pain
What to Do
- Keep the dog as still as possible
- Carry them if you can
- Get to an emergency vet immediately
- Do not suck, cut, or ice the bite
Bee Sting
Signs: Swelling, limping, scratching, yelping
What to Do
- Scrape out the stinger with a card
- Apply a cool compress
- Watch for allergic reactions
- If breathing changes, seek emergency care
Limping or Lameness
Signs: Not putting weight on a leg, lagging, toe touching
What to Do
- Check paws for debris, thorns, or cuts
- Rest for 5 to 10 minutes
- If no improvement, end the hike and monitor for swelling
Vomiting or Diarrhea
What to Do
- Stop feeding
- Offer small amounts of water
- Head home and monitor
Resources
Emergency Contacts
Fill in your information below. It will be saved automatically.
Poison Control (ASPCA): 888-426-4435
National Park Service: 1-888-275-8747
Telehealth Options
- VetTriage: vettriage.com with 24/7 video chat
- AirVet: Instant video calls with licensed vets
Lost Your Dog on Trail
- Stay calm and stay put
- Leave scent items at last seen location
- Alert local rangers or animal control
- Post on local lost and found groups
Helpful Websites
- nps.gov: Trail rules and pet policies
- petfriendlytravel.com: Dog friendly locations
- weather.gov: Real time forecasts and alerts
- alltrails.com: Trail maps and pet policies
Dog Hiker Types
The Trail Blazer
Confident • Focused • Driven
These dogs live for the challenge. They move with purpose and thrive on tough terrain with clear destinations.
Ideal Trails
- Long distance out and backs
- Moderate to hard elevation trails
- Unpaved forest routes and fire roads
- Wilderness loops with consistent movement
Watch Out For
- Overexertion since they will not slow down on their own
- Heat stress on exposed trails
- Wildlife encounters triggered by prey drive
Examples: Border Collie, German Shepherd, Husky, Australian Shepherd, Belgian Malinois
The Casual Sniffer
Easygoing • Curious • Methodical
These dogs take in every smell and sound. They prefer calm trails and plenty of breaks, and they do not mind turning back early.
Ideal Trails
- Flat, shady walking paths and nature preserves
- Loops or short out and backs
- Trails near water with frequent rest spots
- Urban trails with minimal elevation gain
Watch Out For
- Overexertion from heat
- Steep climbs or rocky terrain
- Distraction by constant scents
Examples: Beagle, Basset Hound, Bloodhound, Dachshund, Senior Dogs
The Adventure Seeker
Playful • Energetic • Social
These dogs enjoy variety, movement, and companionship. They are eager and adaptable.
Ideal Trails
- Lakeside trails with room to splash
- Forest loops with varied terrain
- Dog friendly group trails
- Moderate elevation with shade
Watch Out For
- Burnout from excitement
- Overstimulation around crowds of people or dogs
- Slippery areas or steep descents
Examples: Labrador Retriever, Springer Spaniel, Blue Heeler, Vizsla, Mixed Active Dogs
The People Watcher
Calm • Observant • Loyal
They love being with humans more than conquering trails. They stick close, observe, and enjoy a steady pace.
Ideal Trails
- Short nature trails with benches
- Scenic loops with minimal elevation
- Dog friendly urban paths or boardwalks
- Parks with picnic areas
Watch Out For
- Uneven ground irritating sensitive paws
- Overheating in sun exposed walks
- Fast moving bikes or trail runners
Examples: Golden Retriever, Poodle, Cavalier King Charles, Shih Tzu, Bernese Mountain Dog
The Sprinter
Energetic • Bold • Bursty
Compact powerhouses that charge ahead in quick bursts but burn out fast.
Ideal Trails
- Short trails under two miles with loops
- Flat paths with varied terrain
- Trails with open fields for exploration
- Parks with lots of stimuli
Watch Out For
- Sudden fatigue since they do not pace themselves
- Overheating in warm weather
- Leash pulling from excitement
Examples: Jack Russell Terrier, French Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Corgi, Miniature Pinscher
Wildlife Zones
Know what to expect based on your region.
Northeast Forests
Common Wildlife: White tailed Deer, Black Bear, Eastern Chipmunk, Coyote, Wild Turkey, Barred Owl, Red Fox, Moose in northern areas, Timber Rattlesnake
Southeast Woodlands and Swamps
Common Wildlife: White tailed Deer, Black Bear, Coyote, Alligator, Wild Turkey, Cottonmouth Snake, Barred Owl, Raccoon
Midwest Grasslands and Northern Forests
Common Wildlife: White tailed Deer, Bald Eagle, Coyote, Beaver, Gray Wolf in Great Lakes forests, Snapping Turtle, Red Fox
Western Mountains and High Deserts
Common Wildlife: Elk, Coyote, Mule Deer, Mountain Lion, Black Bear, Golden Eagle, Bighorn Sheep, Pika
Southwest Desert and Canyons
Common Wildlife: Coyote, Javelina, Gila Monster, Rattlesnake, Roadrunner, Jackrabbit, Desert Tortoise
Pacific Northwest and Coastal Ranges
Common Wildlife: Black Bear, Elk, Coyote, Banana Slug, Cougar, Spotted Owl, Raccoon, Pacific Tree Frog
Note: This is a simplified educational guide. Always consult local park services or wildlife agencies for specific area information before hiking.
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Hike Timer
Use this to time your hike