To prevent health problems when you hike with your dog, here are some tips.

• Trim its nails regularly (long nails can splay the dog's foot pad and increase likelihood of injury).
• Bring plenty of water for the dog and allow it to drink often.
• Don't expect the dog to hike like you can. An enthusiastic dog eager to please may overexert itself and get heatstroke in the process. Watch for heavy panting and take frequent breaks.
• Dogs don't do as well going up steep climbs. If it's mountainous terrain, it's better to leave the dog at home than risk hip injury to the dog. Continuous injury to the hips can cause serious hip and joint problems.
• Don't let the dog chase wildlife. Dogs can cause environmental havoc and are a serious concern in national parks.
• Pick up the dog's poop (please). Other people and dogs might step in it. Dog poop can carry disease.

For more info and to nominate your dog as mountain dog of the month, contact Mountain Bones