[pct-l] Tips for taking Dogs on the Trail

[Steel-Eye]

Good evening, All,

A potentially significant risk associated with dogs on the trail is poison
oak.  Most dogs are just the right height to brush against trailside poison
oak and mop up the urushiol.  As you subsequently pet the dog, and as it
rubs against your bare legs, you encourage the risk of getting a bad dose of
rash.  Worse, your dog could also spread the itch among other innocent
hikers.

I have never seen a dog so well trained as to stay exactly in the middle of
the trail to avoid poison oak; they are just too interested on every
trailside "signpost".  Except in N. California poison oak is not very
abundant along the PCT, but it can be there and scarcity will make you lower
your guard.

Dogs aren't the only potential carriers:  The worst case of poison oak rash
I ever experienced came from having curried a saddle horse.  Their legs and
nose are the worst.  It would be wise to avoid touching other people's
animals, even if they are "cute" and their owners say it is OK.

Steel-Eye
http://www.trailjournals.com/steel-eye