Summer is right around the corner, and we all know what that means – it’s hiking season!
Hiking is a great way to keep active, stay healthy, and explore the nature around you. What’s even better is that you don’t have to leave your dog behind, alone at home or trouble yourself with looking for someone to dog sit.
Hiking with your dog is one of the most pleasurable activities ever! However, to prepare for your hike and ensure things go off without a hitch, there are a few things you can do.
Know your dog
First things first, you know your dog best! Is he a hiking breed or the type that needs daily activities to spend all the energy they have?
Not all dogs can manage long, challenging trails, and they’ll need a shorter hike. The altitude, the distance, the heat, or other unsuitable weather would only make things more difficult, not only for you but for your furry companion as well.
In this case, you should invest in a doggy carrier or a backpack that can get a tired dog out of the forest. It wouldn’t be very fun for you to have to carry your dog out for miles and miles!
If you have a mid-size breed of the sporting, herding, and working kind, you can freely plan a longer hike that would satisfy your needs and that you can enjoy with your dog along.
Best to check with a local veterinarian so you can be ready for the challenges that your dog can face.
Next, on to the trail path that spikes your interest. What you would need to take into consideration are the rules of the trail and how dog-friendly it is.
This mostly depends on how well trained your dog is, how respectful it is of your surroundings, and interaction with other people and other pets, in this case, other hikers and their dogs. The training of your dog and its discipline plays a great part in this.
Try teaching your dog some commands and giving him some training that would make the hike easier for both of you. For example, “Let’s go”, “Stop”, “Slow down” or “Sit” are primary commands that you can use outside of the trail as well.
Preparing for your hike
With you and your dog as a team, you can start preparing for the hike. There are a few things that you would need to pack with you for your safety, that of your dog and your fellow hikers. If your dog is ready for an adventure, here are a few items that you would need in your pack.
Even when you’re going on a city walk, poop bags are an essential item for every dog owner. We don’t want to leave the mess behind for other hikers alike.
A leash for your dog or a harness so you can intervene if the trail is not as empty and free to roam for only the two of you.
Next on the list is water and food with a bowl that might make it easier to feed your dog if the time comes.
With that, a doggy first aid kit is always safe to have with you, and don’t forget to add dog shoes to this packing list if the trail is too hot for their little paws. You might want to use a paw protection wax if you aren’t up for doggy boots.
With your dog and your backpack ready, try going on a short test hike to check things out. This way your dog can build up the necessary stamina to the distance of your hike and adapt better afterward to different types of trails.
Watch the weather
As the temperatures climb, keep a close eye on the weather and make sure that your dog isn’t overheated or dehydrated. During the hottest days, you might want to avoid the late mornings and early afternoons and go instead when it cools down.
Also check the trail out and see if there’s shade. When the temperatures are up, there is a huge difference between a shady trail and one that is baking in the sun all day! In addition, overexposure to direct sunlight can give you, and your dog a nasty sunburn.
Conclusion
Ample preparation can make a whole lot of difference between a fun day out on a gorgeous hike, and a challenging day where both you and your beloved pooch struggle, so plan ahead!
