10 Hiking Tips And Tricks With Dogs
Hiking is a great long and energetic walk generally on trails or footpaths in the countryside, When you go on a hike you get to explore many places in nature that roads cannot reach. Hiking is a fun and relaxing way to experience the great outdoors with family, friends and pets. Spending quality time in nature helps to reduce stress, and calm anxiety and leads to a lower risk of depression. Hiking offers health benefits even for your pet as it is a great cardio exercise and can lower the risk of heart disease among your pooch. There’s nothing like reconnecting with family, friends or loved one’s on a journey through nature.
Hiking with your four-legged friend can be one of the most memorable experiences. Outdoor hiking is not a strange thing for any dog owner In fact, witnessing the energy and unfiltered enjoyment of your pooch can appreciate you to go further and enjoy breathtaking scenery leading a spectacular time in nature. If your four legged friend loves to go for a walk, and you’re planning on upping your dog’s activity level with hiking then assure that your dog will love the event. However, it’s important to remember that your dog is an animal and there are precautions and safety measures you need to take to ensure that you, your pet and other trail visitors have a safe time.
1. Do your research
Do your research before heading to hike, so that you find the best trail suitable for you and your dog. Many national parks don’t allow pets but will allow them in the picnic areas. Some state parks will limit the trails that allow the dog. Figure it how long the hike is as well-to-do plan accordingly.
2. Obey all the leash laws
There are multiple reasons why letting your dog off-leash is not good, Many trails have off-leash designated areas, which are perfect for the dogs that respond to voice commands. Many dog-friendly trails require your dog to be on a leash. Leash training for your pooch is also important before you take your dog on a hike so that you are not the one being taken for a walk, as there will be many people who are frightened of the dog.
3. Pet first-aid kit
A vet won’t be handy when you are out trekking, so carrying a doggie first-aid kit is very important and also having the knowledge to use it is essential. It's essential not only to pack a pet-specific first-aid kit but also to know some basic first-aid for your pet.
4. Check the weather
Dogs don’t sweat like humans, so they are extra sensitive to heat and humidity. If the temperature is going high on the day of the hike, you assure that there is enough water for your dog on the hike. The flat-faced dogs already have difficulty breathing and are at greater risk. If the temperature exceeds, it’s best to leave your dog at home unless it is conditioned to work at that temperature.
5. Bring treats and foods
Being on a trail all day requires you to provide more food than usual, which your dog consumes. Depending on how long you will hike you may carry the snacks and meal. It helps to maintain their energy levels, dogs need calories too. Check with your vet to ensure that they will be getting enough calories to sustain the level of exercise.
6. Take along your dog's favourite toy
If you’re planning to go on a long hike then take along your dog's favourite toy, as a long hike typically requires you to take a break when you eat. Your dog’s favourite toy will be a good distraction when you have a pooch that likes to try to run off and explore.
7. Bring a pack for your dog
If you want your pooch to do their heavy lifting you can purchase a dog pack that carries their foods, treats, water bowls, toys, and first-aid kit. Pet stores carry different bag packs designed for your pooch to bring along their items.
8. Bring water
This might be the most important tip of all. Hydration for your dog is best handled by the freshwater carried by you. Because a dog cannot sweat like humans and are covered with furs, they are at a higher risk of overheating. Some owners train their dogs to drink water as they pour it from the bottle.
9. Bring poop bags
You also need to make sure that you bring along poop bags to take care of any leavings that your dogs may form on the trails. Remember you are responsible for ensuring the ecosystem of a path is maintained. When it comes to disposing of your dog's waste be respectful of nature and place doggie bags in a trashcan. And if camping makes sure that you leave any pet waste at least 200 feet from a campsite.
10. Check your dog before heading home
After you’ve finished your hiking you’ll have to make sure to check your pooch before heading home. Making sure that your pooch doesn’t have any cuts, marks or other kinds of injuries is vital to maintaining your dog’s health. Check for the bug bites and ticks so that you can care for those issues right away. Also, check your dog’s belly and paws to see if anything got scratched or rubbed.