The great outdoors is a beautiful place! During the summer many people love to spend their days hiking and exploring. Why not let your dog join in on the fun? Here are a few simple tips to get you excited for your next outdoor adventure with your four-legged friend.
Be in The Know
Be sure to plan where you're going before heading out on a hiking trip with your dog. Dogs aren't allowed on every trail or park, so be sure to check before you go. Knowing your route and how long it will take is always a good idea. You'll want to know how far along you are if your dog gets tired or something happens.
Start Off Slow & On Smaller Trails
Start slow if you've never hiked with your dog before. As with humans, dogs need training to increase their endurance and strength. However, when they are tired, they can't communicate as well as we can. Some dogs can get so excited by the new experiece and overexert themselves to the point of exhaustion only at the start of the hike. Pace yourself and your dog!
Start off by extending your usual walks to be longer and more strenuous. Once you think your dog has built up their endurance, then move on to shorter hikes and see how it goes! Some dogs were basically born for long hikes, but some were not, so you should give your dog time to get used to longer periods of exercise.
Make Sure Your Preventatives Are Up to Date
Whilst the great outdoors is a beautiful place, it is full of nasties that prey on your dog. Make sure their flea, tick, wormer, and heartworm preventatives are up to date. This way you won't have to worry about your dog bringing home more than just great memories of your fun trip. Below are our top recommendations:
Harness
Your dog would feel more comfortable wearing a harness than a leash attached to a collar! A good, comfortable harness is essential if you are going on a long hike as they distribute the weight more evenly than collars and help prevent injuries.
Portable Water Bowl + Drinking Water
The most important consideration when hiking with your dog is to bring enough water. Make sure to factor in your canine companion when calculating how much water to bring. There may be water sources along the way, but it's never a good idea to count on them. Over-preparation is better than under-preparation!
Water bowls are also necessary for dogs, since they can't really drink from a bottle. There are cool collapsible dog bowls specifically designed for hiking that you can find. However, any lightweight bowl will do the job just fine.
Summary
It is not much more complicated to hike with your dog than it is to hike alone. However, ensuring you are prepared and know what to do in sticky situations will give you peace of mind. We hope this short guide has helped you get the courage to go on your first adventure with your dog by your side!
