Hiking with a dog can be an extremely rewarding experience. Dogs can motivate you to hike higher and further and a hike will be the highlight of you pups day. Also, if your dog has lots of energy, going on a hike is the perfect way to have a calm pup when you get home. Though hiking with a dog can be an awesome adventure, it is important to be prepared. Here are a few tips to get you and your furry friend off on a fun journey.
Research trail dog policy
Before heading out, it is important to research the trail you will be hiking. Not all trails allow dogs and those that do may have certain rules and/or regulations to abide by on the trail. Is your dog friendly with all types of other dogs? If not, then you should avoid dog parks where dogs are allowed off leash.
Keep your dog on a leash
Even if the trail you are hiking allows for dogs to be off leash, dogs are much safer when kept on a leash. Off leash your dog might get out of your sight and encounter unfriendly dogs or wildlife like coyotes and snakes. They could eat something harmful. Also, you want to make sure your dog has an up to date dog tag with your phone number in case they run off and get lost.
Pick up after your dog
Have you ever stepped in dog poop? It’s a unpleasant experience for sure. You may have even stepped in it unknowingly. Many believe dog waste will just breakdown naturally and since you are out in nature why bother picking it up. The truth is dog poop is not fertilizer. It can take up to an entire year to completely break down and is full of bacteria and possible parasites that both can harm other dogs and wildlife. Over time rainstorms wash debris including bacteria from dog waste into local streams and lakes contaminating water often occupied by people. So, before you leave the house make sure you have plenty of poop bags. Look for biodegradable bags that decompose over time. If you run out of bags or forgot to bring them ask a fellow hiker with a dog for one. Some trails have bag stations but most do not. Lets work together to keep our trails clean and safe.
Bring water for your dog
Just like you will most likely want water during your hike so will your pup. Dogs tend to overheat a lot quicker than people do. Some hiking trails have water stations for dogs but you want to keep in mind that some dogs are picky about where they drink water, so to be safe bring a familiar water bowl. Collapsible bowls are nice a compact, perfect for hiking. Also, pack some snacks for you dog, it will give them a little energy boost.
After your hike check your pet
After your hike you want to give your dog a bath to remove any dirt or debris that may irritate their skin. You want to make sure your dog doesn’t have any cuts or ticks as well.
Enjoy your adventure
Your hike with your dog is bound to be the highlight of your day. With the tips provided you will be well-prepared for a fun filled hike. Comment below with any questions or share your experience hiking with you’re dog. Happy Hiking!
You know, I have never put so much thought into hiking with the dog. I must admit that this is really a very instructional article in an odd sense because Innoway you provide instructions for us and I really appreciate that because I wanna go hiking with my dog soon and I have not been sure if it’s a good idea but I am glad I run into articles like this one one