Your dog can be the perfect partner to accompany you on the outdoor trips, but if you have never taken your pet on a hiking trip before, you are probably not confident about how to proceed. So, below are some tips that will help you and your furry partner to have an amazing time.
-> Bringing Food And Enough Water For Two
Long hikes can be breathtaking for both humans and as well dogs so make sure to bring enough food and water to keep both of you hydrated and energized during hiking. Treats will help in keeping your pet’s energy level high and water will prevent them from getting dehydrated. Always remember, your dog doesn’t have sweat glands as humans do, therefore at a higher risk of overheating than you are, so be sure to take regular water breaks to ensure that they stay hydrated.
If your dog lovers to get a job, consider them by making a small doggy backpack. You can put the pet food and some water in the backpack for them to carry on the hike and they’ll love to be a part of a team.
-> Avoid Letting the dog to Drink Water From Standing Pools
Dogs often like to drink from standing pools, but this type of water may contain parasites and may harm your pet, so if you see them going toward standing water, just steer them away.
-> Always Know Your Pet Limits
If your dog hasn’t gone hiking or going for the first time, always start with a short, and easy-to-follow trail. Watch for signs if they are becoming tired. Strong panting and lying down are the signs for the dog has reached its limits. If you observe these, give them some time to rest, and then turn back. But, if your dog can easily handle the first trail, you can go a little longer and on more difficult tracks the next time. Remember that you should never push your dog to cross the limit of exhaustion.
Flea And Tick Prevention
It is important to keep your dog’s flea and tick prevention up-to-date before going hiking. Unsure which product to use? Your vet can help you in selecting the right prevention for your dog. Even with prevention, it is always recommended to check your pet for ticks after you came back from each hike.
Your Dog always Has An Up-To-Date ID Tag
Even though you are using a leash during a hike, sometimes the dog could break away and get separated. So, it is important that your dog has an up-to-date ID tag before going on a hike. The tag should have your dog’s name, your name, and the phone number so that someone can contact you if they found your dog.
A Dog MUST BE Properly Socialized
Never take your dog on a hike if they are not properly socialized as your dog may come across other hikers during the trek. If the dog is not properly socialized, so your dog might get scared or become aggressive when encountering other hikers during the trek and can injure other hikers.
