Jill, owner and pet stylist at Fresh Paws Spa mobile dog grooming, with her furry sidekicks, Penny and Cutch in Shenandoah National park, Bentonville, VA at elevation 3,360 ft.
Going for hikes and being with nature just changes my view of life. Spending time outside just improves my mood, reduces any stress I might have and of course improves my physical health. All of those also would be for your dog too.
Safety When Hiking with Dogs
You are an advocate for the safety of your dog. Keeping them safe during a hike is top priority. For young and old dogs, you might want to check with your vet to make sure they can handle a hike. Some dog breeds make a little better hiking buddy than other breeds. With puppies, you do not want to go on long hikes, there might be some challenging areas for them to hike and they have a lot of growing bones. You must avoid hot weather hiking, as dogs are much more susceptible than humans to the dangers of excessive heat.
It’s essential that you take water for your dog. Dogs don’t sweat the way humans do. Panting is their main method for keeping cool, putting them at a higher risk of overheating than you when on the trail. Plus, if you don’t bring water for your dog to drink, you risk your dog drinking from ponds, streams, or standing pools of water, which can carry a high risk. Unknown water could be contaminated with parasites, bacteria like leptospirosis, or other pathogens that can make your dog very ill.
You and your dog may also be venturing into flea and tick territory on your hikes. Make sure you apply EPA-approved tick repellent to all exposed areas of skin, remembering to get spots like your face and the back of your neck. Common types of tick repellent include DEET and picaridin, and oil of lemon eucalyptus. Be sure to examine you dog for any ticks carefully when you get off the trail. Also check for burrs, foxtails, and other debris caught in your dog’s fur.
Hiking Equipment
The girl scout in me wants to make this an enjoyable hike, you should be prepared with appropriate four-legged hiking gear. Some suggested items to bring with you include:
Poop bags
Dog collar with ID tags and a sturdy 6 foot leash (at least 6ft)
Water supply and a portable water bowl
Dog treats, snacks for you, dog food (depending how long you are going)
Pet first-aid kit
Dog booties for hiking in rough terrain
Pet-safe insect repellent
Flea and Tick repellent preventative
Consider a dog pack for them to wear, also can carry your water for you.
Hiking is fantastic exercise and a perfect way to enjoy nature with your furry sidekick!
Jill, owner and pet stylist at Fresh Paws Spa mobile dog grooming, her furry sidekick Cutch at Buttermilk Falls State Park in Ithaca, New York.
Some information was found on the web:
American Kennel Club: Fun with your dog
REI Co-op Expert Advice: Hiking or backpacking with your dog