Hiking with Dogs
You might be contemplating sharing your hiking experiences with your best friend. Dogs are the perfect companions for a solo hike. You won’t feel lonely or fearful on a trail especially if it’s an unfamiliar terrain.
It takes time to prepare your dog for hiking. You won’t wake up one morning and off you go. Take time to build their endurance first. Your fury sidekick is bound to make the hike even more memorable. Take lots of pictures together and treasure them forever.
Preparing your Dog for Hiking
Before you set out for that first hiking trip together, take time to prepare your dog for the journey ahead. Remember, you might be used to the terrain and long walks but it’s all new to them. Start by researching how long a trip your dog breed can endure.
Visit your local vet and have a conversation on matters of distance and endurance. The vet can help you learn if your dog is in any physical shape for a hike or its best to leave them at home. A small pup might not have the needed bone density for such an energy consuming undertaking.
Next come the vaccinations and medications the dog requires for a safe hike. You might be flying to a new country for the hike. In that case, there are certain vaccines the dog requires. The vet can also prescribe some medicines and supplements to help it keep high energy.
Additionally, the vet checks your dog’s immune system and whether it’s strong enough for a hiking trip. If you have followed the vaccine plan for dogs from when it was a pup then it’s probably in the best shape for the trip ahead.
After a visit to the vet, get your dog trained for long walks. Start adding to the normal walks around your neighborhood. You can even tackle small hilly areas to help them master going uphill. If there is an area with tougher terrain near you, tackle that. The more the dog gets used to long walks and tougher terrains the better.
Furthermore, as you add the walks and intensity, amp up obedience training. Head to unfamiliar areas and train the dog on certain commands. You might be hiking in an unfamiliar area and they get tempted to explore.
Getting the Right Dog Pack
The good thing about your dog tagging along is they can help you carry a couple of essential items for the hike. Get them a dog back that fits their size. Start training them around your area to walk long distance carrying it. It takes some getting used to.
To buy the correct dog back, measure your dog’s circumference then buy accordingly. Don’t buy one that is too tight or too big since it can be uncomfortable. There are many brands and sizes to choose from. Find a dog pack with numerous pockets for packing essential items.
Make sure the backpack is not too heavy for the dog. Even with ample training, it can wear them down on the hike. They need to be comfortable enough to move with ease. Training them works to build endurance but make sure the back doesn’t weigh more than 25% of their total body weight.
Apart from the dog pack, get your dog appropriate paw wear to protect its paws throughout the hike. They can get blisters and injuries if left bare. Choose the right size and train them around the house to walk in them.
Essential Items to Carry for Dogs
In the dog pack, have some essential items ready to use in case you need them.
- First Aid Kit
Injuries happen when hiking. You or the dog cam trip or get a cut. That would must be cleaned and dressed appropriately before proceeding or heading back.
- File and Clippers
Bring along a file and nail clippers to keep dog nails in control.
- Coat
If you intend to camp out or head back in the evening, it can get cold. Cover up your dog with a good coat that protects them.
- Rain Coat
Carry a rain coat even if the weather is nice out. You don’t want to bring home a wet dog.
- Water Bowl
As you keep hydrated on the hiking trip, ensure the dog is taken care as well. Bring their bowl along to help them drink up.
Safety for Dogs
Hiking can be tough for a dog that is not used to it. If hiking in the wilderness, take extra precaution due to wildlife. The best action to take it to always stay on the trail since wondering off can land you both in trouble.
Conclusion
Hiking with your dog is bound to be lots of fun. Prepare accordingly and get ready for a memorable trip.