How to Go Hiking With Your Dog

Planning is a critical issue in running our day-to-day activities. Have you ever thought of going for a hike or nature walk? If yes, how about doing it with your dog? Dogs are sensitive animals, and just like human beings, they deserve good treatment. Hiking is a form of exercise that relieves deep thoughts and the preferable way to enjoy nature.

Therefore, it is quite sensible to take your dogs out as they make the best companions. However, just as you won’t go hiking in official footwear, your puppy also requires necessary considerations.

Do you have some dog training skills that will boost your experience outdoors? Do you have the correct equipment to handle your dog? Most hiking places are in national parks and game reserves or protected areas. Like any other place, national parks have rules and regulations, and failure to follow the rules will see a hefty fine imposed.

Moreover, your dog might become a nuisance to other tourists as not all people love dogs.

Below are factors to consider when going on a hike with your dog.

1) Short-leash your puppy

When hiking, one should keep his/her dog on a short leash. With this, you ensure the safety of your dog. An off-leash dog can disappear out of sight; thus, if you can’t see what your dog is doing, it’s hard to prevent them from getting into trouble, be it encountering some skunk or eating something dangerous. You should only let dogs off the leash if one has verbal control over it.

2) Carrying your dog’s water

Dogs are prone to suffering from excess heat. Therefore, one should avoid hot weather. Dogs also get tired, and unlike humans, who sweat, dogs keep cool by panting. Therefore, it is advisable to carry water for your dog to reduce the risk of the dog drinking from ponds, streams, or stagnant pools of water that may have been contaminated with parasites.

3) Control your dog verbally

A dog’s discipline should also become a priority, and before letting off your dog, one should ensure a proper way of curbing barking. A strong verbal command like “leave it” will ensure your dog doesn’t eat or mess with anything hazardous.

4) Have dog boots

Carrying dog boots with you is also an essential factor. Since dogs regulate their body temperature through their paw pads, boots are considered a necessary essential. They help keep the paws cool. A seat pad is also essential depending on the size of your puppy. Deserts are considered rocky with cactus needles. If a seat pad is expensive, an old blanket can do as well.

5) Remember to have a first aid kit

It is recommended and advised that as one goes hiking, one should carry a first aid kit. A human first aid kit will contain most equipment that you and your dog will likely need in cases of any cuts, bruises, and abrasions. With this, proper knowledge on how to use everything on the kit is advised. It is not a good idea to read the kit’s instructions when one is groaning in pain.

6) Prioritise tagging your dog

Checking your dog’s identity tag and carrying it whenever you go on a hike is also crucial. The tag should have deep details on what someone might use to contact you in case you lost your dog.

7) Always be in sight of your dog

Dogs are too sensitive. They smell, hear or sense many things before you do. Therefore, if a dog barks, they could probably be sounding a warning to you about a possible threat surrounding you. Therefore, it is advisable always to keep your dog in sight if you plan to do a national park adventure.

8) Inform your close persons about your hike

Share your information on where you are going and, if possible, what time the hike will take.
For instance, stuff happens, and if you might be facing an issue, people (neighbors, relatives, friends, or a park ranger) need to have your details. This might help them track you, and calling the ranger for directions is also a good action.

9) Consider your dog’s health

Checking your dog’s condition is another important action one needs to do. For example, if one is hiking in a wooded area, there is a high possibility of having your dogs infested with ticks. Therefore, you should conduct a proper dog examination before and after the hike and confirm whether it may be allergic to anything.

10) Don’t leave any trace

Hiking with your dog also requires one to carry a poop bag. This shows your act of responsibleness and being kind to your community. You can dispose of the waste in a public garbage can or dispose of it once you get home.

11)Dress up your dog

It may look like a joke when being advised to dress up your dog, but on the other hand, it makes for a fun adventure and prevents your dog from feeling cold.

In conclusion, dogs do require attention and preparation from you before going for a hike. This betters your relationship with your dog. Moreover, if you ever thought about hiking, then having your dog’s company is the best deal in town.