Hiking together with your Dog

No matter the growing season, it may be wonderful to step out to the trail to go hiking together with your dog. The new air and beauty of nature are the best backdrop for bonding together with your pet one of many other benefits.

Including them in the fun could make them healthy, well-rounded companions. However, you want to make certain your dog is ready for that adventure. Being experienced in the location both you and your dog is going to be exploring is vital.

LED Collar and/or Light

For added safety, bring something reflective for the pet for example an LED collar or perhaps a blinking light. 

Research Terrain

Whether it’s a trail you’ve hiked previously or a new adventure, for you to do some investigation on the location. Hop online and make sure that the park or trail you intend to hike allows dogs. You may also wish to research the kind of terrain both you and your pet is going to be hiking on.

Get a great feeling of the wildlife and vegetation that is local to the area you are planning to hike. Things like poison ivy and snakes are nothing to fool around with! Thoroughly researching the area you plan to hike will help you determine whether it’s safe for your dog and just what you should pack.

ID Tag

It’s terrible to assume anything happening to our pets around the trail, but life happens sometimes which is best to be ready for everything. Always be sure your pet’s ID tag is up to date as well as their collar fits snug, we recommend getting them microchipped. An initial aid kit and tick key are crucial for outdoor enthusiasts.

Sticks and Ticks

Throughout the hike you should pat your dog down and ensure there is nothing stuck within their feet or coat and remain conscious of the wildlife that are specific towards the area you might be hiking. 

Water & Treats

Of course, you’ll want to bring enough freshwater for you personally and your pet. Collapsible bowls and zip lock baggies are a great way to contain your pets water and treats. A good packing list should be specific for your region and trail. Chances are if you feel you’ll need it, same goes with your pet. Sunscreen and doggie booties are always important!

Backpack

Depending on the size of your furry friend, you could have him carry some of the load!

There are several different doggie backpacks that will allow your dog to care some lightweight items for example treats, snacks and some cold water bottles (this will help keep them cool). Just be sure that you don’t over pack your pooch!

Other Hikers

You can’t make sure what’s round the next corner, so always keep your pet on a leash when hiking. There may be other dogs around the trail, so it’s a dog parent’s job to be courteous and appropriately introduce their dogs. 

Stay on Trail

Also, make sure to remain on marked paths and trails, as there may be dangerous vegetation. Rover partnered with experts at the Pet Poison Helpline to make this great resource in case of your pet does are exposed to a mysterious plant. 

Leave No Trace

You will frequently hear many avid hikers and outdoorsmen refer the term “Leave No Trace” or LNT. National Parks and outdoor recreation areas are there for us to use and explore. However, we need to make sure we leave our environment cleaner than we found it.

Poop Bags

Always be sure you clean up after yourself and your pet. Bring along lots of poop bags and throw them away in acceptable trash receptacles.

We can almost guarantee not everybody follows these simple suggestions. However, it’s amazing when we see hikers obtaining after others. If you see trash or other items which don’t belong, take the time to stop and pick it up. It might not be your mess, however, you might help keep the area you love clean and open to hike for many years to come. 

All Sizes Welcome

Many think that pint sized pups aren’t fit for a good hike. We completely disagree!

A Dachshund could be just like active as an Australian Shepherd. We like seeing little guys out on the trials. All dogs, regardless of size will be able to get out and explore the wilderness. However, one must remember that a little dog needs to work twice as hard on the trial.

Lightweights also have a tendency to not regulate themselves as well as larger dogs. You have to know your pet, and maybe cut the trial in two according to your dog’s size. Smaller dogs tend to be more hyper, so taking them on adventures can stimulate them and provide their energy an outlet.

Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that small dogs calorie requirements can double on hikes.  Make sure you bring along plenty of snacks!