Hiking With Your Dog

Spring is finally here, and we're all itching to get outside and enjoy the beautiful area we live in.  Taking your dog on a hike is great way to explore the outdoors and keep your dog in shape.  But before you lace up the boots and grab the leash, check out our tips for hiking with your pup.

1. Know the conditions.
Is the trail hard-packed soil? Crushed stones? Jagged rocks?  Is it really steep in places? Is it going to get significantly warmer or colder throughout the day? Are there water sources available? And most importantly, is the trail explicitly not dog-friendly? All of these should factor in to your plans to bring your dog hiking. You want to be sure that the terrain and weather are both something your dog can handle, and that you're not going to place your furry friend in to a dangerous situation. Check weather forecasts, trail maps, elevation maps, and recommendations. Most marked trails are now present online, on either official sites, hiking search engines, or personal blogs. Do a search and see what you find out.

2. Know your dog.

Nobody knows your dog better than you do.  Before heading out on a hike, make sure your pup is up to par.   If they aren't acting themselves, or appear to be tired or lazy, you may choose to not bring them, or choose a more fitting trail/hike.  If your dog is recuperating from a procedure, a sprain, or another ailment, you may choose to leave them at home, as well.  Being their owner, you know your dogs limitations and energy levels.  So if your dog is tired after a walk around the block, you don't want to bring them on a hike up a mountain.  You also want to be sure their paws are in good condition.  If they have a sore or a split pad, hiking could only make it worse.  Examine your pup and use your judgement.

3. Be prepared. For anything!

Any hiker knows that you need to be prepared for anything.  In addition to the basics, such as a compass, map, and extra pair of socks, you want to be prepared for anything regarding your dog.  You need to bring water if you hike by yourself, so you need to bring some (and maybe a collapsible water bowl) when you hike with your dog too.  Don't rely on the availability of natural streams, rivers, or brooks.  Even if the water is running, it may still contain nasty parasites that can be ingested through the water.  You may want to bring a snack or treats for them as well.  Hiking can drain their energy, which you need to replenish, and you may need to reward them if you have to issue commands at all.  And just as you'd bring a first aid get for yourself when hiking, bring some supplies for your dog too, just in case.  Be sure to include gauze and bandage tape, as well as a tick removal tool.  Also, knowing where the nearest emergency vet is helpful to know, if your dog get's injured or has an injury.  Bring the contact info, as well as a cellphone.  It's better to be safe than sorry.

4. Be responsible.

Your dog's safety and well-being is your responsibility.  Make sure they are current on their rabies vaccinations, especially if it's a popular trail for other dogs.  Even when controlled by a leash, trails are narrow in areas, and a passing dog could have just enough time to get in a scuffle with your dog.  Speaking of leashes, be sure to always have one when hiking with your dog.  Aside from being required on most hiking trails, all it takes is a running squirrel to make you wish you brought it.  Your dog may stay by your side or respond instantly to your commands, but always have a leash readily available. You also want to be sure they are current with their flea and tick prevention.  Some treatments repel fleas and ticks, but still be sure to check your dog after each hike, before getting back in your vehicle.

Hiking's a peaceful time to reconnect with nature, get some fresh air, and relax.  For humans and dogs alike.  Be safe, be prepared, be mindful, and you and your pup can enjoy hikes for years to come.