Hiking With Dogs

Hiking is one of the leisure activities you can share with your dog. Trekking with dogs is not uncommon and is becoming more and more frequent. After all, those of us who share our lives with pets want to enjoy them as much as possible.

Although it requires a little more planning and infrastructure, pet hiking is doubly enjoyable. These tips will make it easy for you to do it in a safe and fun way for you and your dog.

Prepare Your Dog To Walk Out

If your dog is still a puppy, if you’ve only recently adopted him or if you’ve never been out with him before, it’s important to prepare him first. You’ll need him to learn to walk on a leash.

It’s also important that he obeys you if he’s loose and doesn’t walk away from you in difficult areas. He should also return to your side when you call him if he moves away behind the trail of another animal or playing.

Ideally, though, he should be tied up and, in fact, this is mandatory in many places. You can wear a 10 or 15 metre leash attached to your waist and harness, which will be very practical and comfortable for both of you. But it is interesting that before doing long runs you practice on short walks. It is essential for the trekking with dogs to be safe for him and not end up lost or in an area of difficult access from which he can not get out.

Accustoming him to long walks is also important if you want to enjoy long excursions with him. You can’t expect him to go from a ten-minute walk in the park to a route several kilometres long without prior preparation.

Consider Your Dog’s Physical State

Taking dog trips is as much fun for them as it is for their masters, but keep in mind that all animals are not the same. If you recommend a dog trekking route, you should always assess whether it is suitable for your particular route. Their age, breed and state of health will be those that mark the suitability or not of it.

Questions such as the difficulty of a small dog to walk on thick snow or a dog accustomed to the cold at midday in summer, are crucial to decide whether or not to opt for a route.

Plan The Route Well

Consider issues such as the unevenness or dangerousness of the road. It’s also important to keep in mind if you will have to go through areas that are impossible for your dog because they need to climb or rappel. A route without shade in the middle of summer or a via ferrata is not the most appropriate for your pet.

If you are going to trek with dogs and spend the night in a campsite or other establishment, make sure you admit pets of any size or opt for free camping. Also value in positive a place with waterways to cool down and that there are sources of drinking water on the road.

Learn About The Type Of Land You’ll Find On The Route

There are terrains not suitable for dogs. If it is a long stony road it will be terrible for your pads that can be very damaged and cause a lot of pain. And a long paved road in summer could cause burns. Choose appropriate terrain and times so that he enjoys himself and the fun doesn’t turn into a nightmare.

Water And Vaseline Can Never Be Missing In Your Hiking Backpack With Dogs

Both are essential in dog trips for your health and well-being. The dog needs plenty of water. Especially if you are doing continuous physical exercise. And even more so if it’s hot. Always carry extra water and an appropriate utensil so you can drink without difficulty.

It is advisable to carry more than one bottle or can of water in case one is finished or poured. Dogs need more water than people with respect to their size.

As for Vaseline, you can use this or another specific natural product to treat their pads. They will help prevent them from cracking and damaging. Wounds on the pads are very painful for dogs. If you trek with dogs you should know that there is a type of boots specially designed to protect their pads and paws: value buying him some.

Protect Your Dog From External Threats And Learn How To React To Them

Hiking with dogs involves taking into account what is dangerous for him and trying to avoid it. Use repellents suitable for ticks and fleas, such as pipettes or sprays. Avoid areas of pine forest at the time when the processionary falls to the ground, as it can cause serious problems to a dog and even death.

Be careful in areas of snakes and be attentive to any reaction such as a squeal or limp to act in time if necessary.
Just as important as knowing the dangers is that you know how to identify them and how to avoid them. And, also, how to react in case they do happen.

Always Carry Appropriate Food For Your Pet

Choose a quality feed or a moist food that does not make you excessively thirsty. Make sure it provides you with the right nutrients to keep your energy level at an optimal point.

A First Aid Kit For Dogs And Their Documents, Essential In The Backpack

You don’t need anything very heavy or bulky, but you do need the right protection for the place and the dangers you may face. It is important that you have the phone numbers of at least two veterinarians who are available 24 hours a day in the nearest possible area. And don’t forget their veterinary and legal documents at home.

Hire Pet Insurance It’s a Good Decision

If you go hiking with dogs you will avoid possible annoyances. If you go on excursions with dogs abroad, include it in your travel insurance. It will be worth it for their safety as well as for your peace of mind.
Encourage dog trekking. Enjoy outdoor sports with your pet. Leisure time is always more fun with your best friend next door.

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