Dogs enjoy the outdoors, and taking a hike can be a great activity for dogs and owners alike. However, dog owners must take precautions to ensure their pet stays happy and healthy during the journey.
Before setting off on the trail, owners must make sure their dogs are physically able to complete the hike. Puppies, dogs over 10 years old, and some brachycephalic breeds like pugs are not able to safely complete long hikes.
However, most medium- and large-sized dogs in good health can walk alongside their owners on easy to moderate hikes. Some breeds, like Huskies and mountain dogs, are genetically more suitable for hilly trails.
Owners should assess their pets’ endurance by starting off with short, easy hikes. As the dogs become accustomed to long walks, owners can select more difficult trails. However, some dogs have a natural limit on how far they can walk. In these cases, owners can purchase harnesses or other carriers to transport their dogs part of the way.
In addition to checking if their dogs are healthy enough to walk a trail, owners must also train them with some basic commands. Trails can be full of distracting animals and other people, so dogs should be able to demonstrate a strong recall.
Owners can strengthen their dog’s recall by first practicing the “come” command in familiar areas. As the dog masters the command, the owner can practice in a gradually more distracting environment. When the dog responds to the command at nearly a 100 percent rate, it is ready to go on the trail.
When on the trail, owners should take note of any rules regarding dogs. Some areas require pets to be leashed at all times, while other parks allow dogs to roam freely alongside their owners. In either situation, owners should bring waste collection bags or research the best way to safely bury dog feces in the park.
Like humans, dogs require rest breaks, snacks, and water. Owners can meet their pets’ needs while on the trail by packing essentials such as water containers, food bowls, and treats. Dogs can get sick from untreated water sources, so owners should never let their dogs drink from rivers or streams.
Dogs can injure their paws on the trail, or come into contact with poisonous plants or stinging insects. For this reason, owners should pack a first aid kit with dog-specific antiseptics and bandages. Owners can also prepare for weather changes by taking a cooling vest to protect the dog against heat stroke, as well as rain gear for wet weather. If temperatures are expected to be very high or low, it may be best to reschedule the hike.
Owners can increase their dogs’ enjoyment by taking along toys and giving the dog some tasks. For example, many dogs can help carry some of the gear in a small, specially designed backpack. Dogs can safely tote a load that is under a third of their weight. Depending on the trail, owners and dogs can also play fetch or practice commands.
Even the best-trained dog can become distracted and bolt while in nature. Owners can add a GPS-enabled or satellite safety chip to the dog’s collar in order to locate them. Finally, after the hike, owners should check their dogs for any abrasions or tick bites.
