Tips For Hiking With Your Dog
Due to the coronavirus, there are a limited amount of activities that are safe to do outside the home. While my dog and I are content spending our days on the couch watching Bravo show after Bravo show, I know that others are having a difficult time being cooped up. Fortunately for the adventurous types, many hiking trails have been opened, meaning you and your pup are free to go on a trek together. Just be sure to keep your distance from other hikers and wear a mask!
Now hiking with a dog isn’t as easy as it sounds. (For instance, my pup has an unfortunate combination of selective hearing and a strong desire to chase after mountain bikes, which makes off-leash hiking an absolute no-go.)
Now to ensure that you and your pup have a safe and fun time hitting the trails, here are some tips and tricks.
Talk to Your Vet
Photo by Jacob Thorson on Unsplash
Before you head off to the trail, make sure that your pooch has a clean bill of health. Schedule a physical to see if Fido is up to date with all his vaccinations or needs any preventative medications.
Be familiar with Trail Regulations
Photo by Stephen Leonardi on Unsplash
It’s worth mentioning that not all hiking trails allow dogs, even if they are leashed. Be sure to do some research before promising your pup an epic hike. You know she does not handle disappointment well.
Pack a Backpack Just for Fido
Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash
As former a Girl Scout, I am a firm believer in the motto “be prepared.” You’ll want to pack a backpack full of items just for Fido. Your pack should include biodegradable waste bags, plenty of water, some dog food, a bowl, and a doggie first aid kit.
Take the Time to Make Sure that your Dog is Doing Okay
Photo by Patrick Hendry on Unsplash
As an asthmatic who has a bad ankle, hiking really isn’t for me. That being said, if I’m with a group of people on a trail, I will try my hardest to keep up even if I’m limping and/or feel like I’m on the verge of an asthma attack. Frankly, I do it so I’m not a burden, at the risk of my own peril.
In this way, (along with many others), I am similar to dogs. There’s a high likelihood that your pooch will also ignore any discomfort while on a hike in order to please you. To prevent Fluffy from overexerting herself, take the time every half hour or so to make that she is doing okay and is properly hydrated.
Be Polite to Other Hikers
Photo by Zeke Tucker on Unsplash
When hiking, especially now, it’s important to give other people space while sharing the trail. I also recommend leashing your dog, even if they are the best girl or boy in the whole world. I come from a family of dog-phobic people, so I know that some hikers can feel unsafe if they see a dog roaming off-leash on a trail. Finally, make sure that you pick up after your pooch. It’s really crappy not to do.