Tips and What You Need to Take When Hiking with Your Dog
Whether you are hiking, trail running, mountain biking or heading off on a multi day trek, hitting the trails with your dog is a great way to exercise and have fun together.
As you would choose a track that suits your fitness level, be sure to do the same for your dog. Especially in the case of multi day treks where the dog could possibly be wearing a pack of it’s own, be sure to take the extra weight into account as endurance may need to be built up to in practice walks!
Hydration and energy is key on these trips, be sure to keep your dog well hydrated by using a collapsible dog bowl that you can easily fill and fold away as needed. If the surface you are walking is hot or extra rough you can also think about booties for your dogs paws. Dogs absorb heat through their paws and can soften them, making them more susceptible to cuts over what can be rocky terrain.
Be sure to prepare adequately for all possible situations for a safe and fun mountain adventure.
A few things to look out for when heading off on a trail:
- Snakes and other poisonous animals
- Heat exhaustion
- Hypothermia
- Cut paws from rocks etc.
- Ticks and fleas
- Dingoes and feral dogs
- Kangaroos
What you need to take:
- Food
- Clean water
- Lightweight Bed (if overnight hikes)
- Poop bags
- Treats
- Brush (for daily tick checks)
- First Aid Kit
- Towel
- Glowsticks (to attach to the collar at night)
- Leash
- Collapsible dog bowl
- Dog pack
- Dog jacket for cold nights
Have loads of fun and don’t forget to take your camera or mobile phone so you can capture all your dog’s antics and escapades!
Source: dogadventures.com.au