Dogs are by nature playful and love to engage in outdoor activities. Your furry friend would love the idea of going on a hike with you and getting a chance to explore the world together. But for your plan of trekking with your pooch to be a safe and fun activity, you need to take care of a few important things. Here is a complete guide to stress-free and joyful trekking trail with your furry companion:
Safety is of utmost importance
You will be exploring an unknown terrain with your fur baby. So, first and foremost, ensure the safety of your pet and yourself.
- Check with your veterinarian about your dog’s fitness for the hike. A puppy or a senior dog may be more comfortable with a shorter or less difficult hike compared to their adult counterparts. Also, some dog breeds are better suited to be hiking partners than others.
- Your furry pal is prone to flea and tick infestations while wandering in the wild. Ensure their safety with vet-suggested flea and tick preventives and other parasite control products before you start the hike.
- Checking your dog’s fur closely on the way back can help you in removing ticks if they have caught some in the journey and prevent parasite-related illnesses.
Cues to control and keep safe
When your furry buddy is out in the open, it is required that you control them in order to keep them safe and save other hikes from any trouble.
- Train your pooch to follow basic commands like ‘stop’, ‘stay’, ‘sit’, ‘come’, ‘leave it’, ‘quiet’ etc. so that you can make sure that their curiosity and excitement do not bother others.
- Teach your four-legged friend controlled walking while on a leash. This will help you stop them from drinking unsafe water or eating toxic plants.
- Rehearse in advance and train your pet to cooperate while running for safety in case of unfavorable weather conditions to protect them and yourself.
Safety kit for hiking
Prepare yourself for everything essential to have a joyful and safe hiking trail. Here is a list of the most important things to equip yourself with while going on a trekking trail with your beloved furry friend:
- Sufficient stock of food and water
- Portable water bowl
- Treats to boost your dog’s energy
- Dog sunscreen
- Dog booties
- Paw balm to heal cracks and bruises
- First-aid kit with cotton, gauze, and cream to treat probable injury wounds
- Dog collar and ID tags
Read More: 7 Tips to Keep Your Pets Tick-Free this Spring
To conclude
Dogs are the best companions for humans. It is fun to go on a hike with your best friend. However, when it is your furry friend that is accompanying you, you need to take extra care, as you will have the responsibility of keeping both yourself and your pooch safe. It is important to plan in advance. Prepare yourself with the required equipments and train your fur baby to follow some controlling commands for a safe and pleasant hiking experience.