Do you want to take some hikes with your furry friend, but you need some simple tips on how to keep your dog safe?

If the answer is yes, then you’re at the right place!

In this article, I will introduce to you 5 simple tips to keep your dog safe while hiking.

Hiking with dogs provides health benefits to both the pets and the owners, as well as deepening their bond through shared experiences. Dogs make great companions and watching them revel in the sights and sounds of nature is rewarding to watch, but we need to keep them safe.

My niece, Ellie Rose who is 8 years old, said to me one day, Chris you should do an article on how to keep dogs safe while you hike. I said that’s a great idea!

So here we are!

Ellie, this one is for you!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Without further ado, Let’s jump into the article.

 

 

 

For more information on hiking with dogs, American Kennel Club has some great information. Their website is https://akc.org

 

 

 

 

5 Simple Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe While Hiking

 

 

 

 

Tip No. 1: Keep it Simple by Bringing Plenty of Water

 

Dehydration is serious business for people and their dogs. However, your dog’s body temperature runs hotter than yours, and your dog will feel thirsty sooner than you.

One simple tip to solve this issue is to bring plenty of water.

Bringing along plenty of water and a collapsible water bowl can prevent dehydration and serious illness. Pack at least 8 ounces of water per dog per hour if you plan on hiking.

Taking plenty of breaks in the shade will encourage your dog to drink up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tip No. 2: Learn to Gauge their Fitness Level

 

Just like us humans, dogs need to be able to adjust and work their way up to an extremely difficult hike.

Go on shorter walks with your dog at home, this will help build their endurance and strength before they go on some journeys with you.

Puppies, elderly dogs, overweight dogs, and dogs with flat noses should generally be kept to shorter hikes, where they are unlikely to overexert themselves.

Pay close attention to signs of fatigue and be ready to cut your hike short if your dog seems like they are struggling.

 

 

 

Tip No. 3: Take Care of Your Dog’s Feet

It’s important to take care of your dog’s feet while hiking.

There are many hazards that can hurt your dog’s feet. Check your dog’s feet for cuts and thorns frequently and treat them with first aid.

If you’re dog has not had much time on the trails, then start out slowly before going on a long hike on a rocky path. You also need to be concerned with the temperature on the sidewalks.

Sidewalks can be extremely hot for your dog’s feet. One simple way to avoid this is to try and find trails during the summer months that are more suitable for you and your furry friend.

All Trails has some excellent dog-friendly trails for any season. Please check them out at https://www.alltrails.com

 

 

 

Tip No. 4: Protect Against Parasites

 

Parasites abound on the trails, and it’s important that you prepare and treat your dog so that they can fight against the parasites.

Make sure that your dog gets preventative treatment for internal parasites as well. Check your dog thoroughly for any bugs or plants when you’re done hiking.

Ticks are also a problem. After each hike, I will sometimes double, and triple check my dog for ticks to be on the safe side.

 

 

Tip No. 5: Bring a Leash

Most trails require all dogs to be on a leash and will charge you a fine or even evict you if you fail to follow the rules.

The leash also protects your dog from getting hurt as they explore and from getting attacked by other animals. Some people are also afraid of dogs and my not appreciate a dog running up to them.

Don’t assume your dog will respond to your commands unless they have gone through training and will respond to your commands nearly all the time.

Most dogs get distracted easily anyways; I know mine does.

 

 

 

 

 

Thoughts & Takeaways

 

And there you have it. These are 5 simple tips to keep your furry friend safe on the trail. I also learned that some of the best ideas out there are in our youth. I hope you found this article to be helpful today. Please let me know how you keep your furry friends safe while hiking in the comment section below.

 

 

 

 

 

-CT