Hiking with your pet can be an incredibly fun and rewarding activity. It really doesn’t get much better than getting to explore Mother Nature with your best friend. There is no doubt that this is an activity that you’ll both benefit from greatly. Going on hikes with your dog is an easy and enjoyable way to keep both yourself and your pet active. Hiking will ensure that you get the exercise you both need to stay healthy and happy. Nonetheless, there are a number of things you’ll need to know and consider before setting off down the trail. Therefore, here a few simple tips to make hiking with your pet as safe and fun as possible.
Choose a Suitable Hike
The very first thing you’ll need to consider is where you’re going hiking at. One of the most important things to think about is choosing a trail that is suitable for your pet. Medium to large dogs will generally be able to easily accompany you on even fairly challenging hikes, and in fact, they’ll probably outperform you every time. However, smaller breeds and toy dogs tend to have far less strength and stamina, and this is why you should consider leaving them home if you’re planning a longer hike. The fact is that their little legs can’t carry them nearly as far, which means you might end up needing to carry your pet along with your pack. You can find some of the best dog carriers here.
Check the Trail Rules Before Setting Off
Once you’ve chosen a suitable trail, the next thing you’ll need to do is check the trails rules and regulations to make sure that pets are allowed. You’ll also want to pay attention to leash laws to determine whether you’ll be allowed to let your dog run free or not. In many cases, you’ll be required to pick up after your pet just as you would if you were walking them in the city so it’s important to bring along bags to make sure you help keep the trail clean.
Keep Your Pet Safe and Healthy
Hiking in nature can obviously present more hazards than a simple walk in the park. Specifically, you’ll need to be aware of the potential dangers such as fleas and ticks. They can pose a threat to your pet so make sure you prepare accordingly by using preventative medications and treatments. Another risk is that you and your pet could get separated on the trail and your pet could end up lost, which is why you always want to make sure that your pet has proper identification tags so anyone who finds your dog knows who to contact.
Don’t Forget to Pack the Pet Essentials
In addition to flea and tick treatments, you’ll also want to make sure you bring along food, water, treats, medications and anything else your dog might need. Unlike humans, your pet should have no problem drinking out of rivers, lakes and other natural water sources. However, some pets are pickier than others, so it’s always a good idea to bring along some extra water just in case. Still, when it comes to pet food, it is important to bring along more than you think you’ll actually need in case something happens and you’re forced to spend more time than you’d planned.
At the end of the day, preparing for a hike with your pet isn’t all that different than preparing yourself for a hike. This means making sure to plan ahead, choose a suitable hike and bring along more supplies than you think you’ll need. As long as you make sure to follow these few simple steps, you should easily be able to explore all of Mother Nature’s beauty with your best friend by your side.
Author Bio: Paige Jirsa– I work with Top10.Today, a shopping comparison site, where we strive to help consumers find the best quality and priced products.
