A dog is always a great companion for outdoors activities, including hiking. Keep in mind though that if you are going on a longer trip your dog needs some training, and don’t expose an older dog or one that is suffering from joint problems to hour-long straining activity. To get your healthy dog used to longer trips take some shorter hikes, starting a few weeks before the final trip.

Never forget to double up on water, your pooch needs to drink at least every 30 minutes, or more frequent, depending on temperatures and difficulty of the terrain. Offer your animal food in-between, and carry some snacks while taking short breaks at least twice an hour, preferably in shaded areas. Keep in mind that your dog can’t “tell you” if he is tired or exhausted.

A short leash on a harness is more appropriate for hiking than a long leash on a collar. Fleas and ticks are very common in wooded and grassy areas therefore apply a fresh topical treatment a few days prior to your trip. Your dog’s paws also need attention, check frequently for soreness or debris. Never let the dog off the leash! The smell of wildlife, jumping squarrels, and other “strange” creatures trigger the hunting instinct in many dogs and they can get lost easily in unfamiliar surroundings. Make sure that your dog carries an ID-tag with your current address and/or phone number. Even better, have a microchip implanted! See our article about >> microchips

Enjoy your trip!