Life is better with dogs! This is a fact any dog lover can attest to anytime, any day! It’s, therefore, no surprise you don’t want to leave your furry friend behind on your next hike, and we commend you for that. Hiking is not only doggy heaven, but it also helps your pup build endurance, keep fit, and at the same time, strengthens your bond. If you’ve never taken your pooch on a hike before, there are things you need to do before you take the trail, such as getting the right dog sport gear. More of such are outlined below:
Consult Your Vet
The primary thing you need to do even before you take the trail with your dog is to consult your vet. Why? Well, as you know, dogs are generally obedient and, if it were possible, would spend every minute of their life by your side. This means even if your pooch is not in good shape for hiking, they’ll still do their best to keep up with you.
Also note, some dog breeds, for instance, short-muzzled dogs such as pugs and Boston terriers, don’t do quite well in the heat. Others tend to have a high prey drive and will get overly excited by the mere sight of a squirrel or the presence of other dogs. That said, make sure you consult your vet first to see whether your pooch is healthy and physically fit to take the trail. If not, your vet will advise you on what to do next.
Know All There is to Know about the Hiking Area
If your vet gives you the green light to take Fido with you, don’t just be elated and wait for the D-day, take the time to learn all there is to know about the hiking area. For instance, are pets allowed? If no, then find out which hiking areas around you allow pups. If yes, then find out whether there are restrictions on the areas which they can or cannot go.
Once you find the ideal hiking area, learn about the potential dangers and risks. The last thing you need is to go on a hike with your pooch, only to lose him or her or even worse, come with an injured dog home!
Find Proper Gear and Identification for Your Pooch
Another essential thing to do before you take on a hike with your four-legged best friend is to find the right dog sport gear and identification for your pooch. For instance, if you’re a dog mom to a Siberian Husky, a GreyHound, or a Chihuahua, then you already know that these breeds tend to chase anything that moves. In that light, it is essential you get a quality leash to ensure you don’t lose your pooch in the wilderness.
But still, accidents happen, and even with a leash and the right gear, your dog can take off when you least expect it. When this happens, there’s a higher chance you’ll find your pooch more easily if it had an identification tag. Therefore, make sure you also find proper id tags for your dog. Ensure you provide full contact information so it can be easier for those who find your dog to return it to you in case he/she gets lost.
Know What Steps to Take in case of an Emergency
Life is pretty unpredictable, and accidents do happen. You want to be prepared if they occur. Therefore, make sure you know what to do in case of an emergency. For instance, if, and this is if your pooch gets bitten by a rattlesnake while you’re out there, having a first aid kit could be the thin line to saving or losing him/her. That said, while you can’t always be prepared for everything, make sure you know what to do in a majority of risky situations.
Hikes are doggy heaven. They allow your pooch to put all their energy into good use and explore new surroundings. But at the same time, they’re not for every dog, and they come with risks. Consulting your vet, knowing what to do in case of an emergency, and having quality, right dog sport gear from reputed sites like Neewa can make quite the difference.