It’s no secret that exercise is great for our canine companions, but in order to truly reap the benefits, it’s essential that everyone stays safe. Here in Arizona, hiking is a popular activity, for those with two and four legs.
As guardians of our dogs, it’s important for us to prioritize their well-being, especially when venturing into the great outdoors. Below, check out 6 hiking safety tips that all pet parents should remember so you can both hit the trail with a wagging tail!
1. Avoid High Heat
Forecasts call for a scorcher? You’re better off keeping Fido at home. As much as your hound may love a good hike, it’s kinder to leave him in the air conditioning on hot days. Even if you consider the temperature to be moderate, remember that dry heat may feel tolerable until you start exercising in it. When you do decide to head to the woods, opt for heavily-shaded paths and try to plan your excursion before or after the hottest part of the day. Also, it doesn’t hurt to keep these hot weather safety best practices in your back pocket.
2. Protect Paws
Between heat, gravel, cacti, and even poisonous critters, furry hikers — especially avid ones — might do best with some booties. (In fact, some mountains even ban pets, in part due to the fact that their paws were getting burned on hot days.) If your pup absolutely can’t stand shoes, a protective paw salve can offer a shield from some of the elements.
3. Bring Plenty Of Water
When it comes to trekking on the trail, make sure to have plenty of fresh water for both you and your pup. Bring insulated water bottles so it stays nice and cool, and don’t forget a water bowl so your pooch can easily lap it up to stay hydrated.
4. Keep Dogs Leashed (Or Within Sight)
Even if you’re on an off-leash path, keep your canine close by your side. Your pup may love making new friends, but remember, some other dogs aren’t quite as agreeable (and some owners are irresponsible). What’s more, dogs who wander are more likely to run into other dangers: cacti, toxic plants, porcupines, scorpions (check out these scorpion safety tips) and even coyotes, to name a few. (It may even be wise to carry a loud whistle, spray water bottle, or animal deterrent spray with you on your outings. None of these methods will hurt an attacking animal, but it may scare them off enough to prevent an altercation.)
If your dog is obedient to commands like “come” and “heel” you should feel comfortable letting her free. However, if she tends to run off on her own, you might be best to keep her on-leash.
5. Have Them Wear ID
Whenever you’re out of the house, you should always have and ID on your canine companion. Remember, no one plans on losing their dog, so it’s important to keep a collar and ID tag on them, just in case. And don’t forget — if your pooch does run away, a microchip can mean the difference between a happy reunion and never seeing your pet again.
6. Bring A First Aid Kit
When hiking, you should always bring a first aid kit for yourself — and don’t forget one for your dog! In an emergency situation, a few simple tools can mean the difference between life and death for your beloved pooch.