A Hiking Day With Your Pet
General
It’s that time of year when we can shed our winter coats and get outside for some fun in the sun with our pets. Hiking can be a great activity for you and your furry friend, especially with all of the amazing trails around us just waiting to be explored. Before you embark on a fun-filled day, be sure to keep the following tips in mind...
Preparation for Hiking Season
Visit a Vet Be sure that your pet is up-to-date on all shots as well as flea and tick preventatives. Always confirm with your family veterinarian that your pet is healthy enough for hiking.
Research Always make sure that the area you are hiking in allows pets. It is also important to take note of what type of animals and flowers are present near the trails you plan to explore. Many wild plants can be poisonous to pets and there is a venomous snake in our region: the prairie rattlesnake.
Microchipping and ID Tags Has your pet’s microchip and ID tag been updated? Summer is a big season for lost pets for a variety of reasons, so it is important to have preventatives in place before you go hiking. Pets can get very excited with all the new sights and smells, and their curiosity may cause them to wander more than usual!
What to Bring:
Water: Pets get dehydrated just like people do and in the hot summer weather, this can happen very quickly. Always keep plenty of water handy for both you and your pet when doing any sort of strenuous activity, especially in the heat.
Treats: Going for an all day hike? Be sure to bring along some snacks for your furry companion. Exercise is sure to make him or her hungry!
Pet Booties: Rough terrain can be tough on sensitive paws, so pet booties are perfect for preventing cuts and scrapes during your journey.
Poop Bags: Nothing’s worse than enjoying the great outdoors with a mess on your shoe! Always adhere to the “Leave no trace” rule so that everyone can appreciate the beautiful trails. If you do not wish to carry bags along, you can bury waste at least 6-8 inches deep, 200 feet away from any trails, camps, or water.
Leash: Even if your dog tends to stick by your side without a leash, it’s important to have one handy just in case. You may encounter other dogs or animals along the trail that could cause your pet to act in unexpected ways.
