HIKING WITH DOG: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Sometimes the best mountain company doesn't have two legs. However, if you have no experience of hiking with a dog and you do not know its limits, it is easy to make a mistake. Therefore, we decided to discuss the whole issue in this blog and look at everything you should keep in mind before you go on the first hike.
BEFORE YOU TAKE THE FIRST TRIP
Not every dog is a suitable companion for hiking and there is no need to be afraid to admit it - he can wait at home. It is also true that the mountains are not a suitable environment even for puppies that are still in development and too much burden can slow down this development and potentially cause long-term damage.
Therefore, the best solution to find out if the time is right is to visit a vet. He can tell if the dog has undergone full development or has to wait a bit more. This development ends around one year of life, but depending on the specific dog, it can be a few months more.
The veterinarian can also point out other risks that may be related to the health or overall immunity of the dog, which should be taken care of during hikes. Or which may be the reason why such a is not a good idea.
But if you get permission from the vet, it's time to go!
FIRST HIKES - START SLOW
It is advisable to start slowly so that you do not overdo it. A small hike up the hill behind the house for an hour or two will be a good start, thanks to which you will get a better idea of how a dog responds to effort. If it still has enough energy, you can level up. This way you will not only find out where your dog has limits, but you will also improve the limits slowly and his paws will gradually become more resistant.
During the hike, watch carefully how your dog is breathing, and if he does breathing heavily, give him a break. You should take more breaks than usual for you, and if your dog has problems, turn back.
It is also important to make sure that the dog has enough water and food. The animal's body is not different from the human - in both cases, the movement needs fuel, and the more effort we make, the more it needs. So your dog needs a lot more food and water than he needs at home, during the day without much activity. It is advisable to consult a veterinarian and take water breaks during the tour as often as possible, especially on hot days. At the same time, make sure that the thirsty dog does not drink water from inappropriate sources - you never know what pathogens are in it. Your best bet is your own water or water from proven springs and wells.
The fact that a dog is deficient in water and can be dehydrated is easily recognized by a dry nose.
WHAT TO PACK
Apart from plenty of food and water, you don't need much. Of course, do not forget the water bowl, it is advisable to have one extra towel if the dog rolled in the mud or jumped into the lake. If you are going to sleep in a tent with your dog, take some kind of improvised bed, for example, a folded warm blanket. First aid equipment should be taken for you as well.
WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR
A dog is endangered in nature by practically the same things as you. With the difference that you're probably most of them aware. In the case of trips with a dog, however, you must be careful for two.
The biggest risk during the summer days for you and your dog is overheating. It is necessary to drink enough water, but you have one big advantage compared to your dog - your dog can only sweat through the tongue. A special cooling collar is a good tool in this case.
The second threat is everything alive you can meet together - whether it's wildlife or people (on bikes). Having a dog on a leash and under control is not only recommended but in many places in nature also explicitly ordered and there is a good reason for it. Of course, we all want to give the dog free movement, but if you do not know when a fast cyclist will fly from the turn, it is not appropriate to take risks. In the case of wild animals, you don't know when your dog will run and in terrain, there is a risk that you will not be so easy to find yourself again.
