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Viewing Hiking with your Dog: What to Take with YouHiking with your Dog: What to Take with You
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Taking your best friend along shouldn't bog you down with extra gear, but you will need to consider where you are going and how long you plan to hike in order to ensure you have what you need for a safe trip. This article explains further. By Ben Anton Taking your dog on a hike with you can be an enjoyable experience, provided you have the right hiking gear to accommodate the both of you. Taking your best friend along shouldn't bog you down with extra gear, but you will need to consider where you are going and how long you plan to hike in order to ensure you have what you need for a safe trip. Whether hiking for an afternoon or taking an overnight trek, you should make sure to stock your backpack with the following items to help Fido or Lassie have as much fun as you do. • Adequate water for both you and your dog. If you know that there will be water sources along the route, carry a water bottle with you that you can refill if needed. If you are unsure about water availability, pack one to two quarts of water for your dog for a day hike plus enough for yourself. Collapsible dog bowls are good for dogs that may not drink from a stream or from a water bottle. • A leash. Most trail ways require that your dog be on a leash or harness while hiking. A leash will also help keep order should there be a lot of dogs on the trail with you. • First aid kit items. Most pet injuries while hiking occur on the pads of their feet. The pads can easily be cut on sticks, stones and roots in the ground. You should stop hiking intermittently to check your dog's paw pads for cuts or blisters. Have the appropriate bandages and disinfectants with you in case this happens. • Proper ID tags for your pet. The dog tags should include information on your pet's vaccinations as well as your home address and phone number. Make sure the rabies tag that you received from your veterinarian is attached to your dog's collar. • Clean Up Items. Zip lock bags are great for hiking trips to reduce the odor of the feces while on your hike. Be sure to pick up all your dog's feces while hiking using paper towels or your bag and dispose of it in a garbage container. Also, carry a towel to clean off your dog should he or she get into dirt or water. • Snacks or Treats. Your dog will get tired just as you will. Make sure to pack a few treats to keep him energized until you get back home. However, you don't want to overfeed your dog while hiking or he may get sick. Treats can also be helpful in getting your dog's attention should he run off unexpectedly. • Above all, make sure your dog is up to the challenge of an afternoon hike. Make sure he is healthy and well nourished before setting out on the hike. Older dogs should be treated to a trail way with a level terrain and with little to no incline. Small dogs should be taken on well-groomed trails that won't have a lot of low hanging brush or leaves that may cause eye or skin irritation. • Pay attention to the signs your dog may give while on a hike that there is something wrong. If he avoids the sunshine or lies underneath leaves, he may be dehydrated and need to stop for a long drink of water. If his stride becomes labored or if he favors one paw over another, he may have picked up a sliver. Your dog will tell you what he needs while outdoors, as long as you listen. ~Ben Anton, 2008 About the Author: Ben Anton lives in Portland, OR, and writes for Discount Lights and Knives. You are invited to visit the DLK site and read more at http://www.lightsandknives.com. Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com) More free articles: 1st Rate Articles - 1stRateArticles.com |
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