When you enter into relationship with your furry best friend you likely want to take them everywhere — from touring local breweries to the office — where you lead, they follow! The great outdoors are no different, but there are a few more things you have to plan and prepare for before taking them on a long hike or backpacking excursion.
Having a trusted furry sidekick to navigate life with gives a different lens to the world — dogs naturally make you kinder and more friendly — so entrusting them as a hiking companion isn’t all that uncommon. At VetSet, it’s important to have all the information before you head out, and before you go, consider visiting your local vet clinic to make sure you pooch is healthy enough to go! Join us in today’s post as we explore how to get your dog equipped for the great outdoors!
Breeds That May Have a Hard Time in The Outdoors
There are some breeds that may have a hard time keeping up on the trail so always take them out for a longer walk first, and talk with your vet about the risks.
- Age – Age plays a role in whether your dog has the stamina for a long hike. Both dogs that are young and old may have difficulty.
- Brachycephalic breeds – We all know and love these short-snouted dogs such as pugs, Boston terriers, and boxers. Because they have shortened muzzles and narrowed nasal passages, it can make hiking quite dangerous as they’re prone to heat exhaustion and overdoing it.
- Highly sensitive breeds – If your dog is highly sensitive to scents such as blood hounds or have a high prey drive, trails can be overwhelming for them. While you can train your dog with sound to obey whistles or verbal commands, it’s easy for them to get caught up in scents and sounds and run off.
- Breeds with health issues – If your dog has a special need or is on a medication, they may not be suited for the wilderness. For additional advice on whether your dog can hike, inquire with your local animal clinic.
Before You Hit The Trail
If you’ve ever been on the trail and noticed a dog struggling or lagging far behind deeply panting, they’re probably not having a great time and not ready for that long or hard of trek. It’s important to be a good owner and prepare your dog before the initial trail hike.
You can start a trail training schedule by easing into hiking trails. Begin by going out for 30 minutes to an hour, and monitor how your dog does. Are they wiped for the rest of the day or are they spunky and ready for more? If afterwards, they’re still lively with energy to spare, go out for a longer hike the next time. Treat this training like you would training for a marathon — accomplish one goal at a time and keep expanding from there. It’s always good to go slower too because it will help strengthen and toughen their paws to adapt to the terrain.
Check With Your Vet
Before the hike consult with your vet on whether the hike is appropriate or if they have any concerns. It’s also important to work through basic obedience and trail etiquette beforehand and begin with easy walks and hikes before tackling a more strenuous one.
The company of your furry best friend by your side as you bag peaks and meander through fields of wildflowers makes your hiking experience that much better. Beyond checking that your dog can handle the adventure you’re both about to embark on, there is a much more information to ensure that the adventure is safe and fun. Stay tuned for part two as we dive into what to talk with your vet about before the trek, and explore the essentials that your dog will need.
At Vet Set in Carroll Gardens, we provide empathetic and high-quality veterinary care for all the animals in the area. Our vet clinic is staffed with the best of the best — those who have graduated from the top veterinary schools in the country and who value continuing education in our field.
Take advantage of our mobile vet services and schedule with us today!