If you want to spend more quality time with your best four-legged friend, you should take him to your next hiking adventure. Before you both venture forth, you need to make sure that your dog is physically ready to take on a journey in the woods and over the hills.
Like you, your dog should also have the best equipment and be protected, stay hydrated and prevented from getting too hot or cold on your hike. So here is a list of some equipment that you should consider for your dog so you can get out and have a load of great adventures together.
We’ve got a 110lb Maremma, and he’s often carrying his own gear in his backpack and now and then some of ours as well! It’s a great idea, and as long as your dog isn’t overburdened it’s good exercise to keep them fit and strong.
Since most of the dogs like to have a “job” and be responsible for something, they won’t mind carrying a bag on their back. You can take some practice walks around your home before going hiking. Make sure you pack their bag with only 20 to 30% of their body weight. The backpacks are usually designed to be comfortable for the dogs to run, and you can store snacks, water, and leashes in them.
We all know how the weather can change for the worse and just like you, your dog needs to be well prepared, so if needed you could provide a coat for cold and even hot temperatures. Look for clothes that would stretch around their body and won’t bother them when walking, particularly around bushes, water, sand, or snow. Make sure your dog has a breathable coat that allows him to feel comfortable and his movement is free so he can run freely.
When it’s cold make sure your dog wears a coat that covers his whole belly so that he doesn’t get cold on his underside. And when the weather is hot provide a cooling jacket or cooling collar for your dog, so that it feels cool.
If your dog is not used to rough terrain, it is crucial to protect its paws from broken glass, sharp stones, icy trails or hot pavement.
Usually, dogs are not used to wear boots, so you need to help them practice wearing them a few times before going on your trip.
For hiking trips in colder weather make sure you equip your dog with boots that have a gaiter that goes above the ankle and has sticky traction, and if the weather is hot provide boots that have breathable mesh.
Make sure that you have a nice and durable leash for your dog, one that can stand different conditions and obstacles and one that you won’t mind getting dirty. Also, you can buy a leash that is easily attachable, so that you can attach it to your backpack and have a hands-free hiking trip with your best friend by your side.
Make sure that you have a nice and durable leash for your dog, one that can stand different conditions and obstacles and one that you won’t mind getting dirty. Also, you can buy a leash that is easily attachable, so that you can attach it to your backpack and have a hands-free hiking trip with your best friend by your side.
Like you, your dog will get thirsty often, and you should make sure that it stays hydrated. So, you should always carry a bowl to pour water for your dog. There are many options for a dog bowl, but your best choice is a silicone or nylon one that will fold up, so it won’t take much space in your backpack, or his!
If you go on a camping trip or for a walk in a park it’s fairly likely that your dog will do its business, and you have to make sure that you clean after your buddy. So, make sure that you take many dog poop bags with you or you can use simple plastic bags from the store.
If you don’t want to keep an eye on your dog every second of your trip, having a collar with lights is excellent for you and him, especially during night. There are many types of collars with LED lights on the market. Another option is to get a light that you can just clip-on on your current collar.
Having a collar with lights is a good way to keep an eye on your dog, and it allows it to be seen by other hikers and cars.
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We live in a beautiful world, get out there and enjoy it.
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