Happy hiking tips for canine companions
Man’s best friend can also be a hiker’s best buddy in the woods. Here are some tips to help ensure happy, healthy hiking with your four-legged friend.
1. Make sure your dog has all necessary shots and boosters. If your dog is used to life in your home or backyard, the wild world of the woods brings new bugs, bites, bacteria and more (think ticks!). Preparation will help prevent unwanted illness.
2. Keep your dog on a leash. This is not just to protect other dogs and humans, but to protect your dog as well. While your dog may be exceptionally well-trained in your normal routine, instinct can overwhelm training in a new woodsy environment. When other dogs or native critters enter the picture, control of your animal is essential.
2a. Make sure your dog has identification. Despite the best planning, surprises on the trail can separate you from your dog. A dog collar with your name and number will make it easy to reunite. (Regarding item No. 1: Make sure the rabies tag is on the collar, too.)
3. Pick up after your dog. It can be part of the natural experience to identify scat of native animals while on a hike. It’s not as interesting to identify the remnants of someone else’s Labrador — especially on the bottom of your hiking boot. Cleaning up after your dog is good stewardship of the trail.
4. Take breaks with your dog. This is especially important with puppies and with older dogs. Those little legs can get tired. Remember, dogs don’t sweat to cool, they pant. A dog that is panting a lot, getting sluggish or vomiting may be overheated/overexerted and need to rest. If hiking on asphalt, remember if it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for a paw. If a dog begins to overheat, cool gradually by pouring water over the head and paws. A dog can actually go from overheating to hyperthermia quickly!
4a. Bring water (and a water dish) for your dog; collapsible water dishes are widely available. During the hot Arkansas summers, a lot of liquid is essential for your dog and for you. We love bringing our Bronco to enjoy new scenery. He absolutely loves the adventure and leaving his paw prints all over Arkansas’ Great Outdoors!
Carlton and Leigh Wing host the “Arkansas’ Great Outdoors” weekly television series. Visit facebook.com/arkansasgreatoutdoors/.