Soon the weather will be warming up here in Charlotte, and there are many hiking trails to explore. Want to take your beloved canine companion? Here are some tips:
First, make sure your dog is healthy enough to go hiking. Your dog should be getting annual physical exams to make sure they are healthy inside and out. Your pup should be clear of any joint or muscle problem, as well as any major medical disorder. If your pup has a problem joint or an illness, they should not go on the trails. Also, growing puppies under 1 year and senior dogs should avoid hiking. Even if they seem to have the energy, they are more prone to muscle and joint damage, so they should stick to your neighborhood and local parks.
Just like humans, dogs need to be in good shape to go for a hike. You want to avoid being a weekend warrior human and doggie. If you and your dog have not exercised (gone on long walks or jogs) in a while, then you should not try hiking. Build up your endurance by taking longer walks or try jogging before you hit the trails. If one or both of you do not have the endurance and fitness level to survive the hike, then you risk injury and a lot of soreness the next day. And don’t just think the day after exercise soreness is just for people, dogs get that muscle soreness too! So work up our fitness levels until we can safely go to the top of the trail with no regrets the next day.
You should always keep your dog on a leash in a public area. This is not only for the safety of others but for your dog as well. We may decide to chase after a small critter in the woods and get ourselves and you in a sticky situation. Countless things can happen if we go off trail, from getting cut on a fallen branch, twisting a joint, or getting bitten by a snake. To avoid the even small chance that we may go exploring on our own, keep us on a leash.
Finally, when going on a hike, you should always bring a backpack with water, a portable dog dish, a first aid kit for you and your pup, sunscreen for yourself and your dog, and small protein snacks for the dog. Always keep your cell phone with you and have your pet’s ID tags secured to his or her collar before hitting the trails. These “just in case” items may come in handy.
If you follow these simple guidelines, you and your dog can have a great time on a hike together! See you on the trails!
Matthew Scott
Creature Comforts of Charlotte Pet Sitting
www.creaturecomfortscharlotte.com