There are so many delightful things for your puppy to see, hear and sniff along the hiking trail. If you’ll be going for walks in the woods, your pup is a great companion to have! And they’ll be so excited to go on this adventure with you.
Once you’re in the middle of the trail, there’s no turning back, so it’s best to make sure you’re prepared! Keep the following tips in mind while hiking with your best friend.
- Keep your puppy on a leash. Some dogs have good recall and may do all right on off-leash trails, but if your puppy can’t reliably come when called away from highly distracting items, then it’s best to keep them leashed at all times.
- Bring high-value treats to reward your puppy for obedience.
- Bring a collapsible bowl and more water than you think you’ll need. If you run out of water on the trail, your options are limited.
- Check the weather before you go. If it’s a really hot or cold day, or if storms are anticipated, it may be better to stay in and play some fetch. If you’re planning to hike regardless, make sure your puppy has good weather gear!
- Keep your puppy up to date on their parasite preventive. Ticks love to hitchhike on dogs, and fleas from other animals can easily leap onto your bestie. Mosquitoes along the trail could transmit heartworms. Reliable prevention keeps your friend safe from these parasites and the diseases they transmit.
- Avoid stagnant or slow-moving water, including puddles. If your puppy drinks from them, they could contract infectious diseases like leptospirosis or Giardia.
- Get your puppy the leptospirosis vaccine if you haven’t already. Leptospirosis is a dangerous disease that easily contaminates water sources when wild animals or other dogs urinate near them. The disease causes liver and/or kidney failure and is contagious to people. Your pup should be up to date on their rabies and distemper vaccines, too.
- Make sure your puppy’s microchip information is up to date and their tag has your contact information in case you get separated.
- Bring a basic first aid kit for both you and your puppy. You may slip and fall, or your dog may cut a paw pad.
- Keep an eye on your puppy’s feet. They can get things stuck in and between their paws. Some dogs get so excited that they don’t realize they are wearing down their paw pads, especially if the hiking trail is rocky or hot. Remember, you are wearing shoes—they are not!
- Bring poop bags so you can clean up after your best friend. It’s your duty to minimize the impact your pet has on wild spaces.
- Familiarize yourself with wild animals in the area and associated safety precautions. For example, carry items like bear spray if you’ll be in bear territory.
Enjoy hitting the trail with your best friend!
Read up on trail etiquette before you go hiking with your puppy!
