Photo by Jenny & Jan Foter CC BY-NC 2.0 |
Safe summer hiking with your dog
Hiking can be a great way to bond with your dog and stay
in shape. Parks and trails are very stimulating for a dog and hiking is a great
way to get back to nature together. But precautions must be taken so that your
pooch does not hurt himself or any other wildlife you may encounter along the
way.
Start with the basics. First you must determine that your
dog is physically capable of taking the hike. If you have any worries or doubts
about your pet consult your veterinarian. It is not recommended that you take a
puppy under 18 months out for this type of activity. Secondly and most
importantly be sure your pet is up to date on all vaccinations and medication
to prevent fleas, ticks, ear mites, worms and all other parasites. Thirdly make
sure your dog has proper identification- whether its tags or microchip- just in
case the two of you get separated. It’s better to prepare for emergencies ahead
of time and be aware of your surroundings at all times.