Hiking with your dog is a good way for you both to get some exercise and build a stronger bond. Exercise like hiking is good for your dog in many ways. It helps them live longer, helps their joints stay limber, reduces the risk of heart disease and obesity, keeps away depression, and helps curb the bad behaviors that arise out of boredom.
Arizona has some amazing dog-friendly trails, and we want you to enjoy them! Follow these tips to keep your dog safe on the trail.
Five Tips for Hiking with Your Dog
1: Bring extra water.
Your dog is going to get thirsty in the hot, dry Arizona heat, and so are you. Stopping for water breaks will keep you both hydrated, and having extra water with you can be good in an emergency as well. If your pet gets too hot and you need to cool them down, or if they get a cut that needs to be cleaned, it’s helpful to have extra water available.
2: Watch out for wildlife.
It is important to be aware that wildlife is all around you when you go for a hike. Some wild animals can be dangerous or even deadly, and your dog could get hurt. Always keep your dog on a leash to prevent wildlife encounters.
3: Pick up your dog’s poop.
Dog poo is more than just smelly—it is also an ecological contaminant. It can pollute wild animal’s drinking water and food sources, and compromise their health. It’s a health hazard for other people and dogs on the trail, too, so do the right thing and pick up that poo!
4: Gear can be helpful.
- Boots—Hiking boots for dogs? Yes! It might seem silly, but it’s not. Hiking boots will protect your dog’s sensitive paw pads from hot surfaces, sharp debris, and other hazards like scorpions.
- Backpack—When your dog wears a backpack, they can carry their own water bowl, extra treats, and a small first aid kit. A pack that can also be used as a harness can help you guide your dog over obstacles, or assist in lifting them up if they fall into a stream.
- Collapsible water bowl—This handy item will save space in your pack, so you can carry more water.
- First aid kit—Along with the typical first aid tools for people, we also recommend carrying extra gauze and a tension bandage because these are the best tools for wrapping wounds on a dog.
5: Watch the weather.
The summer temperatures in Arizona can reach fantastically hot highs. Summer hikes can be problematic for dogs—with their fur coats, they can easily get overheated. Short haircuts, hiking at cooler times of the day, carrying extra water, and taking lots of breaks in the shade will help prevent heat stroke.
Exceptional Veterinary Care in Gilbert, Arizona
East Valley Animal Hospital is here for you and your dog, for everything from encounters with wildlife to yearly checkups that will ensure your pet is fit enough for hiking. We treat every pet like they’re one of our own. Contact us today to make an appointment.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (7/28/24). Photo by Megan Dujardin on Unsplash.