Including your pet on your hiking trip is certainly a joyful experience. However, there are also challenges associated with it. Before you load up your dog in the car, make sure that you have done the research and taken the safety measures to ensure the pet’s safety during your hike.

Here are a few questions that you should ask yourself before you even plan the trip with your dog:

Which Trails Allow Dogs?

It is the natural tendency of an owner to take their pet everywhere they are going, because of the love they have for it. However, this does not work in some cases as there are several trails where pets are not allowed.

For instance, you may need a leash of a certain length for your pet dog so that to keep the dog safe while you are hiking with it on the trails.

Are You and Your Dog Prepared for Hiking?

You must consider if your dog can go for a long hike. If it is the first time you are planning to take your dog on a hike, then you must check its stamina by taking it along with you on shorter trail hikes. You can gradually hike up longer trails so that you can make sure the dog can handle the trail conditions. Also, if you plan to put a pack on your dog, it is necessary that you practice with it around your house first, to make it become used to carrying extra weight.

Do not forget to pack in a few survival supplies and basic emergency equipment for the dog. Keep collapsible water and food dishes with you to save the baggage space. Keep with you enough water and food to keep yourself and your dog hydrated and nourished throughout the hike.

When hiking in cold weather conditions, make sure that your pal has a dog vest and boots on. Similarly, in rainy weather, consider a rain jacket for your dog.

Follow Proper Etiquette

Find hiking trails that are dog-friendly and follow proper etiquette. Necessary things like picking up the dog’s poop and not leaving it on the trail and keeping the dog calm when other pets pass by will keep you out of trouble. In case you are not able to figure out how your dog is going to react when it passes other pets, then you must consider hiking with your pet in the off-season or on trails that are not common amongst other hikers.

Also keep a sturdy leash with you before you set out on a trail. Do not bring your extendable leash with you as it will cause discomfort for the dog and you also when you are treading on to treacherous areas of the trail.