If you are an avid hiker and a dog owner, chances are you and your four legged companion are destined to be fantastic trail buddies. However, before you embark on a journey together, it’s important that you have the essentials you need for a day hike with your dog.
TheUltimateLeash.com is here to help you prepare you for the trails. Our martingale dog collars and multifunctional leashes are perfect for dog owners who enjoy bringing their dog along on adventures in nature. Both are designed to keep your dog safe, comfortable, and secure. Below, we share some other essentials that you should bring along to ensure a more enjoyable experience for your canine friend.
Plenty of Water
Water is very important when hiking, for both humans and dogs. Eight ounces of water should be given to the dog every hour during the hike. If you’re hiking on a hot day, freeze the water in the bottle overnight and let it melt as you move. This will provide a source of cool water for your dog. Make sure you bring something for your dog to drink from, too. Collapsible bowls work great! Water from ponds and lakes along the way should be avoided as they may contain bacteria that is harmful to dogs.
Identification Tag or Microchip
If you’re hiking in the wilderness, the last thing you want is for your dog to get free and run off. That’s why it’s important to have a high-quality collar that will help prevent them from getting loose by backing out of it. Additionally the collar should have an identification tag just in case something of the unordinary happens. Some collars can be engraved with your contact information or you can purchase an ID tag separately. Microchipping is another option, which is helpful in locating your doc in case of separation.
Dog Waste Bags
Cleaning up after your dog is important no matter where you are, but even more so when hiking. You should always leave the trail as clean as you find it. Cleaning up after your dog helps prevent disease spread and other hazards when hiking. Before hitting the trail, make sure you’re equipped with small small plastic bags that you can store your dog’s waste in and then dispose of in the proper place either along the way or when you finish your hike.
First Aid Kit
You should bring along a special first aid kit for canines as they are suited for dealing with injuries specific to dogs. Dog first aid kits typically contain items like a pair of scissors, bandages, gauze pads, a small sock, and hydrogen peroxide for disinfecting wounds. While it is unlikely that you will have to use it, accidents happen and it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Hiking with your dog will be an enjoyable experience. But when you go off-road on hiking adventures, make sure you’ve got the gear to keep your canine companion safe, cool, hydrated, and happy! TheUltimateLeash.com is where you can find great dog collars and leashes for hiking. Check out our selection of USA-made products today.
