Be Positive Trail Ambassadors!

Your dog can make an excellent hiking companion any time you want to go on an adventure, whether they’re big or small. Just make sure to check off the following list before heading on the trail with your dog.  

• Be sure to evaluate your fitness level and abilities, as well as your dog’s physical fitness prior to your hiking adventure. Certain trails are definitely more strenuous than others, so make sure to go online and review if there is any uneven terrain or vertical climbs. If your pup’s regular physical activity can handle the rough terrain then go for it! However, if a standard walking distance is a kilometre, and the trail you are eyeing is 10 kilometres, that may not be the best idea. Another thing to consider is the weather for your hiking day. You and your dog may be physically fit, but if it’s hot and steamy outside then your health as well as your dog’s health are at risk. Speaking of health, make sure to accommodate any health issues your dog may have, whether that be arthritis, or if they have a cough.  
• Is your dog obedient? It will certainly be beneficial for you that your dog know the basic commands of sit, stay, heel, and come. Only walk your dog off leash if he is comfortable doing so! This is especially important since you will more than likely be accompanied by other fellow hikers and their canine companions. It’s important to also assure that your dog be well-socialized because you’ll be sharing the trail. If other dogs are off leash, please put your own pet on a leash to avoid any potential confrontations.
• Be prepared! Make sure to bring your dog’s water and dish so as to help him avoid drinking out of puddles or rivers, especially if he is not vaccinated against Leptospirosis (the wildlife vaccine). Since you’ll be carrying your own hiking bag, it’s worth purchasing a little doggie backpack for your canine to carry through the long hike. That way, he can carry his own food and water, and doggie bags! Don’t forget to bring those poop bags, and always pick up after your dog!
• Speaking of vaccinations, make sure your dog is up to date! Additionally to the Leptospirosis vaccine, there are also the Rabies vaccine, the DHPP vaccine (Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvovirus, Parainfluenza), and the Bordetella vaccine (kennel cough). It is also definitely worth treating your dog for ticks, fleas, and heartworm! Ticks are especially resilient to milder temperatures, so better to be cautious now that the weather is starting to warm up!

Keeping all these points in mind with the proper planning, you and your dog can enjoy a wonderful hiking excursion! Choose routes suited for your fitness levels and always maintain control of your dog. Be sure to pick up after your dog, bring all the essentials, and you’re sure to have a wonderful hiking experience and act as positive ambassadors for other four-legged friends on the trail! 

- Ania L., VA