Hiking with your four-legged friend is one of the best activities you can do. Yet before you take them out into the wilderness it’s vital that you consider how to keep them safe while on the trail. The good news is that the following advice will help you do that. Read on to find out what it is. 

Take a leash with you 

You might think of hiking as the ultimate freedom, but you need to be aware that many trails have a leash policy that you must abide by. Indeed, keeping your dog on a leash during a hike is one of the best ways of keeping them safe on uneven and unknown ground. 

Of course, it’s also important that your dog is obedient enough to be trusted to walk in places that pose additional risks, including heights, running water, and difficult terrain. That means if they struggle to follow your instructions in the house, or on their regular walks, they may not be ready for hiking. 

If this is the case, then additional training may be needed. The good news is that experts like those at I Said Sit Dog School can offer this to you and your dog. Therefore ensuring that they can be relied upon to follow your instructions no matter what location or situation they find themselves in. 

Have a plan B

No one likes to think that they could become separated from their dog during a hike, but accidents and unexpected situations can happen. That is why it’s very important to have a plan B in place. This should include making sure that your dog has all its vaccines, as well as protection against ticks and fleas. 

It’s also a good idea to make sure that their microchip is up to date, and that they have a collar with an ID tag that clearly shows their name and your contact number should anyone find them. 

Food, water, and first aid 

It’s also important to make sure you pack all the right items to keep your dog happy and safe when you are hiking. This means plenty of food, and water to keep them hydrated. 

It also means taking along a basic first aid kit that will help you deal with any minor issues that your dog could run into along the trail such as small cuts, grazes, or insect bites. Indeed, by being able to treat these problems, you can keep your dog comfortable and healthy without having to cut your hike short. 

Dog boots 

Some owners also like to provide their pets with dog boots for a hike. These are designed to protect their pads and paws on uneven trails. Of course, you will need to make sure your dog has gotten used to its boots before you use them on a hike. 

With that in mind, start them off small, by getting to wear them around the house, then on short local walks. Once they are familiar with them you can get them to wear them on the hiking trails.