Imagine a weekend getaway - A Himalayan hike with your dog? Sounds perfect, doesn't it? Hiking with your dog has been considered one of the best experiences by most pet owners rejoicing with their dogs on an adventurous journey. However, traveling with dogs comes with challenges, and like it's often said, prevention is better than cure!
We will cover everything you need to know before leaving for a fun-filled trek! (Their health and happiness stay at the core of this blog, of course!)
How to know if your dog is ready for hiking?
It's crucial to know if your dog is ready for a hike just as much as you are! And there's only one way to find out, stepping outdoors!
Being excessively active or energized inside the house is not necessarily a sign that your dog is ready for a rather adventurous trek! To be sure, do the three activities listed below to determine how at ease your dog would be in the wild:
Go for long walks and engage in small climbs
If this is your dog's first hike, start with a short, 1 to 2-hour walk around your house. Gradually shift to tiny hills; if not, a lengthy stroll along the beach or even a walk that includes a dip in a body of water could prove to be a great sign of adventure to your dog while also helping you bond with your dog better, because mental stimulation of your canine is just as important.
Spend the weekend away from the city
Go on an outdoor weekend adventure after evaluating your dog's essential fitness. Find a hilly location on the city's outskirts and make the most of your weekend. Look for Airbnb and homestays that accept pets. This will facilitate your dog's adjustment to the wilderness.
Pay close attention to your dog's health and behavior
When at a place like this, pay close attention to how your dog interacts with the environment. Is he at ease traveling and exploring by himself? Is there any trepidation? How does he react while passing by other canines on the trail?
It's essential to concentrate on your dog's strengths and weaknesses after you have a good understanding of how prepared he is.
How to prepare your dog for hiking?
You must know your dog's physical capabilities before you start the walk with them. It would determine whether your dog could carry the load or hike the trail. The actions listed below must be followed to prepare your dog for hiking.
Appointment with your veterinarian
It would help if you got the following critical things clarified with the veterinary doctor:
It will help if you don't subject a young puppy to a strenuous walk before its bones are fully developed. Confirm if your dog is physically fit for hiking by asking the vet. The veterinarian can check the dog's bones to confirm this, as hiking requires completely developed bones.
Before you start trekking, your dog needs to be fully vaccinated. Your dog may require additional vaccinations to protect it from rabies, Lyme disease, leptospirosis, and other diseases. Observe your veterinarian's recommendations.
Read our blog on dog vaccinations to get a complete knowledge of the vaccines that your dog needs.
Ask your veterinarian about any prophylactic medications for parasites. Your dog will come into contact with numerous parasites, such as mosquitoes, and could contract diseases like heartworm, ticks, fleas, etc.
Ask your veterinarian if your dog's immune system is strong enough for trekking. Considering the schedule of your dog's vaccinations and the rate of immunity development, your veterinarian can advise you on the appropriate age for your dog to go for a trek.
Unlike an adult dog, a young puppy may be unable to adjust its body temperature to harsh conditions and may get caught by severe bodily risks such as heat stroke. Please be aware that strenuous activities impede a puppy's physical development if the bones are still in the growth stage.
If your dog is older, look into arthritis and other mobility issues. Older dogs with these conditions may experience severe physical complications from trekking. Before opting to go trekking with your elderly dog, consult your veterinarian. Your veterinarian might recommend some medication for joint discomfort, arthritis, etc.
Dogs classified as brachycephalic have shorter heads, restricted nasal passages, and other compromised respiratory systems. They are more prone to heart arrhythmias, excessive gas, frequent vomiting, and heat stroke. Examples of brachycephalic breeds include Pugs, Chow Chows, Chihuahuas, Pekingese, French Bulldogs, English Toy Spaniels, Boxers, and Bull Mastiffs. You may want to reconsider hiking with these canines. If your dog is one of those breeds requiring constant rest and fresh water, you must also decrease your speed.
If your dog has highly constricted nasal airways, you should discuss brachycephalic obstructive airway surgery with your veterinarian. To book an appointment, visit DiscoverVet now! It will make your dog's life better and less painful.
Backpacking tips for your dog
Now that you know if your dog is ready for hiking, here are some tips on backpacking.
Food - On the path, feed your dog every 45 minutes. Since they are physically exerting themselves on the walk, this is vital to maintain their energy levels.
Water - On the trail, keeping your dog hydrated is crucial. To help maintain their energy levels, you can combine water and glucose. Continue giving them water as you would provide them with food.
Warm clothes - Carry warm clothes for hikes that require climbing steep hills or are located in cooler climates, depending on your dog's fur. If not protected from the cold, your dog can become unwell.
Raincoat - If your dog is going on a monsoon hike such as the one in Naneghat for the first time, it will need a raincoat. More seasoned dogs can occasionally function without one.
Dog backpack - The weight of your rucksack will increase if you carry food, water, and dog accessories. In this case, you may buy a bag for your dog to help take some of the weight.
But be careful not to overload your dog while doing this. A dog will be able to carry a load of up to 30% of its weight. And the process should be gradual. Start gradually putting weight on your dog's back to build its strength. Just the rucksack would be a good starting point.
Long driving tips along with your dog
If you are planning a hike with your dog, the drive will be long, and you've got to be prepared to keep your dog calm and healthy throughout the long journey. Here are a few things that can help.
Short test drives - You can acclimatize your dog to car travels with a few test drives. Increase the length of the journeys progressively after beginning with short ones. This will help you to identify any potential problems. Does the dog get car sick quickly? How soon will he need to go to the toilet? Does he often paw at you when you're driving? You can better prepare if you are aware of everything.
Consult a vet - To get your dog ready for the road trip, take him to the vet before you go for a health checkup. Your dog could require particular considerations when traveling if he has recently recovered from an illness. For motion sickness, your veterinarian may also recommend medication. We understand it could be a tight schedule to plan a trip, leaving you with no time to visit a vet; DiscoverVet provides at-home consultation with expert vets in just three simple steps!
To book an appointment, visit DiscoverVet now!
Look for pet-friendly stops - Carefully plan your route and pauses to reduce traffic congestion. Look out for secure places to stop in case you decide to sleep in the car. Making a list of nearby pharmacies and veterinary clinics may also be beneficial.
Make your dog feel at home - Bring everything your dog needs, including a bowl, food, water, leash, collar, car-sickness bags, treats, medication, blankets, toys, and vitamins. Most importantly, make sure your dog is wearing a name tag on the collar so that you can keep an eye on him throughout!
Keep your dog calm - Some dogs might be prone to motion sickness and be agitated by high speed and unexpected shocks; try to keep an even pace during the journey. Play calming music for your dog, or give him a chew toy to occupy himself with while you are driving. If you have one, ask your fellow traveler to pet the dog occasionally.
Seven best places in India for hiking with dogs -
Now that you know how to prepare your dog for long road trips and hiking, let's discover some of the best places in India for trekking with dogs.
1. Sari to Doeriatal - The perfect first trek
This well-known trek starts in the tiny Himalayan village of Sari. Even though it takes a while to get to Sari, the trip from Sari to Deoriatal is quick, beautiful, and secure to start your first dog-friendly Himalayan hike. This trek is a fantastic option for pet owners willing to introduce their pets to Himalayan trekking. The trail is clean and well-marked, so the likelihood of getting lost is minimal. Even though keeping your dog on a long leash is recommended.
2. Antargange - Rock trek
This one is a lovely 70-kilometer journey from Bengaluru. It is a group of enormous boulders and rocks with cave-like shapes.
This is a fantastic excursion to start with if you want to introduce your dog to exploring the outdoors for two reasons:
1. It is a simple walk.
2. Its intriguing topography will encourage your dog to explore and play.
3. Shivanasamudra - Water/Wildlife trek
This lovely hike in Karnataka's Mandya district is excellent for acclimating your dog to outdoor bodies of water.
The Shivasamudra hike leads you to India's second-highest waterfall, a lovely cascade along the Kaveri River.
If your dog has recently begun exploring the outdoors, this excursion works well for two more compelling reasons:
1. Only 100 stairs go to the fall. Thus it is a short walk.
2. There are numerous monkeys there. You can use this to determine how your dog reacts to the wildlife.
4. Naneghat trek - Coastal trek
A fascinating route leads to a former toll bridge connecting the Hunnar region of the Deccan plateau with the Konkan coast. When water falls down the stairs leading to the top of this pass during the monsoon, it is a fantastic walk to explore. About 150 miles separate Mumbai from this journey.
After a moderate rise through the woodland, it becomes a little problematic. If you do it during the monsoon, your pet will be exposed to the rain and become more prepared for unforeseen weather on longer journeys. If your dog becomes weary after the walk, you can take them back to the pass via the road.
5. Prashar lake trek
This walk leads to a historical temple with a view of a floating island in a pond in the Himachal Pradesh region. You must ascend 8,900 feet for the Prashar Lake hike from the Kantlu basecamp, two hours from Mandi.
This journey is excellent for animals used to being outside for two excellent reasons:
1. It is a pleasant, easy-moderate walk through a steeply inclining rhododendron forest. Your dog will be exposed to a trail that is a little difficult.
2. Additionally, you may observe how your dog handles the harsh climate and high altitude of the Himalayas.
6. Chandratal lake trek
Often regarded as a path of intermediate difficulty. Although this is a well-known trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, you can still find some peace during the slower periods of the day. The months of June through September are ideal for hiking this trek. In some places, dogs are allowed off-leash.
The majority of visitors to this lake like to set up camp nearby. The lake's blue hue changes throughout the day against a pulchritudinous backdrop of the Chandra Bagga Mountain Range and a lush carpet of green grass. It's a sight to behold and something to take in. This journey is regarded as a great one with animals for mainly two reasons:
1. While this is a moderately difficult trek for your pet, your pet can visualize scenic beauty like never before!
2. Treks surround Chandratal, all unique. You may head further to find which one suits your pet the best!
7. Dayara bugyal trek
Your pet will adore it here because it is one of India's most picturesque locations. Your pet will accompany you on this easy but enriching excursion. Along the trip, you will experience some breathtaking landscapes and wildlife, and your pet will be there to share it all with you. It's a beautiful experience you'll remember having with your pet.
Things to take care of while you are hiking:
Food & water planning
While hiking, the water source may have to be discovered. It occurs frequently. Therefore, bringing drinking water for both you and your dog is essential. Even if you discover water while traveling, you might want your dog to avoid drinking it because you'll be unsure of the water's quality. The water could be less nutrient-rich or contaminated.
Make sure your dog consumes water consistently. On the path, your dog will drink more water than on an average day at home. Your dog might consume more water in warmer weather or on a strenuous hiking trip. A dog may drink up to one ounce of water per pound daily.
Ensuring cleanliness of the place - leave no trace, carry poop bags.
Are you one of those who like leaving a memento behind to let others know you were there? If so, kindly don't leave any dog-related items behind. The 'Leave No Trace' guidelines also apply to your dog. It would be best to clean up your dog's messes, no matter how disgusting.
Dog waste can be harmful in a variety of ways. It can contaminate the water and spread sickness. In actuality, it is one of the leading causes of water contamination.
Bring bags to carry and collect your dog's waste. You can also use two bags to prevent poop spills. You'll require a tent if you're camping overnight. You'll need a shovel to bury the waste in a 6- to 8-inch hole. The hole must be at least 200 feet away from a water supply and a campground.
Threats to dogs while hiking
While hiking, you and your dog are both equally susceptible to dangers. The main distinction is that while your dog cannot identify many of these, you can. Avoid taking your dog on rugged trails, near cliffs, or other unstable terrain. It would help if you exercised caution because your dog may be unable to alert you when they have problems.
Ticks may be a severe problem on the trail because they are so common. While trekking, you must frequently and adequately inspect your dog. Additionally, make sure you do so after a walk. It would help if you examined not only your dog but also yourself. Sometimes, only one tick bite is enough to give you and your friend Lyme disease.
It would be best to avoid Ivy, sumac, oak, and other plants that harm you both. Always stay on the trail and keep your hands away from any trees, even foxtails. Foxtails may damage you. Burrs and thorns may irritate you.
Be cautious not to engage in excessively vigorous activities with your dog on warm days. Dogs and people can both get heatstroke. Dogs don't sweat the same way that humans do, so you won't know when your dog is having one. Your dog most likely cannot communicate that it is experiencing heat stroke.
Keep an eye on your pet's heart rate. After rest, if she isn't entirely back to normal, you should call it a day and make haste to return to camp.
Conclusion
We wrote this article to ensure you have a fantastic experience and prepare you for any difficulties or dangers you might encounter while trekking with your friend.
Taking your dog for a stroll in a scenic area is a beautiful idea. If it had not been the case, you wouldn't have seen many Americans trekking in dog-friendly parks. Have a wonderful time!
Eager to know more about your pet? Visit our world of blogs on pets.
