How to Find Dog Friendly Hiking Trails Near You
How you find dog friendly hiking trails near you is the easy part. The most intricate part is the recommended preparation for these dog friendly hiking trails. It is not hard to prepare for the necessities of a hike, but it may take a bit of thought and time as you and your dog start your first hike.
It is never wise to think that you can just go on a hike with none of the bare essentials. Short walks with your dog near your house mean you only have to take the bare essentials with you, such as a couple of bottles of water, a collapsible cup so your buddy can drink, and poop bags to clean up doggie waste.
Once I prepare all I need for my hike, the necessities are ready each time I want to hike. If you do the same, all you have to do is grab your and your dog’s pack and go enjoy the day on dog friendly hiking trails. I keep my and my dog’s hiking essentials in the trunk of my car. Realize that certain essentials, such as food items, need replacing from time to time.
You may or may not need everything you have ready. However, if the supplies are already in your car’s trunk, you have the option to pick and choose what you need for that specific hike with your dog.
The necessary supplies you will need for you and your dog depend on the type of dog friendly hiking trail you are hiking and the length of time you plan to be gone.
It is vital to always let someone know when you are going on a hike with your dog, where you are hiking, the time you are leaving, and the time you plan to return. Ask that person to contact you at the appointed time of return. If you do not return when you planned, they know where to start to search for you.
How Do I Find Dog Friendly Hiking Trails Near Me?
Everyone has a computer these days. However, if you do not, you can visit your local library or use your cell phone to find dog friendly hiking trails near you.
Enter into the search engine, “Dog friendly hiking trails near me.”The search will bring up a specific list of the trails near your city or surrounding areas across the United States.
This website offers:
- Driving directions
- Verified reviews from other hikers about a specific trail
- A gallery of pictures from previous hikers
There is nothing more enjoyable than spending time in the great outdoors than on a well-prepared hike with your dog.
When is the Best Time to Hike, and Why is Hiking So Popular?
According to this research, mornings are a great time for a refreshing hike with your dog. Morning hours (when daylight) are not too hot or too cold. Mornings show less chance of rain. And, there are more spaces available to park.
Everyone has their favorite hiking season. Some hikers enjoy hiking all seasons. This is what makes hiking so unique. Some hikers enjoy walking in the gentle warm rain, while some prefer not to get wet. The critical thing to remember is to dress for the weather.
Hiking can be enjoyed year-round, in spring, summer, fall, and even winter. There is nothing so compelling as walking a trail with your dog and being the first one to plant steps in the newly fallen snow and enjoy the fresh crisp air.
Hiking offers you and your dog valuable cardiovascular exercise. However, you must consider a few tips before venturing into the great outdoors on a hiking trail near you.
According to Dog Trails Near Me, there are many more reasons why an increasing number of people are taking to hiking. Many of these folks include their dog on their hiking expeditions.
When I go hiking with my dog, I consider the age of my best friend and me. Our ages set the pace of what we can and should not do and how long a hike we take.
I am always mindful of a few tips to make my hike safe and enjoyable. Perhaps these tips will help you in your hiking adventures on dog friendly hiking trails near you.
Tips and Recommendations
Once you search on the website and find dog friendly hiking trails, it is rewarding and offers memories for the rest of your life.
Taking a dog friendly hike equates to taking an infant or small child with you for the day. Everything is bound to turn out well if you are prepared for whatever may come your way. Hikers and their dogs require supplies.
- Hiking is not a walk around the block.
- Hiking takes preparation.
- Some hiking plans require more supplies.
If you and your dog are new to hiking, you will want to schedule a wellness check to ensure you both are up for this exercise.
If you are both seasoned hikers, have wellness checks every year.
Get into shape by taking regular short walks with your dog daily.
- Ask your vet about a diet plan to help energy levels
- Vaccinations for your dog need to be up-to-date in addition to any pest preventions the vet may recommend.
While hiking on trails, dogs can easily pick up dangerous bacteria and viruses from dirty water, fleas, ticks, and plants. Ask your vet if your buddy needs extra electrolytes on a long hike.
- First-time hikers should never overdo the length of time hiking. Remember that one mile always means two miles. (One mile out and one mile back).
Many hikers get into the walk and forget that they must get back to the starting line. Never allow you or your dog to overdo the hike.
Ease into hiking by gradually increasing mileage and time on the trails.
A seasoned hiker with their dog is in tune with getting the right supplies, and they already know what they need to take on a hike.
- Purchase comfortable hiking packs for you and your dog. You need to get your dog used to carrying this pack. Put it on its back around the house, or your dog is in the yard.
According to clever dog adventures, it depends on if your dog is conditioned or unconditioned to carry a backpack.
Gradually add some weight to the pack. If your dog weighs 30 pounds, it can carry up to ten pounds on its back, or 1/3 of its weight.
- First Aid supplies are essential. Make sure you have pet-friendly bug spray, heavy-duty bandages, styptic swabs to stop bleeding, antibiotic ointment, band-aids, small pliers, and tweezers are a few of the necessities for you or your dog.
You can make up your first aid kit or buy one with all the supplies you think you would need in any emergency.
- It is wise to have pet insurance in place. Know where you can get emergency help at the nearest medical walk-in center, emergency room, and emergency vet. Tape this information on your first aid kit for quick reference.
- Dog friendly hiking trails do not always mean you must keep your dog on a leash. However, some dog friendly hiking trails require leased dogs. A six-foot or less leash is safer. Secure the leash to your backpack.
What is the Essential, but Necessary Supplies for Hikers with a Dog?
According to American hiking, the following are essential hiking gear, in addition to the above website recommendations.
Do not overburden yourself or your dog with supplies that make carrying difficult and tiring. Carry necessities only.
While the following may seem like many supplies, most are necessary. Most supplies are mini-sized.
- First Aid Kit
- Ample food and water (you and your dog will require more water when hiking)
- Consider a single water-filtration/purification system/solution.
- Collapsible dishes
- Knife
- Water-proof matches
- Bear spray
- Multi-purpose tool
- Flashlight
- Electrolytes for your water.
- Cell phone for GPS, calls, emergencies, and pictures (camera is optional)
- Compass
- Kleenex
- Appropriate clothing
- Comfortable hiking shoes or boots
Many dog friendly hiking trails have set hours. Some trails allow overnight stops. Planning an overnight on a dog friendly trail means that you must carry some extra supplies.
What Does a Dog Carry in its Dog Pack?
- A small-size doggie first aid kit.
- Lights or bells on your dog’s collar
- Poop bags for waste
- Water bottles
- Dog pad or mat
- Dog treats, food
- Collapsible bowls for water and food
- Canine sunscreen
- Doggie cooling vest if it is hot
- Dog boots for paw protection
- Electrolytes (ask your vet first)
- Doggie coat or sweater
In Conclusion of Your Wonderful Day on Dog Friendly Hiking Trails
The primary goal for any hiking adventure is to prepare the necessities, research the areas of dog friendly hiking trails you decide to conquer, and ensure you and your dog are physically up to the challenge. Get out in the great outdoors, have fun, exercise, make memories, and see the natural sights.
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