Spending a day in the mountains, taking long walks in nature, breathing clean air and taking a moment away from everyday stress brings a real benefit to the soul and body of dogs and owners.
It is well known that the benefits of the mountains are numerous, but a trip to the mountains with your dog requires good organization of the itinerary and excellent preparation of the backpack to be prepared for every need. In this article you can find useful tips for trekking with your dog in complete safety.
In this article…
In the mountains with the dog: the choice of paths and signs of tiredness
When you decide to walk with your dog in the mountains it is important to find out about the conditions of the path and the limitations that this may have. In this regard, it is preferable to choose a route based on your dog's abilities . It is always a good idea to contact your trusted vet before embarking on an excursion, in order to make sure that your four-legged friend does not need any special precautions. In general, there are dog breeds that are more suited to long walks and others that are less inclined. Usually, small dogs tend to get tired more easily than larger dogs.
In any case, just like humans, dogs must also be trained before undertaking an activity that requires great physical effort, especially if they are not used to it. It is advisable to choose short paths to gradually introduce the animal to more strenuous itineraries. Always pay attention to the signs of tiredness shown by the animal : if the dog slows down or stops often, if during the walk he lies down and pant, it is time to take a break.
Trekking with the dog: how to deal with snowy paths and low temperatures
A trip to the mountains, especially in the winter seasons, can mean having to deal with low temperatures and snow-covered paths. Often, we are led to think that the fur protects the animal from the cold and humidity and that for this reason it is not necessary to dress the dog . Unfortunately, however, today Dogs live most of the time at home and for this reason they may have difficulty thermoregulating independently.
In addition to this, it is essential to take into consideration the condition of the dog: if it is a small dog, elderly dogs or short-haired dogs, it is ideal to use dog jackets made of specific technical fabric. The dog raincoats from the Hiking line are made with quick-drying water-repellent materials that protect the animal from humidity and bad weather conditions.
If you enter a snowy path, the snow can get between the pads of your paws causing painful micro-cuts. This annoying problem can be avoided by using paw balms and creams that act as water repellents and protect against irritation and cracking.
Leave prepared: some advice on what to bring in your backpack
A good excursion starts from optimally preparing your backpack, which must be done taking into consideration the needs of your travel companion.
- Water and food . It is essential to always have a good quantity of water with you, this is because there are not always fountains or streams along the mountain paths. Additionally, dry dog food and treats are a great way to reward your puppy during walks.
- Accessories . Foldable food bowl and portable water bottle are very useful accessories to have in your backpack. The space-saving bowl allows you to have a safe and recognized place for your pet to place the food in, which will encourage him more to eat and drink. The dispenser bottle, on the other hand, allows you not to waste even a drop of water.
- Leashes . When the objective is exploration, the advice always falls on dog leashes with a comfortable grip, which have metal rings to adjust the length and an anti-shock elastic to avoid sudden jerks and encourage a walk in complete comfort, for dogs and masters. It is preferable to attach the leash to the harness because in the event of a slip, the animal can be rescued in greater safety.
- Cleaning . Picking up your dog's waste is a sign of respect towards others even in nature, which is why dog hygiene bags and bag holders can never be missing from a good hiker's backpack . It is advisable to also have specific hygienic wipes for dogs with you, so that you can clean the animal from mud or dirt once the walk is finished.
If nature walks become a habit, it is advisable to have an insurance policy that protects you and your four-legged friend from possible damage to things and people.
What to do after a walk in the mountains with your dog?
At the end of a tiring walk you can reward the dog with some excellent snacks for the effort made and check that the dog is in good health. It is advisable to brush it to remove any remnants of foliage, thorns and parasites from its fur, paying attention to the most sensitive areas.
The dog experiences the walk as a real adventure, walking together in nature is a rewarding experience that deepens the bond of trust between dog and owner.
