Tips For Hiking With your Dog In Colorado
Nature walks through the majestic rocky forests of Colorado are beautiful moments to experience. Add your canine companion to the equation, and things get even better. But before you head off to the trails, there are a few tips you should keeping mind for both you and your pup’s safety and enjoyment.
Make Sure Fido is Up-To-Date on Vaccinations
You want to be sure that your pooch has all of their shots before going on any adventures. Vaccines for diseases like leptospirosis can help prevent your pup from catching this flu-like disease from contaminated soil and stagnant water. It’s also crucial that you have your dog on flea and tick medications, and even consider adding a tick collar that you can get from Fido’s vet to give them even more protection. There are also more obvious problems you and your pup could run into while in the wild that a vaccine could help prevent, such as rabies. So, play it safe and always keep you furry friend up to date on their shots and vet visits.
Things You Should Pack for Your Pup
Always make sure Fido has a collar with your current information attached. Microchipping is also strongly recommended. Another thing to consider is getting your canine a GPS beacon so that, just in case they get loose, you’ll have a much better chance of finding them. We also recommend that when hiking, you bring a short leash and stray away from the retractable ones. A compact doggy first aid kit, travel bowls, as well as plenty of water, are strongly encouraged.
Know Your Location
Double-check before heading out to any trails that they’re dog friendly. Just because you’re in the great outdoors, it doesn’t always mean your pup is allowed to come. In areas where wildlife is at risk of dog attacks (or your pooch is at risk of being attacked themselves), your pooch will most likely not be allowed, or at the very least, be required to stay on a leash. It’s also a great idea to check the intensity level of a hike before heading out there. Know you and your furry friend’s limits to prevent potential injury.
It’s Best to Keep Fido Away from the Water
Streams and ponds can look extremely inviting, but they can also be filled with dangerous bacteria that could get your canine sick from just wading in it. Always bring plenty of clean water for both you and your pooch, so they don’t feel the need to get water from ponds or streams. During the warmer months, there’s also a higher risk of algae blooms – which are incredibly toxic for your canine companion. But if it’s an especially hot day and your pooch seems to be overheating, showing signs of glassy eyes and rapid panting – then immersing them into a cool body of water could actually save their life.
Follow the Rules
Be considerate of your fellow hikers and dog-owners. Because your pooch is not guaranteed entry into a trail. If dogs start to become an issue on a specific trail due to not being leashed or their owners not picking up after them – then you and every other pet parent could lose the privilege of bringing their pups along.
Walks in the beautiful wildlife of Colorado can be magical, especially when your furry friend gets to join. Follow these tips, and you should have a great time on your next adventure with Fido.