Ready, Set... Lets Hike: Everything to keep in mind for your epic outdoor adventure with your senior dog this season!
Spring is in the air. The days are longer, the sun is brighter, the air is crisp, and our hiking boots are ready to go!
Whether you are more of the adventurous type or enjoy a relaxing stroll, there is no better way to spend the day than on a hike (trips to the park or around the block count too!). To make your hike even more exciting, how about you bring along some company? You can count on your dog to be your loyal companion through the trails and beyond.
Hiking with a senior dog can look a little different, and that’s ok! Here are our tips for preparing for your first hike of the year!
A trip to the vet
Ensuring our pups are healthy is extremely important. Before you emBARK on all your outdoor adventures, take your pup for a full physical examination. Your vet will be able to tell you if your dog is up for tackling those trails.
At your next vet visit, ask about your pups' seasonal shots. Vaccines are equally important in protecting our four-legged friends from diseases such as Lyme disease. While hiking outside it is not uncommon to encounter fleas and ticks – don’t let this ruin your hike! Ask your vet before you and your pup run wild in the woods.
Nutrition, nutrition, nutrition
Nutrition is always important, especially when it comes to your senior pup. Supplements for mature dogs are an excellent way to make sure they are getting all the nutrients they need. Dietary supplements can help improve overall health while managing some of their ongoing health conditions.
Supplements are known to support mobility, joint function and cartilage health, allowing your dog to move freely again. Not only can supplements assist with your mature dogs' movement, they can also improve digestion and their immune system.
Fueled with the proper nutrition, your pup will be able to blaze through those trails.
Scope out the trail
If you have a senior pup, getting the right amount of exercise is important. But we don’t want to push our furry friends past their limits. Before heading out to the trail, make sure it's:
#1 Dog friendly
Make sure the trial welcomes our four-legged friends. Most trails share this information on their website, so make sure to check it out before making the trip.
#2 Friendly for YOUR dog
No one knows your dog better than you. Visit the site of the place you want to go to see if your pup is up for the adventure! Does your dog thrive on quiet trails? Look at the peak hours to see when the trail will be less busy.
Check out some photos to get familiar with the terrain before hitting the trials – the difficulty may vary.
An additional factor to consider is the other modes of transportation the trail permits. If your pup enjoys a quieter trail without the hustle and bustle of bikes, ATVs, and horses, it may be best to scope this out prior.
While you’re conducting some pre-hiking research, you may also want to investigate if the trail has access to water and shade. In the summer months, this will be especially important.
Lastly, it is important to stay up-to-date on the wildlife who frequent the trail. Call ahead to ask if there have been any recent animal sightings. A little research can go a long way!
Trail Etiquette
While enjoying the public paths, it’s important to ensure we maintain a pleasant experience for everyone. Although this may sound obvious, be mindful of others by picking up your dog's waste. Before heading out, make sure you're stocked up with lots of bags to last you the entire hike!
Don’t forget to pack some other essentials – dog treats, water, and a first aid kit...things happen and you never know what you might need!
Unless stated otherwise keep your pup on a leash. With many distractions and lots to see and sniff, this can help your dog stay safe. No one wants to get lost in the woods - stay on the outlined path! These paths are safely designed for hiking, so don’t veer too far.
While some doggos love to play, it is important to respect the space of others. Just because your dog is friendly, doesn't mean that others want to be greeted.
Hiking doesn't have to be hard
Your dog doesn't need to struggle – we’re here to help! Our Hike Again blend is formulated to support healthy joints, boot mobility, and improve the quality of your dog's life.
Does your dog dislike take supplements? Not a problem, we have a recipe for that. Our favourite nutrient-rich recipe will have your dog jumping for joy – all you need to do is mix in the formula!
With the warmer weather (slowly) but surely approaching, we can't wait to get outside and Hike Again. If the forecast predicts sunny weather for the weekend, you know well be saying one thing: “let's hike”.
