If you love hiking and love your dog, chances are you want to take your dog on a hike with you. If you are new to doing this activity with your pet, it's important that you understand the best way to keep your pup healthy on the trail. The following tips can help.

#1: Prepare for local risks

Risks to your dog vary by locality, so it is important to know what they are. Your vet and other area hikers can help provide this information. For example, a common risk in many areas are ticks. To prepare for this risk, have a tick removal tool on hand at all times when hiking, and ask your vet about any vaccinations that are available for tick-borne illnesses that are common in your area. Another common risk to prepare for is hunting season in shared use areas. Your dog can look like prey when he is in the brush. Purchasing a bright orange dog vest can keep him safe by marking him as a pet. By knowing what is a common risk in your area, you can be better prepared.

#2: Protect their feet

Walking on a rough trail with sticks and sharp rocks is much different than walking on a sidewalk. A trail can be very hard on the soft paws of a dog that isn't used to it. Trail shoes are available for dogs. These sock-like shoes protect feet without causing discomfort. If your dog doesn't wear shoes, then you need to stop regularly and check their feet for injuries. Rocks, sticks, and thorns between the toes can easily be overlooked and result in a lot of pain, so inspect carefully. If you will be hiking on snowy trails, trail shoes are a necessity to guard against frostbite and ice cuts on the pads of the feet.

#3: Have an emergency plan

Injuries can happen on the trail, and chances are human rescue services won't be able to spend resources to save your pup. If you have a small dog, you may be able to carry them out if they become injured or exhausted. For larger dogs, consider packing a tarp so you can create a travois if you need to help your pet back to civilization. Emergency items, such as a pet first aid kit, are also necessary. Also, pack extra food and water in case you and your dog become lost. Finally, consider adding a tracking beacon to their collar in case they become lost in the woods.

For more help, contact a vet in your area. To learn more, contact a veterinary hospital like Kenmore Veterinary Hospital.