What You Need To Know Before Hiking With Your Dog

What You Need To Know Before Hiking With Your…

May 16, 2021June 24, 2021
by ruthmacpete

Hiking is a great activity for people and pets. Besides the beautiful scenery and fresh air, you get a healthy dose of exercise. Before you set out on a hike with your pet, here are a few things you should know.

Know the rules

First make sure the trail allows dogs. Some allow dogs but only if they are on a leash, others do not allow dogs at all. Most trails post signs at the trailhead to inform you if pets are permitted. Know the rules before you hit the trail. No one likes to arrive at the trailhead with a very excited pooch only to find out that no pets are allowed. Although it may be tempting to break the rules, do so at your own risk. Most parks have rangers who are not afraid to issue citations. It may not seem like a big deal but a ticket can a lot of money.

Know your pet’s ability

Be sure your dog is in good shape and can complete the hike. Otherwise, you may find yourself carrying them back. Some dogs, especially brachycephalic breeds and small dogs, do not have much stamina and cannot physically handle strenuous hikes. Others are just sedentary and don’t enjoy hiking. Years ago, I used to hike with my Doberman and Scottish terrier. My Dobie could hike for miles and miles and would never tire. My Scottie, on the other hand, loved hiking on level ground or downhill but would refuse to hike uphill. After having to carry my twenty-five pound Scottie uphill a few times, I learned my lesson and bought a dog backpack carrier. She loved it and I loved it because it was easier than carrying her in my arms. These days I have two great hikers but I still carry a backpack for my little man Jett, that way when he’s tired he can take a break. The main point is make sure you know your pet’s limits and don’t exceed them.

Stay hydrated

Be sure to bring plenty of water for yourself and your pets. Just like you, your pet will need to drink a lot of water while hiking in order to stay hydrated. The heat and exercise can lead to dehydration quickly if you and your pet are not drinking enough. Never assume you will find water on a trail. You never know when a stream or creek is going to be run dry. Also, drinking water from a stream is a good way to get intestinal parasites like giardia. Make sure you bring enough water for you and your pet and don’t forget to bring a collapsible bowl for your pet since it’s not easy for them to drink from a water bottle.

Hiking dangers

When hiking, always stay on the designated trails to avoid disturbing wildlife or damaging native plants. In addition to obeying the rules and helping protect the environment, staying on the trail can actually save your dog’s life. Poisonous snakes are found in every state except Alaska, Hawaii, and Maine. Although you may not realize it, you and your pet may not be the only ones enjoying the hiking trails on a warm summer day. By keeping your pet leashed and on the trails, you can pull your dog away from danger and you are keeping them out of a snake’s favorite hiding place, like brush and piles of rubble. For more info about poisonous snakes and what to do if your pet is bitten, read my previous blog on poisonous snakes. While not as dangerous as a venomous snake, plants with thorns and cacti are a common outdoor hazard for your pet. Keeping your pet leashed and on the trail can protect them from becoming a cactus pincushion. Keeping them on a leash will also keep them out of harms way by keeping them away from cliffs, waterfalls, and rivers. After you finish your hike, check your dog’s fur and in between their toes for thorns, cactus stickers, foxtails, and burrs, and look for ticks, especially if you live in an area endemic for Lyme disease.

In line with the Boy Scout motto, being prepared can make all the difference in the world between an enjoyable outdoor excursion and wilderness misadventure. Before you set out on a hike, know the trail rules and bring plenty of water for yourself and your pet. Remember to keep your pet on a leash and on the trail. Afterwards, check their fur and feet closely after hikes. Hiking is a great activity that people and pets can enjoy together. Hopefully these tips will help you and your pet stay safe while enjoying the great outdoors.

Blog

Don’t Forget Your Pets This Holiday

December 11, 2019
by ruthmacpete

Has your pet been naughty or nice this year? Reward your well-behaved furry friend with the purr-fect gift this holiday season. These paw-pular gift ideas are sure to make a tail wag or a cat meow.

Treats
Pet treats are always at the top of every pet’s wish list. Instead of giving just any old treat, give them something yummy, good for the environment, and healthy. Chippin® dog treats are made from pumpkin, flaxseed and crickets. Yes, crickets. Crickets may seem like an unconventional food ingredient, but crickets are a sustainable, healthy source of protein that contains more omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12 than salmon. And more important to your pooch, they taste great!

Tasty Supplements

If you follow health trends, then you know that collagen supplements have become one of the most popular nutritional supplements. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is found in connective tissue, muscles, and skin. As we age, collagen is broken down faster than our body can replace it. A growing body of evidence suggests that collagen supplements have a number of health benefits, such as helping with arthritis, wound healing, muscle wasting, and promoting healthier skin. Why not give your pet the gift of health? The Missing Link® Collagen Care™ supplements are bite-sized soft chews available in three unique formulations to address joint pain, skin and coat issues, and anxiety.

Toys
Pets just want to have fun. Bring out the inner puppy with a new stimulating toy. HERO dog toys offer a variety of fun, innovative, and durable toys. Designed by dog enthusiasts, HERO dog toys inspire play and stimulate your dog’s mind. Many HERO dog toys are designed to dispense treats and reward your dog for their foraging behavior and focused play. Keep your dog entertained and keep boredom at bay with a new toy this holiday.

Bowls
Get something for your pet and your home. Loving Pets has a variety of bowls to match your dog’s and home’s personality and style. Retro bowls are sleek and come in pink, blue, and white and are the perfect addition to a modern décor. Ruff N Tuff® bowls are made out of heavy-duty stainless steel and complement an edgy industrial look. Finally, Bella Bowls® Designer and Expressions Collection are their best-selling bowls and are available in a variety of designs to fit any home décor. Now your dog can eat in style.

High-Tech Gadget
Hate leaving your pet home alone while you work? Varram Pet Fitness is a high-tech way to keep your dog and cat entertained when you’re away. This robotic toy zooms around the room and dispenses treats, keeping your pets stimulated and entertained for hours. It is programmable so you can decide when you want your pet to play and reward your pet at scheduled times. And you can easily control the robot and monitor your pet’s activity with your smartphone. With Varram Pet Fitness you no longer have to worry that your pet is bored while home alone.

Cat & Dog Wine
Why should your pet feel left out when you’re enjoying a glass of wine or cold brew this holiday? Pet Winery makes dog and cat vitamin-enriched beverages designed to look like your favorite alcoholic beverages, but without the alcohol. Toast your kitty with a glass of Meow & Chandon, or your dog with a bottle of Bark Brew Dog Beer this holiday. And if you are looking for a gift for your pet-loving friend who has it all or you need to bring a bottle of wine to a party, Pet Winery has all kinds of fun beverages for your feline and canine friends.

Doggy spa
Give your dog the gift of beauty and pamper them with a new luxurious pet shampoo. VetDerm Solutions Super Hydrating & Conditioning Pet Shampoo is a uniquely formulated shampoo that uses human-grade ingredients and antioxidants such as green tea, shea butter and oatmeal to cleanse, hydrate and soothe your pet’s skin. Paraben-free, sulfate-free, tear-free, cruelty-free and fragrance-free, VetDerm Solutions Pet Shampoo is designed to clean and hydrate your pet’s skin without overwhelming your dog’s exquisite sense of smell. Let’s face it, how many dogs do you know that want to smell like a rose or lavender?

Hopefully these gift ideas will help you find the purr-fect gift for your furry friend. Our pets bring us so much joy throughout the year, show them how much you value and appreciate their unconditional love and companionship this holiday season with a gift they are sure to love.

Blog

Summer Must-Haves for Dogs

June 14, 2019June 15, 2019
by ruthmacpete

Summer is almost here. Are you and your pets ready for some fun in the sun? I have put together a list of summer must-have products designed to keep your pets entertained, hydrated, safe, and even clean this summer.

Summer Fun

Kids aren’t the only ones who love summer, our pets love summer too. Pets enjoy being outdoors, being active, and of course, playing. An all-time favorite is the irresistible game of fetch. Unfortunately, many dogs have so much energy, we usually get worn out long before they get tired. The Chuckit® Classic Launcher is the perfect solution. It allows you to throw a ball farther with less effort so that your arm won’t wear out. You can also use it to launch sticks, and for a little variety, they even make a Chuckit® Ring Launcher to launch a ring that bounces and rolls. Best of all, these launchers allow you to pick up the ball or ring without using your hands so you can keep your hands free of slobber and slime. If you have a frisbee dog, the Chuckit® Fetch Flight frisbee is designed to be easy to throw, easy to catch, and easy for your dog to pick it up.

Safety Tip: Remember to take it easy and not overdo it on a hot summer day. Avoid running or playing with your dog during the middle of the day when it’s hottest. Instead, exercise or play with your pooch in the early morning or evenings when it is typically cooler. And remember to stay hydrated!

Hydration

Whether playing in the park, hiking along a trail, or playing on the beach, remember to bring water for yourself and your pet. Remember to bring a bowl since most dogs have trouble drinking from a water bottle. Fortunately, there are lots of great options for a travel bowl. I like Bella Roma travel bowls because they are lightweight, collapsible, and unlike cloth travel bowls, they keep their shape and hold water better. They even come with a carabiner so you can easily clip them to your purse, backpack, or your dog’s harness or leash.

During the dog days of summer, make sure your pets have access to fresh water. Encourage your pet to drink with a Petmate Fresh Flow Home fountain. The Petmate Fresh Flow Home fountain is like having an artesian spring in your home. The fountain provides a running supply of fresh water. It recirculates water through a carbon filter to keep it fresh and odor-free.

Safety Tip: Be sure your pet has access to water and shade whenever they are outside. Always carry water and bowls whenever you are out with your pet.

Safety Products

Be water-safe with your pets. Not all dogs are good swimmers. If you take your dog to the ocean, lake, or on a boat, make them wear a life vest if they aren’t strong swimmers. Choose a life vest specifically designed for dogs, and make sure it fits properly.

When the weather gets hot, remember that the ground gets hotter! Asphalt and sand absorb heat. They can get hot enough to scorch your pet’s sensitive pads. Protect your pet’s feet by investing in dog booties. Remember, if the ground is too hot for you, it’s too hot for your dog.

Cleaning-up

After a long day at the park, beach, or mountains, you and your dog will return happy, tired, and most likely, dirty. Don’t let the dirt faze you. It’s easy to keep your dog looking like they just came from the groomer. Remember to use a high-quality pet shampoo specially formulated for pets, like VetDerm Solutions Super Hydrating & Conditioning Pet Shampoo. As a vet, I often saw people use human shampoos or harsh pet shampoos to bathe their dogs. Although their pet smelled great by our standards, these heavily perfumed shampoos overwhelmed their dog’s sensitive sense of smell and left their pet’s skin and coat dry and itchy. That’s why I teamed-up with dermatologist and founder of SkinResource.MD Dr. Paul Dean to make VetDerm Solutions Super Hydrating & Conditioning Pet Shampoo. Our shampoo combines the highest quality ingredients to cleanse, hydrate and soothe your pet’s sensitive skin. It’s tear-free and kind to your dog’s sensitive nose with no added fragrances.

Blog

Holiday Gift Ideas for Your Pets -KTNV news segment

December 21, 2018January 15, 2019
by ruthmacpete

Tag: loving pets