Going on a Long Walk or Hike with Your Dog? What You Need to Know!

Now that summer is here, many of us are exploring new ways to bond with our beloved dogs in the great outdoors.  This time of year is great for going on long walks and hikes with your precious companion close by, but it’s important to remember that the summer season comes with some risks that you need to stay on top of to keep your dog as safe as possible.

Take the Time and Forecast into Account

We strongly recommend that you check the weather forecast before taking your dog on a long walk or a hike.  If there’s a thunderstorm brewing, you don’t want to be caught far away from home when thunder and lightning strike.  You also want to make sure you’re not taking your dog out during a heatwave, when they can easily dehydrate.  Consider the time of day if it’s going to be hot, since morning and evening will be cooler and less likely to cause your dog to overheat.

Leash-Training is Essential

If your dog isn’t leash-trained, you need to master that before taking them out for a considerable length of time.  Start by attaching them to a leash inside the home, and then walking around various rooms to see how they behave.  If they don’t seem aggravated by the leash, and if they don’t try to escape, you can move onto walking them around your yard, and then eventually around the block, etc. 

Be Careful of Summer Critters

Lots of insects cause chaos during the summer season – mosquitoes, wasps, fleas, ticks, etc. – and you need to be extra mindful of them when you’re out with your dog.  This is especially true if you’re going on a hike, where tall grass attracts many predatory insects more than pavement and short grass on neighborhood lawns.  When you bring your dog back home, check their bodies for insects and insect bites.

Know Their Limits

Overall, dogs enjoy walks and hikes, and have a surprising amount of stamina.  But, this isn’t always the case.  If your dog isn’t highly energetic, then you may need to stick to a shorter path or trail.  If your dog is older or has an injury of some kind, you’ll need to take that into consideration when choosing which type of terrain is the most appropriate for them.

Make Sure They Have Food and Water

A dog who is exerting themselves outdoors absolutely needs to have a water supply, so bring a bottle of water or two along with a bowl so that you can give them a boost of hydration easily throughout your journey.  Also, consider bringing some treats to reward them for good outdoor behavior, and make sure they don’t start to get hungry just as things are getting started.

Be on the Lookout for Predators

Always keep an eye out for large predators, especially when hiking in the woods.  Bears in particular can pose a threat to your dog, who may try to run after one should they see one, so keep your eyes open the entire time to keep your dog safe.

Protect Their Paws

Keep in mind that some types of terrain can be rough on your dog’s paws – especially the pads, which are uniquely sensitive – as they can easily get scraped, pricked and dry.  When you get back from your walk or hike, give their paw pads a onceover to make sure that they’re in good shape.

Bring CBD Along with You 

CBD can come in handy in all kinds of ways when you’re taking your canine on an outdoor adventure.  It can soothe paw pads that have become irritated due to rocky terrain, and it can put their mind at ease so that they’re less hyperactive during their adventure, and less likely to act up.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors this Summer by Bringing Your Dog Along

Your dog wants to enjoy the great outdoors just as much as you do.  The good news is that with some basic safety tips in mind, you can take them on walks and hikes all through the summer season.  Just make sure to pack your bag with water, treats, and some Nectar Wellness Supercharged™ CBD Oil for Pets.  It’s specially formulated to deliver calming wellness to your dog- no matter what size or breed.  The best part, you can easily administer CBD oil to your pets for fast, efficient results.  Apply the CBD tincture drops directly into your dog’s mouth or add to their food or favorite snacks.

 

Please Note: Before administering CBD to your dog, speak with their veterinarian first, since they’ve access to your dog’s medical history and can therefore make a proper determination if CBD is right for your canine.