1) Be sure your dog is getting a complete and balanced
diet.
A good diet goes a long way in helping your dog keep up his energy. To prevent an upset
stomach, don't subject your dog to strenuous exercise directly after eating a full meal.
Save mealtime for after the hike when your dog is rested and cooled down.2) Avoid heat and humidity. On those hot and/or humid days, hike in
the early morning or in the evening when it cools off. Dogs with dark or heavy coats tend
to overheat quickly.
3) Be sure there's plenty of water. Here's how to
calculate:
Your dog needs 12 ounces of water before the hike, 12 ounces every half hour during the
hike and the same amount afterward. An alternative is to hike by a stream.
4) Watch your dog's paws. Hiking in the woods can cause
footpad injuries such as cuts and scrapes. Remember to bring along a first aid kit and
attend to any problems immediately. Keep your dog's nails trimmed so they don't get caught
in grass, which could cause serious injury.
5) Leash your dog. It's really the only way to maintain
control at all times. This is especially important in the woods where you want to keep
your dog away from other animals and dangerous plants like poison ivy.
*Courtesy of Rodale
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