5 Tips for Hiking With Your Dog

Outdoor activities increase when the weather warms up. If you and your furry best friend love going for hikes, make sure both of you are prepped and ready for the mileage.

Check that the trail is pet-friendly. Some parks allow dogs on trails and others do not.
If you haven’t been on the trail before, take a day to check it out before your bring your dog. It might be really rocky, muddy, steep, and have some obstacles that your dog might have problems traversing.
Hiking in a high altitude place? Take a minute and think if your dog can handle the conditions. Thinner air, smushed noses, and cardio could mean problems.
Stick to wider trail to avoid poison ivy, ticks, and other problems. Don’t let your dog venture into the grass and shady rocky areas where snakes may hide out.
Take breaks! Your dog may need a drink of water, a rest, and a few minutes here and there to relax before hiking back to the car.

^{Image from The Sonoran Concervancy of Fountain Hills}