There’s nothing quite like sharing the thrill of a mountain adventure with your dog. Fresh air, breathtaking views, and boundless freedom make for unforgettable moments together. But before heading uphill, it’s crucial to think about your dog’s joint health and overall safety.
Mountain trails can be demanding on the body, especially the joints, so proper preparation, care, and the right gear are key to keeping your four-legged explorer happy, healthy, and ready for more adventures.
Seek advice from your veterinarian when going to the mountains with your dog.
Before embarking on the mountain or high-altitude walks, it is essential to be reassured by our vet that we are taking with us a dog in good health, adequately protected from external and internal parasites, but also free from orthopaedic problems and their painful consequences (osteoarthritis or arthrosis).
Exertion in the mountains could worsen the common situation and generate significant discomfort and pain for our walking companion.
Dog and mountain. Please pay attention to its nutrition.
A balanced diet is essential to provide our four-legged hiker with the right energy for the holidays, even at high altitudes. But it is also a foolproof method for controlling his weight and, therefore, protecting his joints under stress from an even greater load.
We should also remember that his digestion is slower than ours, so our four-legged friend should eat at least three hours before a long walk.
Adapt the physical effort to one’s possibilities.
Not all hikes are good for us, but also for our dogs. Of course, we take them into the mountains, but we carefully adapt the degree of difficulty of hikes and trails to their lifestyle, breed and age.
If, for example, they are our regular couch companions, let us gradually train them for the mountains. In the same way, let us choose good walks for puppies, who are maturing their movement apparatus, and for the less young, who have diminished resources for adaptation and recovery.
Between hikes, lying together in a mountain meadow
Are we just back from a challenging hike at a high altitude? Let’s give our four-legged friends time to recover and relax, and spend a day with them, freeing our minds from stress and problems, thanks to direct contact with nature and alongside our inseparable friend.
Dog and mountain. Use certified products for joint protection and strengthening.
Thanks to research in the field of joint health, we now have substances of natural origin that are an absolute ‘powerhouse’ for the joints of dogs spending a holiday in the mountains.
We are talking about substances, such as chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine, capable of nourishing and strengthening cartilage put to the test by demanding movement. However, we are also referring to unique substances that enhance joint stability under stress, thereby improving energy reserves and muscle performance.
Nucleotides, for example, improve muscular power and endurance and, in so doing, support the increased exertion of the muscular system. And the need for more excellent stability of joints actively engaged in walking, even over rough and steep terrain.
Another beneficial substance is SOD (superoxide dismutase). This enzyme represents the tissue’s primary antioxidant defence. Therefore, its supplementation is essential to meet the increased antioxidant demands of joint tissue during physical exertion.
This enzyme benefits the physical and energetic performance of joints that bear the ‘burden’ and the ‘joy’ of reaching the coveted peak.
A backpack of their own!
The mountains are a great destination to share with your four-legged friend. But he also needs a holiday backpack. Accessories that must not be missing from your inventory: a leash, water and food bowls, a mackintosh and coat, a hygiene bag holder, a first aid kit, and some rewarding snacks.
The essentials, however, must also leave room for products that strengthen the joints in total activity. Now you know what you need for a peaceful and pet-friendly holiday at altitude.
Final Thoughts
Hiking with your dog can be a great way to exercise and enjoy the outdoors together. However, there are a few things you need to do to make sure that your dog is safe and comfortable on the mountain.
Here are some tips for hiking with your dog on the mountain:
- First, select a trail that is suitable for your dog’s fitness level. If your dog is not used to hiking, start with a short, easy route and gradually increase the distance and difficulty as your dog gets more fit.
- Be aware of the weather conditions. If it is hot, make sure to provide your dog with plenty of water. If it is cold, dress your dog in a warm coat or sweater.
- Check for ticks and other parasites. Ticks can carry diseases that harm dogs, so it is essential to check your dog for ticks after hiking.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Look for hazards, such as cliffs, poisonous plants, and wildlife.
- Bring a first-aid kit. In the event of an accident, it is essential to have a first-aid kit readily available.
- Have fun! Hiking with your dog can be a great way to bond and enjoy the outdoors together.
Here are some additional tips:
- Start training your dog for hiking early. This will help them become accustomed to being on a leash and walking on various terrains.
- Choose a comfortable harness for your dog that will not chafe its skin.
- Ensure your dog has access to plenty of fresh water. Dogs can become dehydrated quickly on hot days, so it is essential to provide them with plenty of water to drink.
- Take breaks often. Hiking can be tiring for dogs, so they must take breaks often to rest.
- Be patient. Hiking with a dog can be slower than walking alone, so be patient and enjoy the journey.
With some planning and preparation, you and your dog can have a safe and enjoyable hike on the mountain.
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