Before the tour: planning is everything.
It’s best to plan your tour so that there is always plenty of water and shade for your dog. You can use Google Maps or special hiking apps in order to find beautiful routes that offer plenty of forest and ideally a body of water. Hikes along rivers and streams or around a lake are ideal. The route should also be chosen in such a way that there is always the option of taking a short-cut along the way. You can also look on line to find information about where there are official dog beaches and where swimming is not permitted. Even better if you are in an area with good alternative transport connections. You can then take the bus or train to return to your starting point.
Hiking in summer? Something for early risers.
Dogs have a harder time in summer than we humans do. They can’t sweat to cool down. They can regulate their body temperature only using their tongue and via the pads on their paws. It’s best to plan your excursions in the early hours of the morning so that you’re back home by midday or can take a long break. In summer, it usually stays warm for a long time in the evening. You should therefore also rest in the evening on really hot days. Before you set off on long hiking or trekking tours, you should also treat your long-haired four-legged friend to a haircut. It’s guaranteed to make running easier.
Well equipped: This belongs in your rucksack
Always pack enough water for you and your best friend. Because even a stream can become a tiny trickle in the summer heat. Especially in stagnant waters, blue-green algae blooms can also be dangerous. It is therefore best to think about an extra portion of water with which you can wet the coat of your four-legged companion. If you are travelling with your dog for several hours, you can take suitable snacks – ideally well-chilled ones – your best friend can use every millilitre of liquid right now. These stay fresh for several hours in a cooling bag with ice packs. And because so much walking also costs a lot of energy, you can pack a few more treats. You can find a large selection of Vitakraft dog snacks here. All these measures are guaranteed to keep your dog motivated.
Breaks also bring new energy.
You have to think for your pet when you’re out and about. Especially if you both enjoy being out in nature so much and you let it run free, your dog may overexert himself without realising it. So keep a close eye on your four-legged friend. As soon as it starts panting heavily, give it a short break, send it into the water, or give it a “shower” from your water bottle. If in doubt, cancel your tour. But it certainly won’t come to that. After all, you know exactly how much you can put your pet through.
Protecting your dog from the sun? A good idea!
Dogs can also get sunburn – especially in light-coloured areas. So it’s best to apply a thick layer of sunscreen to your pet’s snout, legs, and ears. Sun creams from SPF 30 (better 50) without perfume and questionable ingredients are suitable (e.g. products for children or natural cosmetics). If there is a lot of asphalt on your route or you are running along a hot sandy beach, please remember that the ground can heat up considerably in the sun. In addition, cycling excursions in high temperatures are not advisable. Even if it might not feel hot to you, it can be quite different for your four-legged friend.
And after the tour? A well deserved rest is in order.
In order to make sure your dog is in the mood for the next tour, give it a long break after your outing. You should also check its paws. They can be a little strained because of the heat or stony terrain. If the pads are particularly dry or you discover cracks, treat your pet to a “pedicure”. Organic Vaseline or coconut oil are suitable for applying to the pads. You can also use this opportunity to trim the hair between the balls of the feet. This protects the affected paws from inflammation caused by bacteria. Your dog will also look forward to the next outing if it is well looked after. And you can enjoy summer as it should be: the perfect time for adventures together in the great outdoors.