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Are you looking to release some steam and go for an adventure to get away from your day-to-day life? If yes, hiking might be a good option for you! Hiking with a dog can be even more exciting. However, when it comes to Chihuahuas, you need to consider certain factors such as their size, tolerance level, etc.
Although big dogs are generally thought of as better companions for a hike, Chihuahuas can easily be taken too! All you have to do is keep some things in your mind and prepare well so your little friend can enjoy the adventure to the fullest.
It’s Healthy for You and Your Dog to Hike
Hiking is an activity that requires physical exertion and movement, promoting a healthy immune system. Staying fit and active is important for both you and your Chihuahua, and hiking with your dog will strengthen the bond between you two.
Since Chihuahuas are very active, training them to be comfortable with a leash before leaving for the hike is useful. Not only will this protect your pet, but also the wildlife habitat whose routine activities could potentially be disrupted by your Chihuahua.
Since Chihuahuas are small dogs, their little legs get strained easily with long distances. Make sure you train them in this regard by going for shorter hikes initially to build their stamina. Similarly, you should ensure the hiking location doesn’t involve a steep grade or intense climbing.
Because of the nature of Chihuahuas, they get tired easily. Taking breaks during your hike will help you and your companion get a breather, have some water and rejuvenate for the rest of the adventure.
There should be sufficient water for both you and your Chihuahua. Hiking can sometimes result in dehydration. So, to avoid dehydration, be mindful of how much water you’re planning to take. It is wise not just to take exactly how much is needed, but well beyond that.
When hiking with a Chihuahua, you should keep in mind the supplies you’ll need to take along. Some of these include:
• Collar – to help others know your dog is a pet and friendly
• Proof of Vaccinations – in case any law enforcement asks to see documentation to verify your vaccination status
• Collapsible Bowls – for easy feeding of food and water
• Food – highly nutritious snacks to ensure that your dog is healthy and full of energy
• First Aid Kit – to treat any minor injuries sustained by your dog, including hydrogen peroxide, round-tip scissors, tweezers, etc.
Anticipating any foreseeable problems that could occur in your hike will be beneficial because you can think of solutions for overcoming them. Let’s take a look at what issues could arise.
Since one of the main attributes of Chihuahuas is their hyperactivity, it is unlikely that both of you will want a break at the same time because of the differences in stamina and built. Thus, syncing it might prove to be a problem. But to manage this, planning for some time delays and additional waiting periods beforehand can be useful.
It is always a good idea to check the weather predictions up until the very last moment before you leave for a hike. But even then, if some unexpected turn of events occurs and the weather gets worse, you should have some precautionary supplies for you and your dog.
It’s important to note here that training your dog for anxiety or stress can come in handy since many Chihuahuas are terrified of storms and thunder and, in a state of panic, begin to run around. The last thing you want in unfamiliar territory is trying to catch your frenzied dog.
It is quite unfortunate, but pet theft is real, and it’s more of a threat when hiking. To avoid it, constant supervision of your Chihuahua is a must. You need to watch over your pet and ensure they are with you (and NOT the car.) Leaving your Chihuahua in the car can be potentially dangerous since cars heat up within a matter of minutes.
If you’re planning on staying overnight at the hike location, it is crucial to note that your Chihuahua needs to be with you at all times. Do not leave them tied up outside at night. Wild animals and predators looking for food might find your Chihuahua an easy target. So, make sure you keep your Chihuahua next to you when you are sleeping.
Taking your Chihuahua to accompany you on your hike has a lot of benefits. It offers physical and mental stimulation by the visual exploration of different sites. Chihuahuas can also easily fit inside your sleeping bag if you’re staying overnight. And because of their small size, it is easier to carry them out in any case of emergency, if need be.
Hiking is a mentally relaxing, physically invigorating practice that helps people get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Taking your Chihuahua along with you can prove to be a much more memorable experience as both of you will bond outside the familiarity of your home.
We’ve gone over all the things to keep in mind when hiking with a dog, the potential problems that come with it, and its benefits. Now, it’s up to you to decide whether or not you want to take your Chihuahua with you when hiking.