Post Hike Care for Your Dog

With the weather warming up all around the country, hiking with your dog can be a great experience for both of you, providing a chance for exercise, new sights (and new smells for your dog), and a chance for training in new environments.

Since hiking can be an intensive activity for your dog, you want to be sure that your dog is able to hike without any lingering soreness or discomfort afterwards, and that he is ready for your next hike. There are a few steps you can take when you get back from the trails to keep your dog in good shape.

How to Care for Your Dog After a Hike

Before and during your hike, there are some important steps to keep in mind, such as matching the length and intensity of the hike to your dog's current abilities. During the hike, you will want to provide

plenty of water and watch for any signs of fatigue or injury in case you need to cut the hhike short.

After you return from a hike, all of the following can can be valuable to help your dog recover from the exercise:

Continue to Watch for Signs of Dehydration or Overheating - Even when you are done hiking, your dog could still be at risk for dehydration. Provide water, but do not let your dog drink too much too quickly, as this can. Be on the lookout for signs of overheating as well, such as excessive panting, glassy eyes, lethargy, dry nose, and vomiting.
Watch for Pulled Muscles - In the same way that you might overtax your muscles on an intensive hike, your dog might too. Watch for any changes in his mobility such as limping, slower movement, or hesitation to jump up on furniture if he is normally allowed to do so.
Provide a Massage - Stretching and massage is a great way to relieve tight muscles after a workout for both you and your dog. You can help your dog to stretch by extending your dog's legs very gently. Be careful not to overextend or twist his legs in an unnatural way. Also try massaging the main muscle groups including the chest, hind legs, and sacrum on the back at the base of the tail by rubbing in a circular motion with firm pressure.
Check for Bugs - Unfortunately, a dog’s location close to the ground and their fur are ideal for picking up bugs like ticks and fleas while on the trail. Carefully look over your dog's fur, paying close attention to the underarms, ears, and groin to be sure that no bugs are trapped there.
Food - Your dog is likely to be hungry after a hike, but feeding him too soon can cause bloating and other stomach upset. Wait at least 30 minutes for your dog to recover from the exercise before providing any food

As always, you know your dog best. If you notice any unexpected behavior after your hike, you should always reach out to your vet. But in general, with plenty of pre-hike training and following these steps after your hikes, you and your dog can look forward to many exciting hiking experiences this summer.

Calvin and Colleen Sheehan (Assoc. Producer - The Oprha Winfrey Show)

Marc Goldberg with Cesar Millan, "The Dog Whisperer"

Our Philosophy & Goals

Our philosophy is simple. Improve the life of both dog and family. All too often, unruly dogs do not fully enjoy life because their families constantly become upset and frustrated with them. This is difficult for both family and dog.

Our mission is simple. Make both dog and family happy.

What does is take to make your dog happy? He will thrive when you give him leadership and attention.

Making the family happy is a bit more complex.

Families typically want their dog to:

Come when called, every time, on or off leash
Walk nicely on a loose leash without pulling
Sit until released
Down until released

Families also want their dogs:

Not to jump on people
Not to charge through doors
Not to dig in the garden
Not to bark and chew inappropriately
Not to climb on furniture you prefer they avoid
Not to sniff and eat off the table and counters.
Not to be wild and uncontrollable
Not to ignore you when you want their attention