Tips for hiking with a dog in the heat
Summer heat brings its own challenges to hiking and moving with a dog in general. People also suffer from intense heat but dogs often have even lower heat tolerance because they cannot sweat like we humans. Here are a few tips for planning summer trips with a dog.
Move during the cooler times of day
Start early in the morning or late in the evening. You can also hike at night; Finnish summer is bright.
Head trips near bodies of water
Dips in water along the route cool nicely and from clean fresh waters the dog can also drink. Routes along the shores of larger bodies of water are usually also cooler and windier.
Remember that especially the coat of long-haired dogs should be dried after swimming so that moisture does not remain trapped under the coat causing skin problems.
Make use of shadows
Favor routes that go through shaded areas under trees. Familiarize yourself with the route in advance and avoid large open and dry areas where there is no chance to get into the shade.
Remember hydration
Bring enough water and/or plan the route so that you can replenish water supplies along the way. In hot weather, consider giving the dog an electrolyte supplement mixed into the water. Electrolytes are minerals that help maintain the body's fluid balance. With their help, the dog stays better hydrated than with water alone.
Shorten trips and/or postpone the timing
Even if the trip has been heavily planned and eagerly awaited for a long time, conditions may require shortening the route or postponing the trip to a later date. In extreme heat, the most comfortable place for the dog may not be on the hike.
Take care of paws and coat
Hot surfaces (especially asphalt) and strain can damage the skin on a dog's paw pads. You can use protective paw wax and, if necessary, protective booties on the paws. It's also worth spending some time caring for the coat of long-haired dogs: the old thick undercoat should be brushed out before summer hikes.
