Over The Hills and Through The Woods: Beat the Heat While Keeping Your Dog Active and Healthy

As summer heats up, we look for ways to stay cool, yet remain active enough with our dogs to give them the physical exercise they need. One great way to help beat the heat is to take a trek through shady woodlands with your furry friend. The protection of trees overhead is a welcome relief from an open backyard or field where the sun beats down on you, and a walk in the woods can be a great adventure with nature - full of fun and exercise for you both! Just be sure you are well equipped to take on the great outdoors.

Whether you are out for a leisurely stroll, or attempting a rigorous all-day hike, you should remember and adhere to basic "dog etiquette" when out in public. While it is tempting to let your dog run loose in the open wilderness, please keep your dog leashed in the woods, especially if there are a lot of people and/or other animals around. Although there may be clearly marked trails and your dog may be trained to follow and obey you off leash, you can never be sure what or who you will run into in wooded areas, or how your dog will react. The last thing you want is to lose your dog on unfamiliar land, or have your dog get harmed. A retractable leash can work well here; it allows your dog more freedom to roam yet you can safely reel him in if the need arises.

We humans can get very thirsty when walking and climbing over new terrain for any length of time; don't forget your dog will too! Be sure to provide plenty of water, along with something your dog can drink from. Even an upside down Frisbee can be filled with water to make a temporary "water bowl".

It's a good idea to also bring along some food or treats for your dog. Just like us, dogs work up an appetite. An occasional snack can help keep everyone going strong, or can be used as a reward for good behavior.
If you are planning a long day of activity, your dog may become fatigued before you do. While it is important to rest every now and then, you can also help your dog renew his energy by supplying a healthy, energy-boosting snack, such as Power Bones. These are essentially energy bars for dogs, filled with vitamins and nutrients their bodies need. Helping them to replenish these natural resources can give them the extra "oomph" they need to keep up with a busy day.

Your dog will most likely immerse himself in the vast array of smells, sights, and sounds you will confront throughout the course of your walk. Allow him time to explore, going at his own pace now and then. Just keep an eye on what he gets into; some plants or droppings on the ground can be dangerous.

If you really want to be prepared for any possible accident, a first-aid kit filled with emergency supplies is wonderful to have on hand. If you drive, and aren't hiking too far from the car, you can keep it there without having to carry an extra bag. Make a checklist of what you need in your kit, and be sure it is filled before you leave.

After you both have had your fun and you arrive back home, don't forget togive your dog (and yourself!) a thorough check for ticks. If he got into something smelly while sniffing around, a nice warm bath may be in order also! Once everyone is clean and refreshed, you can settle in for a long, comforting sleep. All that fresh air and exercise is a natural sleep aid. So what are you waiting for? Go explore the great outdoors!