The weather is currently lovely, and what better way to spend it than discovering the beautiful mountains and wadis of the UAE? Bringing your dog along on hiking adventures is a great way to make memories and deepen the dog-owner bond, but involves a little more planning than that for solo trips. By researching and planning ahead, you can ensure a smoother and better experience for all involved.
Preparing for a Hike with Your Dog
Proper preparation for a hike is key, and deciding if your dog is ready to hike is one of the first steps. If your dog is very young, old, or has mobility issues, some hikes (or hiking at all) may be unsuitable for them. All trails have a certain difficulty, so explore beforehand which hiking spots and trails will be suitable for your dog. Also, be sure to check that dogs are allowed where you are planning to go and follow any restrictions concerning areas that are off limits to them.
There are several other key points to keep in mind when preparing. Firstly, ensure that your pet is microchipped and that the details connected to the microchip are correct. Additionally, it’s advised that your dog is up-to-date with their vaccinations and that they are protected against ticks, fleas and other parasites and bugs.
While packing items for your hiking adventure, there are several things to take for your dog, such as:
- Food
- Water
- Collapsible Bowl
- (Reflective) Leash (+ a spare)
- (Reflective) Collar/Harness (+ a spare)
- Identification tag with up-to-date information
- Poo bags
- Dog shoes, which are a must for most hikes in the UAE. Bright colored boots are a plus as they are more visible and easier to find, should they slip off.
- First Aid Kit which can include:
- Scissor
- Nail clipper
- Tweezers
- Tick removal hook
- Small sock or booty
- Disinfectant
- Bandages/Gauzes + adhesive tape
- Latex Gloves
During the Hike
When traveling to the trail, remember to never leave your dog alone in a closed car. Even on cooler days, cars will heat up in an instant to oven-like temperatures, leading to heatstroke in your dog. Also, always keep a close eye on your dog while hiking.
While on the hike, follow the principles of “Leave No Trace”. By following these principles, you can reduce damage caused to the environment during outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.
The 7 principles of “Leave No Trace”
1. Plan and Prepare
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
While hiking, the goal should be to move through natural areas while avoiding damaging land, foliage, or waterways. Hiking can lead to barren land, which in turn leads to soil erosion. Hiking can also lead to the development of undesirable trails or trampled areas. By using best practices when hiking and camping and only moving on durable surfaces, we can minimize human impact on outdoor spaces. Durable surfaces include established trails, campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or sand.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
Besides taking and disposing of your own waste and rubbish responsibly, this also includes the waste produced by your dog. Pet waste not only contains bacteria that can lead to disease, it is also very nutrient dense due to the pet food they consume. When these excess nutrients end up in outdoor spaces, ecosystems can get thrown out of balance. And while you may think that 1 dog poop won’t make a difference, it’s all about the cumulative impact on the local environment when everyone thinks this way.
4. Leave What You Find
You may have heard the saying “Take only memories, leave only footprints”. All items we find in nature play their own role, either in the ecosystem or the story of the landscape. All items that belong to the environment and local landscape, should be left where found.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
A campfire can have a lasting impact on the environment, and instead of making one, you can consider using a lightweight stove for cooking and a candle lantern for light. When making a campfire, use established fire rings, pans, or mound fires where fires are allowed. Keep fires small and only use sticks from the ground that you can break by hand. All coals and wood should be burned to ash, and the campfire should be put out completely. Cool ashes can be scattered.
6. Respect Wildlife
Observe wildlife from a distance, and be sure to keep your dog leashed so they don’t go off chasing wildlife. In the UAE, you may encounter venomous snakes and scorpions on your hike, so caution is required. Never feed animals as it alters natural behaviors and will expose them to dangers such as predators.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Respect others, be kind, and courteous. Not every hiker you meet will like your dog. Don’t assume that other dogs you may come across on the hike are friendly. Be sure to keep your dog well controlled.
Conclusion
Hiking with your dog can be a great adventure, and is a good way to strengthen the dog-owner bond and make memories. By preparing well and following the 7 principles of “Leave No Trace” you can have a great hike while ensuring the damage caused to the environment is kept to a minimum.
If you would like more information about our pet care services, feel free to contact us. We will be happy to help.