Taking Hiking Trips With Your Dog

Nothing beats taking a hike in the lap of nature. Getting away from the hustle bustle of daily life and enjoying life in its natural state- we all should opt for hiking once in a while. Of course, regular hikes help us remain fit as well. The best companion for a hike is your pet dog.

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Dogs may have been domesticated by man but they still are better than us when it comes to the rough life of the jungle. You will have a loyal ally by your side if you take your pet dog along. There are many instances where pet dogs saved the lives of their owners after mishaps during hiking.

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There are some things which you must consider when taking your pet dog along on hiking trips. The most important factors are listed below:

o Make sure your pet dog is healthy enough to accompany you on the hiking trip. Take your pet dog to your veterinarian and get your dog checked. Never take an unhealthy dog on such a trip. You will face numerous problems if your dog falls seriously ill.
o Make sure your pet dog is acclimatized for the hike. We take lots of precautions to protect our feet and other body parts from excessive strain during the hike. You cannot get shoes for your pet dog. The next best thing is to make sure the dog is used to the strain.
o The best way to condition your dog is to take it for long walks on a daily basis. Start out with a short distance and keep on increasing the distance until you are sure that the pet is ready for the hike.
o You can also resort to activities like jogging, tennis-ball fetch, and swimming to get your dog into good shape.
o After conditioning the heart of your pet, take care to toughen up the toes. The pads of your dog's foot should be capable of bearing the strain. A dog with a bleeding foot pad can become a very heavy burden on the hike.
o Prepare your dog's ID tag and license and make sure the rabies inoculation is up to date. Get your vet to insert a microchip to ensure your pet dog can be found very easily.
o Never forget the fact that trail restrictions are for your safety. Ignore them at your own peril. If the trail requires the dog to be put on leash, obey the rule. Further, make sure you clean up the mess caused by your dog on the trail.

Keep Track Of Your Dog After You Arrive At Your Hiking Site

Respect the 'No Dogs Allowed" sign. Do not insist on taking your dog inside. The smarter way out is to simply find a dog friendly park. These parks allow dogs under voice control to be taken off the leash.

Do not take your dog to such a park unless you have trained the dog well to obey your commands. If you have a pup, use a ten foot long leash to train the pup to come back to you when you call it. If the pup refuses to obey, use the leash to keep it under control.

Taking Hiking Trips With Your Dog

Article by Kelly Marshall of http://www.ohmydogsupplies.com - the place to find free shipping on dog toys in over 100 different models

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Tips For Taking Your Dog on a Road Trip

Restraints are Safer

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The safest way for your dog to travel in your car is inside of a crate. This may seem restrictive, but it ensures he won't get tossed around in the car, get under your feet, or get seriously hurt in the case of an accident. The next best option is to confine the dog using a doggy gate, but the really only works well in large vehicles. There are some definite no-no's while riding with your dog. Don't leave the window rolled all the way down, he just may jump out (yes, I have experienced this). Also, don't drive with an unrestrained dog in the back of a truck, he could very easily fall or jump out and be hurt.

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Bring Water

Your dog can't stop at a fast food joint and ask for a milkshake when he gets thirsty, instead he relies on you. Make sure you have a clean source of water for your pooch; the puddle on the side of the road won't cut it. Sufficient water ensures your dog won't suffer from dehydration and potentially ruin your road trip.

Bring Toys and a Leash

Hours in the car can be pretty boring, and you certainly don't want a bored dog bouncing around your vehicle. Bring toys or chewy treats for your dog to occupy himself with when you're on the road. Also, don't forget to bring your dog's leash. He'll need it to go potty and run around during breaks. Most rest stops do require dogs to be on a leash, so this is crucial to remember.

The best way to get your dog used to the car is to travel with him often. Part of being a dog owner is including your dog in all aspects of your life. After a while he'll be so used to the car, he'll simply curl up and sleep when you are on the road. As a bonus you will have the benefit of a roadside companion who loves nothing more than to travel with you.

Tips For Taking Your Dog on a Road Trip

Article by Nancy Cope of Pampered Dog Gifts - the place to shop for dog gift baskets and designer dog beds.

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Taking Care Of Your Shih Tzu Dog

Every Shih Tzu owner wants their dog to live a long, healthy life. Fortunately, owners can add years to their dogs' lives by following these Shih Tzu care tips.

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Shih Tzu puppies should continue on the same food they received from the breeder, so be sure to ask your breeder what kind of food to get. Making gradual dietary changes will help avoid upsetting your dog's stomach. As your dog grows, transition her from puppy food to premium food especially formulated for smaller dogs.

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The best Shih Tzu diet is fresh food you cook for your dog. Simply sauté ground chicken, beef, or lamb, stir in cooked brown rice, and serve-your dog will love it! Small pieces of cooked meat or vegetables are perfect to feed as dog treats. Avoid rawhides and pig ears, as these foods are hard to digest and may damage your dog's digestive system.

The key to making Shih Tzu care easy is to keep up with maintenance chores. Therefore, your dog's eyes, ears, mouth, feet, and coat should be regularly inspected for problems.

Watch the eyes for excessive watering or redness. Keep the hair around your dog's eyes trimmed, or tie the hair up away from the eyes with a ribbon to keep the eyes from getting irritated. Clean your dog's ears using cotton balls dipped in a cleaning solution you can get from your veterinarian. Report any redness or bleeding to the vet.

Shih Tzus are instantly recognizable by their long, flowing coats. The best way to ensure that your Shih Tzu's coat remains free from mats and snarls is to brush your dog every single day. This can be a pleasant task for you and your dog if you use "lap time" to brush your dog. Shih Tzus love to spend time sitting quietly in their masters' laps. Simply keep the dog brush close to your favorite chair, and your dog will think the brushing routine is just another way you shower her with attention.

Every dog needs veterinary care, and the Shih Tzu is no different. However, small dogs tend to have fewer health problems than larger dogs, and if you have owned large breeds before, you may be pleasantly surprised by how easily your Shih Tzu health will be to maintain.

Choosing the right veterinarian is the first challenge. If you've had pets before, then you probably already have a vet. If you don't, then the best way to find a reliable vet is to talk to your friends, co-workers, and family members who have pets and find out who they use for veterinary services. You should be able to develop a short list of really good vets this way. Choose the veterinary clinic closest to your home, and make sure the clinic is open for business during hours that are convenient for you.

Take your new Shih Tzu to the vet for a health inspection as soon as you get it. Your vet will diagnose any health conditions, will make sure your dog has all the required vaccinations, and will set your dog up on a schedule of regular health checks.

Taking Care Of Your Shih Tzu Dog

Rebecca Simpson, a native of Hong Kong, wrote a graduate thesis on the influence of dogs on recent Chinese royal culture. The Shih Tzu is as well known for its delightful personality as it is for its long, flowing coat. Shih Tzu information can be found online, at public libraries, and from breeders.

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