I have been treating a 10 ½-year-old male Springer Spaniel called Spud since May 2021 – the middle one in the photo. I call him my loveable weirdo and let’s leave it at that!! The other 4 Springers in the family are (left to right) – Chip(nearly 2), Max (nearly 13), Weirdo, Bert(6) and Bryn(2). They are working Spaniels, Bryn and Chip are just starting, Max is retired, Bert is a beast and Spud….hmmmmmmm.
There is relevance to why I’m talking about these gorgeous working pooches on a ‘hiking with your dog’ blog! I promise – bear with me!!
I have learnt so much from the boy’s incredible owner Kate and how to care for your dog in extreme physical conditions. Whether they are working or going on long hikes both have a similar impact on the body of your dogs and as us Girl Guides used to say…………… ‘Be Prepared’.
I have wild camped on the SWCP and completed the first 2 stages of the Camino. I usually carry a bottle of plain water, a bottle with electrolytes and my bladder/filter bottle. I take food, with high protein & carbs for meals and many snacks. Lots and lots of snacks – ranging from chocolate, protein bars, cake/flapjack bars, nuts/raisins and sweets. I know my body. Energy levels dip and wane throughout the day and it’s essential to keep nourished and hydrated. If you don’t, this leads to muscle fatigue, which leads to injury or trauma. Have you guessed where I’m going with this yet?
Your dogs are the same and are doing a lot more mileage in terms of their body size and composition, so it is even more vital to manage their energy levels during high levels of physical activity outside, especially in harsher conditions. We are all pretty aware of not walking our dogs in hot weather but hiking/working in very cold and wet weather is also hard on the body. Remember this isn’t about your normal/average daily walk – this is your long-distance hike.
As a rough guide, my working dog guru – Kate and I (of course) – suggest:
- Take high-energy treats. Skinners do a brilliant energy bar. 12 x 35g energy bars cost £13.80. Yes, you heard it right – an energy bar for your dog!! These are classed as complementary food and are to be fed alongside your dog’s normal diet. There are a few brands out there tapping into this market, so be careful an look at what they are trying to deliver. Check the ingredients to see if the snack meets your dog’s needs.
- Carry honey sachets in your coat pockets for easy access, these are widely available. Personally, I would look for a certified/organic brand. If you feel your dog is low on energy for a quick pick-up, squeeze directly into their mouth or rub onto their gums for quick absorption. Working dogs have been known to go into hypoglycaemia – low blood sugar due to the body not having enough energy to operate. This can come on suddenly or gradually. Signs include lack of appetite, lack of energy/lethargy, vomiting, wobbliness, disorientation, seizures/tremors and fainting. So please, if you think your dog has gone into hypoglycaemia contact your vet asap.
- Take a portion of your dog’s usual meal – kibble / wet meat. Check ingredients as there are brands out there specifically for active dogs. Skinners do a wide range of kibbles with different levels of protein and fat especially designed to support highly active dogs. So when they’ve finished that long day in the hills with you – they are getting a good nourishing meal that supports muscle repair in the evening. Don’t forget the 30 min rule after exercising – to prevent Gastric Dilatation volvulus (GDV) – bloat in dogs.
- We’ve discussed food, now let’s talk Hydration. I’m always conscious of where I’m walking and if fresh water is available naturally. Don’t forget a collapsible bowl and water for your pooch and have a bottle left in your car (handy for both of you – doesn’t matter if it’s warm – it’ll still rehydrate you both)
- Did you know you can get Isotonic drinks for your dogs? Doggyrade is brilliant. There is a Fast Hydration & Prebiotic or Doggyrade Pro – they come in handy sachets with a screw cap. Oralade is another good brand with a standard range and an active range – screw-capped bottles. Both brands are handy for your rucksack.
These are not just for those hikes but good for cases of heat stress, post-op, tummy upsets, stressful situations, senior dogs and whelping/weaning dogs – when your dog may get a little dehydrated. Worth keeping a few in your cupboard.
- So, we’ve covered food & water. What else is needed? Well:
- First aid kit (for you both) – don’t forget to include a tick twister, foil blanket & aloe/Vaseline stick.
- Spare lead
- Small blanket.
- Fleece coat / cooling coat / Reflective coat/drying coat– depending on conditions.
- Poo bags (and poo bag holder – remember those Dickie Bags!!)
It’s worth mentioning, not all breeds are suited to long hikes, for e.g. Brachycephalic breeds (flat-faced/short noses). So don’t forget to build up your dog’s endurance – this way you’ll know how far / how much they can do safely. It’s the same as us when preparing for long hikes or long multiple-day hikes – know your limits. We all sometimes forget that just because our pooches can run all day, it doesn’t mean that it’s good for them. Any signs of lameness or limping / any changes in gait – get it checked out by your vet. If it’s muscular – you can get a referral to a Clinical Canine Massage Therapist like me!!
Happy Hiking peeps & pooches!!
Thank you for reading today’s article.
Louise James, Momentum Clinical Canine Massage
