Are you wondering what to do on your ne­xt, fun date? Hiking can be a date idea. And if you’re in your early dating stage, including your pet (especially your dog) is a way to see how your pet reacts with your date. This is also a good time to filter out the kind of dates you (and your pets) are both not into.

Before you lace up those hiking boots though, here are five know-before-you-go tips for hiking with your pet on a date.

Choose a Dog-Friendly Hiking Trail

Ok, so not all trails are dog-friendly. As a rule of thumb, dogs are typically not permitted in wildlife sanctuaries, refuges, or preserves. Before hitting the trail, do a quick search in your area on hiking, park, and ranger websites.

Wherever the trail, consider the environment. Grasses, rivers, lakes, stagnant water, and soil can contain ticks, parasites, and bacteria that could make your pet sick. Stay a step ahead by being up to date on vaccinations, heartworm, and flea and tick preventives.

While some places allow off-leash walking, be aware of poisonous snakes and toxic plants. A list of toxic plants on trails or even in your own yard/garden include: Oleander, certain mushrooms, Lily of the Valley, Yew, Foxglove, Kalanchoe, Sago palms, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Tulip/Narcissus bulbs, Cyclamen, Amaryllis, Chrysanthemums, Pothos, English Ivy, Philodendron, Corn plant, Mother-in-law’s Tongue, Hibiscus, Hydrangea, Peace Lily, and Schefflera.

Respect Leash Laws

Once you find a dog-friendly hike, check the leash laws. Some may allow off-leash walking, but everyone wants to enjoy the trail safely. Though your dog might be friendly, you never know if you’ll encounter another pup that’s not so friendly. There may also be humans on the trail that do not share your comfort level with dogs.

Photo by Paws PDX Travels

Did you know that adventure cats are becoming popular on the trail? I bet your pup would not expect to see a cat on the trail, so be prepared to have control in such an encounter.

Trail Etiquette

Golfers aren’t the only ones with course etiquette. There is hiking etiquette, too. Typically, a downhill hiker should step aside to allow an uphill hiker to pass on the trail. However, when hiking with a pet, step aside, shorten your leash, and let the other hiker pass. If passing another hiker with a dog, it’s polite to ask before letting your dog say “Hello” to their dog and/or petting their dog. Everyone’s dog is not socialized and stranger-friendly.

Potty Bags

Especially on busy trails, dog poo can lead to contaminated waterways and pathogens in the soil. So first, spend additional potty time at the trailhead before hitting the hike to help prevent your pet from going on the trail. Carry pet waste bags to pick up and carry out any poo, then throw them in the trash. Although tempting, avoid sitting poop bags down and picking it up on your return. If you have biodegradable bags, you can bury pet waste. However, do so at least 200 feet away from trails, water sources, and campsites. I simply double bag and attach the bag to the outside of my backpack.

Pack the Right Gear

Be sure to pack enough water for both you, your date, and your pet(s). There are cool, collapsible water bowls. If hiking on a hot day, a cooling bandana makes my pup feel more comfortable. If the hike is on rough terrain, keep dog booties or dog paw salve in your bag, along with a pet first aid kit and your favorite treats for everyone (both humans and dogs).

Have fun!

Photo by Paws PDX Travels

Hiking with a date is a great way to encourage conversation, enjoy nature, and get exercise while being active!

Adding your furry friend in the mix can turn a familiar hike into a new experience! You can even take note of all the things your pet smells while you stop and enjoy the fresh air, too. If both you and your date are nature lovers, you two can compare new sights, sounds, smells, and a new beginning.

 

FASCINATING