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Tails on the Trails: Making Memories with your Canine Companion




The temperature is perfect here in HK at the moment and that’s got to mean one thing… It's time to hit the trails! Hong Kong boasts an incredible 400 miles of hiking trails, of all different lengths, terrains and difficulties. Easily accessible from the city, at the same time they remove you from the hustle and bustle and allow a reconnection with nature that we all yearn for (and some pretty spectacular views to sweeten the deal). And what makes it even more special? Being able to bring along your four-legged best friend for the adventure. I think it must be a sort of heaven for them; all the different things to see and smell and the opportunity to be out and about with their favourite person (you)! There are a few things to consider when planning your hiking crusade with a dog by your side, how do we make sure they stay safe, happy and healthy? Let’s chat…



Are they fit enough?

If you run a regular 5km, and then I asked you to do a marathon tomorrow, you would immediately be able to flag up that your fitness is not up to scratch. But where you have the brains to not even attempt such a thing, our dogs are not quite as self aware. If their daily walk is a 30 minute on-leash stroll along the water front, we need to remember they are probably going to struggle with a two hour up-hill hike. Suddenly stressing your dog’s cardiovascular system is not a great idea, and in the best case scenario an unfit dog may just refuse to go further and require you to carry them the rest of the way home (not great for your personal cardiovascular system). In a worst case scenario, you can potentially cause heart issues, heat exhaustion (yes, this can still occur even in winter), or in extreme cases death. It sounds dramatic, but it can happen if we’re not mindful. 


 Luckily, this is a really easy risk to minimise. Increase your dog’s exercise routine gradually, incorporating longer walks, faster walks, and varied terrains. If your dog is older or has any health conditions, check in with your vet as to whether hiking is an appropriate activity (it’s not for everyone!). When you begin hiking, start easy and build your way to more challenging hikes as the season progresses. We’ll include a list in this blog of some good starter hikes.


If you’re at all unsure as to how to make sure your dog is fit enough, you can check in with your physiotherapist. We’re qualified and happy to work with you and your vet to design an appropriate exercise program for your dog to increase their fitness. We can also utilise our underwater treadmill, as a way of introducing safe and controlled cardiovascular exercise without overloading their joints too much. It’s okay to get their heart rate up (that’s how we improve fitness), but we just need to do it safely! 



Are they strong enough?

As physios, muscles and bones are our bread and butter. When it comes to hiking we need to consider not only are they strong enough to get themselves up and down the hill, but are they strong enough to do it without stressing or overloading their body. Nothing will quite bring you down from the high of completing a hike like seeing your dog on three legs. 


Your dog is going to use their muscles to push themselves along, but equally it’s important that they’re working to stabilise and protect their joints. If your dog has an injury, or a condition such as advanced osteoarthritis, then hiking might not be for them. Check in with your vet as to whether there is a safe way to hike with your pooch. That being said, many dogs will hike with osteoarthritis, or return to hiking post injury- it’s possible if we manage it right! As physios, we can work to build muscular strength and endurance in a safe and controlled environment so that strength can then be transferred into the big, wide world. We can put your dog through a workout, just like you going to the gym and lifting weights! While a dog may not be doing a squat or a chest press, we have all sorts of tricks up our sleeves to make sure that muscle is being progressively strengthened! 


Age comes into play here too. We want to make sure that your dog is musculoskeletally mature enough to cope with the exercise challenges you put before them. As a rule of thumb wait until your pup is 12-18months before hitting the trails and allowing offleash running through the hills. If you have a large or giant breed dog, aim for the 18 months mark.


Key point: consider hitting the gym before hitting the trails; for you AND your dog!



Beginner hikes:

So, you know you’re ready, but where to start? If you’re keen to join in with a group of like-minded hikers with their four-legged friends, we recommend Exploring Dogs (https://www.exploringdogs.hk/) . Exploring Dogs hosts monthly hikes where you will be led by experienced doggy hikers and have a laugh along the way! A fabulous opportunity to combine hiking adventures with some socialising for both yourself and your pooch.


If solo is more your vibe, no worries! Try these nice beginner walks to get you started:



Heat Management: 


Even through winter, Hong Kong can still throw us the odd scorcher of a day and often trails are quite exposed. Always check the weather forecast before you set out and make sure you bring plenty of water for both yourself and your dog. If it’s looking to be a clear, sunny day, consider picking a shadier trail. Please refer to our blog on Heat Stroke, to brush up on the prevention, signs and treatment for heat stroke. When you are giving your dog water, keep in mind to not let them have too much at once! They will be thirsty, but too much water, too quickly can lead to bloat which is a medical emergency - not what you want to happen on the top of Lantau Peak…. Little and often is key! 


What to Bring:

So, you and your dog are fit and ready to go. The weather is good, and you’ve picked a good trail. But what do you need to bring with you for your dog so you’re prepared for the good and the bad? Here’s our list:


  • Water and water bowl/receptacle 

  • Collar and lead; including an up to date ID tag with your contact information 

  • Poo bags 

  • Treats 

  • Dog first aid kit

  • Tweezers

  • Vet wrap

  • Sterile gauze 

  • Gloves 

  • Booties 



When on the trail:

Remember that legally in Hong Kong, your dog should be on a lead in public spaces. When out on the trail, keep your dog on a leash if you do not have instant and reliable recall, remember we are sharing these trails with other people and animals. Even when on the lead, be mindful that not all humans and other dogs will be comfortable around your dog. Some of the trails are narrow, but give people as much space as you can. If your dog is off leash, make sure they are staying within eyesight. You don’t know what they’re doing if you can’t see them, and it can be easy for a dog following a scent or an exciting noise to become disoriented and lost. Just as you would when in town, pick up any poo and leave the trail as you found it! Finally, make sure you watch your dog and don’t let them eat or drink anything while out and about. There are many toxins and bad bugs out there, including leptospirosis, which is a fatal bacterial disease contracted by drinking contaminated water. 


And then you’re back home again…

Once you get home, a quick check over your dog (particularly paws) is a good idea to check for any cuts or foreign objects they may have picked up on the way. Make sure your dog has a warm, quiet and comfortable spot to rest- they should be sleepy! Aim for a short and easy walk the next day, to help with any post-hike stiffness without overdoing things. Use this walk as an opportunity to watch how they’re moving and take that as feedback to how they’ve dealt with the hike. If you're concerned about any lameness or stiffness post-hike check in with your vet, and consider asking for a referral to come see us at JDP!


Go for an adventure with your pooch in these cooler months! It will create memories both of you will treasure. 


 
 
 

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