Fall is here and what better way to take advantage of all the season has to offer than going on a hike with your four-legged friend.
Your dog can be one of your best hiking companions. They force you to keep a brisk pace, provide you with a willing partner, and force you to be more attentive to the trail.
To help make the best of this adventure, the American Kennel Club offers the following tips on what to bring with you when you hit the dog-friendly trails with Fido.
Among them:
* Water: Your dog is working just as hard as you are while hiking, so make sure to bring plenty of water. If you're hiking less than four hours, bring one to two bottles for your dog and offer him water every half hour. Take along a collapsible bowl for your dog to drink from.
* Plastic bags: Don't forget to bring bags for cleanup with you.
* Leash: Most hiking trails require your dog be on the leash. Even if a trail allows him off leash, bring one with you anyway.
* First-Aid Kit: Take some first-aid essentials with you just in case of an emergency. Some items to include are gauze pads for covering and cleaning wounds, adhesive tape for bandaging, and antiseptic soap/solution for cleaning.
