Going away on a hiking trip is an excellent way to leave behind the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy the beautiful outdoor scenery and take some fresh and rejuvenating air. And if you are a pet owner, a dog can be a great companion for outdoor adventures and is always willing and ready to hit the trail.
If you are an owner of a Chihuahua dog species, you might be wondering whether it is a good idea to take her with you on your next hiking trip.
Can Chihuahuas hike?
Chihuahuas can be taken on easy and short hiking trips if they’re in good physical shape. Since Chihuahuas are small dogs, be sure to always use a leash and keep a nice and easy pace throughout the hike.
Now that we know Chihuahuas can be taken on hikes, let’s find out some helpful tips when bringing your dog along with you on the trail!
Hiking with Chihuahuas
Hiking with your furry friend provides a number of benefits to you and your dog and also strengthens your bond through shared experiences. Dogs need to stay active just as you do.
Research shows that many pets are increasingly becoming overweight and one of the very best ways to combat this health problem is to get your dog outdoors. Hiking provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy the outside world while offering exercise in a fun and enjoyable way.
As a pet lover and a Chihuahua owner, I would say that this unique dog breed is arguably the easiest to take on a hike. And as long as she is healthy and is in superb physical condition, your Chihuahua should be all set and ready to hit the trail!
However, it is worth noting that hiking long distances can be potentially dangerous for small-sized dogs, including Chihuahuas.
Long distances can cause strain on their relatively shorter and smaller legs, so it is highly recommended that you go on shorter and more frequent hikes while also giving them plenty of breaks between hikes.
Practical and Effective Tips on Hiking with a Chihuahua:
Here are some of my favorite tips for those of you who are interested in taking your Chihuahua with you for the next hiking adventure!
Always Use a Leash
This is an important tip to take into account and helps to ensure that other hikers will feel comfortable if you happen to meet on the trail. What’s more, it prevents your pet from chasing after wildlife, potentially reducing the habitat damage caused by stray dogs.
If you didn’t know, dogs can leave behind a predator scent that may disrupt feeding and nesting activities in the wild habitat.
Keeping her on a leash also guarantees her safety, since the leash will keep her under control ensuring you both finish your hiking journey together.
Go for Shorter Hikes
Chihuahua is arguably the smallest dog breed and this implies that they have a fairly shorter range of stamina. Of course, this doesn’t entirely imply that you can’t go on a long hike with her!
The most ideal situation for Chihuahuas is short walks that don’t lead to their exhaustion.
If they walk for long distances, they will ultimately feel the strain of extended hikes on their muscles and joints, and this can be a painful experience for them.
Bring Plenty of Water and Snacks
If you are a hiking enthusiast, you are probably aware of the importance of having plenty of water at your disposal and the same applies to pets as well. Also, small dogs’ calorie requirement can potentially double with vigorous activity, so you need to equip yourself with snacks for energy as well. Make sure you bring her favorite treats, so she won’t refuse to eat!
Prepare for all Weather Conditions
If you are planning to take your dog for a hike in the winter season, dress her in a sweater, coat, or even a sweatshirt. Chihuahuas can’t tolerate the cold weather, but dressed appropriately, they can enjoy and appreciate a short brisk hike.
How Far Can a Chihuahua Walk?
It’s recommended that Chihuahuas walk for at least 30-45 minutes each day, however they can walk for hours at a time without issue. Many hikers have taken their Chihuahuas for 5-10 mile hikes as long as the conditions are fine.
To find the maximum distance that your dog is comfortable walking, you should stay close to home, increase the distance each time out, and bring plenty of water.
For those of you who want to take your Chihuahua out hiking, be sure to pick a location were the terrain isn’t too rough, always keep them on leash, and check their paws throughout the hike to make sure they aren’t getting damaged.
Conclusion
Despite their relatively smaller size, Chihuahuas can be a great hiking companion. And hitting the trails is an amazing way for you and your furry friend to get healthy.
However, before you embark on a hiking trip with a Chihuahua, there are a few things you’ll have to take into consideration to ensure a safe and fulfilling hiking experience.
