Hiking is a great way to experience the beauty of nature and stay healthy. Solo hiking with my dog, Rydal has become one of my favourite ways to unwind, exercise, and bond. In this blog post, I will share the physical and mental benefits of solo hiking with dogs, and why it is important to feed your dog with nutritional dog food when hiking.
Hiking with dogs: The physical benefits
Solo hiking with your dog is a great way to stay physically fit. It can help improve your cardiovascular health, increase muscle strength, and enhance your endurance. Hiking also burns calories, making it a great way to maintain a healthy weight. When hiking with your dog, you may also find yourself carrying extra weight, such as water, food, and gear, which can increase the intensity of the workout. I always make sure to take enough treats for Rydal. As she spends the majority of our hikes off the leader, having lots of treats gives me the opportunity to test her recall, especially on exposed hikes or where there’s other wild life and I need her to stay close to me. Her favourite treats are the Carnilove Semi Moist Snack Duck enriched with Rosemary. They come in a handy resealable pouch which is perfect for taking on hikes!
The mental benefits of hiking with dogs
Solo hiking with your dog is not just good for your body, but it is also beneficial for your mental health. Hiking can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Being surrounded by nature, breathing fresh air, and enjoying the peace and quiet can help clear your mind and improve your mood. Your dog’s presence can also help to reduce stress levels by providing comfort and companionship and hiking is a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Plus, hiking can provide an opportunity to teach your dog commands and improve their obedience!
One of my favourite reasons for hiking is that it provides an opportunity to disconnect from technology, especially as I spend so much time using my phone, it allows me to be present in the moment, and enjoy the beauty of nature!
As a female solo hiker, having Rydal with me also provides me with a sense of security. Before I had Rydal, I still embarked on solo adventures however, there was always a doubt in my mind that I was on my own in the mountains with no phone signal. Having Rydal gives me that extra peace of mind and allows me to enjoy my hikes and wild camping a lot more!
Nutritional dog food for your hiking buddy
When solo hiking with your dog, it is important to feed them with nutritional dog food. Hiking can be physically demanding for your dog, and they need the right amount of nutrients to keep them energised and healthy. All of Carnilove’s dog food recipes are bursting with top-quality natural ingredients and have been designed with careful consideration for the historical continuity of cohabitation between pets and humans. The wide spectrum of carefully selected wild-origin meats, corresponds to the composition of natural prey and ensures intake of important amino acids.
Forest fruits, vegetables, wild berries, and herbs are natural sources of important vitamins, antioxidants and other essential nutrients. Up to 85% wild-origin meats depending on the recipe.
Make sure to bring enough food and water for your dog, and take frequent breaks to allow them to rest and hydrate.
Solo hiking with your dog is a great way to stay physically and mentally healthy, while also strengthening your bond with your furry companion. The physical benefits of hiking include improving your cardiovascular health, increasing muscle strength, and enhancing your endurance. The mental benefits of hiking include reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, and improving your mood.
When hiking with your dog, make sure to feed them with nutritional dog food and provide them with enough food and water. So, grab your hiking boots and hit the trails for a great adventure!
By Steph Robinson @geordie_hiker
Avid Hiker and Carnilove Ambassador