Going hiking? As we know, these critters are both go-getters and yet fragile little flowers! How can we prepare for the best experience possible while caring for their needs at the same time?
Preparing in advance of your walk or hike for your furry friend can prevent a lot of stress and issues. Recognizing they are brachycephalic dogs (meaning short pushed-in nose) makes them very heat sensitive because they do not have the long snout to release heat. This presents with overheating dangers that can and have been fatal to this breed. These dangers are the primary concern for this preparation. It is very important to watch them and adjust according to their needs. Panting becomes heavy panting and cooling is essential.
How do we cool these go-getter, delicate dogs? First, each animal is different, so know your dog. Is he/she excitable, Alpha, run versus walk, or generally calm versus crazy? Second, choose your event according to the weather. If it is hot and sunny, go to a river with a life jacket and enjoy the interactions rather than taking a long hike. If it is warm and not too hot, take water spray bottle, water for drinking, cooling mat to lay on for snack or lunch time, carrying backpack for them when they fatigue. Each of these items is available on Amazon.
Simply be prepared to cater to their structures with preventative means.