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Credit @when.kobe.met.cali The only thing better than spending a day in the great outdoors is having your best friend with you. Along with the exercise, a trek on the trails can deepen the bond between you and your dog and provide valuable sensory enrichment. Before you embark on your adventure, it’s important to be prepared. Here are 10 steps to take before hitting the trails: Check with your veterinarian to ensure your dog is healthy enough to hike. Make sure your dog is up to date on his vaccines and flea, tick, and heartworm preventives. Find a dog-friendly trail and be aware of any restrictions. The website www.alltrails.com provides trail guides and maps, and you can filter your search to include only trails that allow dogs. Keep your dog on a leash to reduce his chance of getting into trouble with wildlife or poisonous plants. It will also help other hikers feel comfortable when they pass you on the trail. Make sure your dog’s microchip is up to date and that he’s wearing a collar with current ID tags. Start with an easy hike that’s no more than one hour long with a small incline. Look for trails with loops rather than long out and back routes in case your dog gets tired and you need to cut it short. Pack plenty of food and water for your dog and yourself to keep you both energized and hydrated. Never let your dog drink from lakes or streams no matter how clean they may look. They often contain parasites and other bacteria, which can be harmful or fatal to your dog. Bring along poop bags and pick up after your pet. Dog feces contains bacteria that can disrupt local wildlife and groundwater supplies. Pack a pet first aid kit and know the location of the nearest veterinary ER. Always check your dog’s whole body for ticks, cuts, and burrs when you get off the trail.

A fever is an abnormally high body temperature. A normal body temperature for a cat or dog is between 100 and 102.5°F (37.8 to 39.2°). A cat or dog is considered to have a true fever if their body temperature ranges from 103 to 106°F (39.5 to 41.1°C). When to see a veterinarian: If your pet has a temperature between 102.5 to 104.5°F (39.2 to 40.3°C), consult your veterinarian. For temperatures above 104.5°F (40.3°C), seek immediate veterinary attention.

Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is found in everything from chewing gum to peanut butter to ice cream to toothpaste. It’s often listed under other names, including birch sugar, birch extract, or wood sugar. While considered safe for humans, xylitol is highly poisonous to dogs. If a dog consumes xylitol, blood sugar can drop dangerously low, resulting in seizures, liver failure, and even death.      

The goal of rehabilitation in animals is to manage and treat injuries or conditions that limit mobility, cause pain, or negatively impact an animal’s quality of life. Known as physical therapy in human medicine, rehabilitation provides the following benefits: pain relief, improved circulation, strengthened muscles, healthy weight loss, and faster healing after an injury. Veterinarians certified in rehabilitation develop customized treatment plans depending on the animal and condition. A treatment plan may include a variety of different therapies designed to improve mobility, increase strength, or decrease pain. Patients who are postoperative, arthritic, geriatric, obese, or have a neurological condition may all benefit from rehabilitation.

The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that 60% of cats are overweight or obese. In animals, fat starts to accumulate around internal organs before it’s visible from the outside. That means by the time you notice your cat is gaining weight, her health may already be negatively affected. A 10-pound cat only needs about 200 calories a day. Being overweight or obese doesn’t just affect how your cat looks, it also increases her risk for many health problems including: Cancer Decreased lifespan Heart disease Bladder stones Type 2 Diabetes and insulin resistance Osteoarthritis If your cat does become overweight or obese, talk with your veterinarian about ways to get your cat back to a healthy weight. This could include a change in diet or starting an exercise program. Your veterinarian can help you to find a solution that works for you and your cat.