Purple and Paws I’m lucky enough to live half a mile from South Mountain Park, which is one of the biggest deserts in Phoenix. It’s full of trails that Socks and I love to explore. But walking your dog in the desert comes with a set of risks. Here are five tips for anyone who wants to start hitting the trail with their pooch.
Bring Water
This is a pretty obvious tip but you’d be surprised how many people don’t think to bring water, especially during the cooler winter months. You may not need to re-hydrate but guess what? Your dog probably will. So always bring along water and a bowl for your dog.
Watch for Wild Animals
A lot of wild animals call the desert home. Snakes, coyotes, javelina, hawks, owls…you never know what you’re going to see when you’re out on the trail. A lot of these wild animals also wouldn’t think twice about grabbing your dog, so pay close attention to what’s going on around you at all times.
Watch for Bikers
Depending on where in the desert you’re walking, of course. Some trails don’t see many bikers while others do. I can’t count how many times me and Socks have been strolling along and all of a sudden I hear the whooshing of tires on dirt behind me. I have to quickly jump out of the way and pull Socks off the path.
Bring Your Phone
One of the most exciting things about hiking in the desert is all the different trails to explore. But if you’re exploring alone and in an unfamiliar area, please bring your cell phone. If you get lost, you’ll have a means of communication. It’s also not a bad idea to inform family and friends of where you’re going and how long you’ll be gone for.
Check Your Dog’s Paws After
Trails in the desert are full of rocks, cacti bits, and all sorts of other debris. When you get home, be sure to inspect your pooch’s paws and remove anything that looks suspicious. Or, if your dog doesn’t mind, buy booties made specifically for hiking and put them on before your trek.
Walking in the desert with your pup is fun, and with these five tips, you’ll both enjoy hitting the trails!
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