For the last few weeks, the weather here on Long Island has fluctuated from being comfortable to extremely humid. On very humid days, Emma refuses to walk anywhere, and I don’t blame her. I’m not a fan of the humidity or higher temps either, unless of course I’m doing hot yoga. So, whenever the weather is more agreeable, Emma and I will be out and about early to enjoy the outdoors.
There are plenty of places to hike/walk with your dog on Long Island. (I’ve mentioned a few in previous posts.) But sometimes, Emma and I just like taking a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood or into town, which is a good one-mile walk each way.
When venturing out with Emma, especially in this weather, I make sure to pack the essentials to help keep her comfortable and hydrated:
- Water. And plenty of it! In summer (and winter, too), I carry a bottle of water with a small collapsible bowl. Dogs can get dehydrated quicker than humans, especially in warmer weather, so they need constant access to water. If we drive to a hiking trail, I leave a small cooler in the car with extra bottles in case we need more. (No matter where you take your dog, always remember to provide fresh, cool water to prevent dehydration.)
- Treats. Long walks/hikes require “special” treats. Emma likes boiled chicken, apples and pears. I store them fresh in a small Ziploc bag. But she’s not the only one who gets goodies on our day trips. I’ll always bring along a snack (fruit/veggies/peanut butter) for myself, usually something I can share with Emma, so it’s less to carry.
- Sunscreen and flea spray. Westies have very sensitive skin, and I keep this in mind when we are outdoors for any length of time. Before we hit the trails, I’ll spray a special sunscreen on Emma that can be easily washed out. And if we are walking in wooded areas, I will definitely spray bug/flea spray on her to keep the flea and ticks at bay. Then, once we get home, it’s bath time!
- Paper towels, paw wipes and misc. At some point on the walk, I know I’ll have to clean up after Emma or use paw wipes, as trails can get dusty or muddy, depending on the weather. No matter where I go, I always bring hand wipes and sanitizer (yes, I’m a germaphobe). I also carry a few small Ziploc bags in case I have to throw out paw wipes or a poop bag and there’s no trash can in sight. The Ziploc bags help keep the odor at bay.
Planning a hike? What do you pack for your dog? Tell me about it in the comments section and enjoy the walk!
Me, Myself & Westie 
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