How to Keep Your Dog Comfortable During High-Altitude Adventures

The world of dogs is overflowing with tail-wagging joy, boundless energy, and an insatiable curiosity for the world unknown. Having your canine companion accompany you on adventures, especially across higher altitudes, promises an enthralling experience. However, the change in elevations has its share of challenges. Envision a world with crisp mountain air greeting your pup’s eager nose, paws that press onto the fresh trails, and excitement sparks in each step. No other feeling can match this. But with high altitudes comes new challenges, especially for the small dog breeds like a Cavapoo puppy. Taking proactive steps to make your furry buddy comfortable can transform any regular trip into a lasting memory.

Elevating Your Dog’s Comfort in the Mountains

Endless explorations, stunning trails, and wagging tails set the tune right for high-altitude adventures. We will now share a few strategies that will help your pup stay comfortable regardless of how high you venture.

Prepare for Adventure with Altitude Training

Preparing your dog early for high-altitude adventures starts long before you even hit the trails. Gradual exposure to physical activities can help build their muscle strength and stamina, preparing them for the rugged terrains. Furthermore, integrating yoga for dogs into their training can boost their calmness and flexibility, making it easier for your pup to adapt well to the altitude changes. Practicing those gentle stretches together can help strengthen muscles and build relaxation. These are the keys to enjoying those hours-long hikes together.

It is important to keep a close watch on their energy levels. The common sign of their struggle is heavy panting and lethargy. It is common mainly for the brachycephalic breeds like a French Bulldog. Ensuring to keep the initial hikes short and rewarding them with treats and water can turn this experience highly motivating as well as enjoyable. 

Hydration: A Lifeline at High Altitudes

During the hiking journeys, thirst strikes faster at higher altitudes for you and your pup. Dehydration starts happening without any warning when the air turns cool and dry. Always ensure to pack a lot of water and offer it frequently. Bringing along a collapsible bowl is the real deal breaker, as it helps them sip effortlessly without pausing.

Also, ensure that their water breaks infuse them with a sense of adventure by picking up scenic spots along the trail. Reward them with encouragement and gentle pets while they drink, as this builds a positive reinforcement around hydration. Furthermore, adding a touch of low-sodium broth to their water can improve the appeal if they appear hesitant.

Keep Those Paws Happy and Safe

The rocky, rough trails have proven challenging even for the toughest paw pads. Before you start the journey, try applying a protective balm to create a barrier against temperature extremes and abrasions. Dog-friendly paw wax is effective for rough terrain or icy conditions. 

Also, training your dog to wear boots right before the trip can save a lot of trouble on the trail. Make them practice wearing the boots during those short walks at home. Boots that fit well can safeguard against sharp rocks or hot surfaces while preventing excessive paw licking, which is often caused by injury or irritation. 

Layer Up: Fashion Meets Function

Brisk winds and chilly mornings demand practical yet stylish solutions. Always dress your dogs in breathable, lightweight layers to preserve warmth instead of stifling movement. A moisture-wicking base layer with an insulated jacket will optimize their mobility and comfort.

The bold shades look sharp and improve visibility, which is important when spotting your pup in rugged terrain. The fleece-lined boots will guard against rocky paths and freezing grounds, safeguarding their paws against the rough elements. Also, search for adjustable designs that fit snugly without limiting movement.

Fuel the Adventure: High-Energy Snacks

Climbing mountain trails requires energy, and your dog needs extra fuel to meet the demands of the altitude. Calorie-dense, high-protein treats are ideal for trail breaks. Pack things such as jerky strips, freeze-dried meat bites, and energy bars created explicitly for canines.

Make a game of snack time and turn it into a party. Throw treats into the air and watch your dog leap for joy as he/she catches the snack mid-air. And playful moments like that help keep spirits high as they also make sure they stay fueled.

Know the Signs of Altitude Sickness

Dogs can develop altitude sickness, too, just like people. Being vigilant allows you to catch early warning signs and act decisively. Look out for excessive panting, drooling, dizziness, or vomiting. Your dog might also appear more tired or disoriented than usual.

If symptoms develop, the first step is descending to a lower altitude. Provide water and reassurance while you watch for signs of recovery. Have your vet’s number close at hand, in case you need advice.

Embrace Snuggle Breaks and Downtime

Outdoor adventures might drain their energy faster, so ensure that you give sufficient breaks to your dogs so that they can relax without feeling rushed. Also, pack their lightweight insulated blanket to create a comfortable resting spot. These together moments can help refuel energy and strengthen your bond with them.

Also, allow your dog to rest down for a quiet time and belly rubs cocooned by the splendor of nature. These peaceful rest times will remind both of you of the journey’s important to savor the moment of celebrating conquering the peak.

Adjust Your Pace: Let Your Dog Lead

Your dog’s comfort takes priority over the rush to reach the summit. Trust their instincts and follow their lead when they slow down. Use soothing words and a gentle touch to provide reassurance. This way, you decrease the probability of getting tired, and some fruits make the whole experience fun for both of you.

Think about establishing a rhythm for your hike. Walk for a bit, then stop and enjoy the view, along with a break for your dog. Your puppy’s wagging tail makes it keen to keep going, helping to keep the adventure balanced and low-stress.

First Aid Essentials: Be Prepared

Ensure to pack a canine first aid kit specifically tailored for mountain treks. It includes tweezers, antiseptic wipes, bandages, and any prescribed medication. Furthermore, a thermal blanket offers additional warmth at times of emergencies, along with a paw wax stick, which is the best for quick touch-up medications.

Also, ensure to check for any scrapes, cuts, or foreign objects that get stuck in their paws. Taking prompt action to remove debris prevents potential injuries and even discomfort. Also, remain cautious regarding tick checks, as mountainous areas often host parasites that can hitch a ride.

Celebrate the Journey with Rewards

Getting back from the hike does not mean that this was your last journey together. Show your dog how proud you are by treating them to a warm cuddle and a hearty meal. Capture their victory with a couple of photos and celebrate the shared accomplishments.

Enthusiastic praise builds a positive association with high-altitude explorations. Your dog will often feel appreciated and be ready to tackle the new trails enthusiastically.

In Summary: Dog Safety at High Altitude

Adventures at high altitudes with your furry companion offer lasting moments that strengthen the bond you share with them. Each curious sniff, joyful leap, and tail way adds a new chapter to your story together. Emphasizing your pup’s safety and comfort ensures that these adventures are a positive experience enriched with excitement and love. Celebrate the challenges and rewards that arrive with exploring new heights and watching your pup thrive as your loyal adventure companion.

The Best Cusco Hikes That You Must Experience When In Peru

There is no better place to go hiking than within the towering Peruvian Andes that surround Cusco and the Sacred Valley regions.

Deep within these remote mountains we can find glacial lagoons, indigenous villages as well as stunning snow-capped peaks that hold important spiritual significance. On certain treks we can also explore ancient ruins that once belonged to the Inca civilization – which give us an incredible outlook into how they once ruled these lands.

In this guide we’ll explore the different hikes that you can experience around Cusco, and why each one is worth the trek when looking to explore the towering Peruvian Andes.

3 Incredible Hiking Circuits To Explore Around Cusco Peru

Below we’ll now take a look at 3 of the most memorable hiking paths that we can explore in Peru, and why each is worth heading on.

The Inca Trail (The Best Hike For Ancient History)

Machu Picchu, the culmination of the Inca Trail

Machu Picchu, the culmination of the Inca Trail

One of the most famous and popular hiking treks on the planet, the Inca Trail is by far one of the most complete treks you can experience when in Peru. When hiking the Four Day Inca Trail Trek you will explore various ancient archaeological sites such as Sayacmarca, Intipata and Wiñay Wayna – all of which were built by the Inca civilization. As well as culminating at Machu Picchu, this hike along the stone-carved paths is also great for nature-lovers where we can spot Alpacas, Spectacled Bears as well as the emblematic, orange Cock-of-the-rock bird.

The Salkantay Trek (The Best Hike For Snow-Capped Peaks)

The Best Cusco Hikes That You Must Experience When In Peru

The Best Cusco Hikes That You Must Experience When In Peru

If you are looking for majestic mountains and incredible scenery that will blow you away, then hiking the four day Salkantay Trek is a must when in Cusco. Here we will trek close to some of the most beautiful snow-capped mountains in the region, where we will also visit the deep blue Humantay Lake that is fed by an adjacent glacier. It’s important to remember that the altitudes here can be tough, so you’ll want to make sure you acclimate properly before and have good fitness levels.

The Ausangate Trek (The Best Hike For Beautiful Lagoons)

The Ausangate Trek (The Best Hike For Beautiful Lagoons)

The Ausangate Trek

Although certain hikes like Salkantay above do visit a lake or two during the hike, if you love epic lagoon vistas then you can’t do any better than the Four Day Ausangate Trek. On this multi-day hike we will explore multiple lagoons which vary from emerald greens to dark blues, many of which were also important sacred ceremonial sites for the Inca and indigenous locals from these remote areas. It’s also common to see wild Alpacas and Viscachas along this mountainous route, so you’ll want to have your camera ready when walking along the path!

How To Prepare Properly For Your Cusco Hike

A large part of your hiking experience comes down to proper know-how and preparation. Given conditions here can be more demanding, it’s especially important to prepare properly and follow local suggestions.

One of the biggest challenges when hiking within the Cusco Andes will be the altitudes. Here they can easily soar above 4000-5000m, which can often cause unwanted side effects such as nausea and headaches. For this reason you’ll want to acclimate for a few days in Cusco beforehand, where you can also take altitude sickness medications like Soroche Pills and Coca Leaf Teas (both can be bought locally in Cusco before starting your trek).

Another important thing to remember is to pack properly before heading on these hikes. You’ll need plenty of warm layers for the cold evenings, which includes a hat, gloves and a thick coat. However during the daytime temperatures can be quite hot, so you’ll also need light hiking layers and also lots of sunscreen (given it’s much easier to burn up at these higher altitudes).

Things To Know Before Going Hiking Around Cusco Peru

Planning For The Different Hiking Seasons

Overall the dry season is the most popular time to hike around Cusco, which runs from April until October. Here we can expect clear blue skies and more crowds along the different routes, although temperatures will be cooler than usual. The wet season (from November until March) is perfect for fewer crowds and beautiful green scenery – although the heavy rains can make certain trekking routes more difficult.

Choosing The Most Reputable Hiking Companies

Given the remote landscapes and sometimes difficult hiking conditions, it’s important to book your trip with experienced hiking operators when trekking in Cusco – such as local company AB Expeditions. Not only do they have professional guides lead all of their multi-day circuits, you’ll also have all high-quality gear, insulated tents, meals as well as transport to and from the different hiking paths provided within your tour.

Booking Your Hikes In Advance

It’s also important to know that many of these hikes can get crowded during certain months of the year, and spaces can even sell-out at times (which is common on the Inca Trail during the dry season). For this particular trek we recommend booking at least 6 months in advance to guarantee your spot and preferred camping areas, whilst for the others we suggest booking at least 3-4 months before you plan to head to Peru.

How to Protect Your Eyes on Your Next Hike

Hiking has officially cemented itself as the most popular outdoor activity in America. The 2023 Outdoor Trends Participation Report saw over 881,000 new hikers going into 2023 alone, and that growth isn’t expected to stop in 2024. In fact, this surge in popularity may have convinced you to hike again soon.

Your preparations may involve taking steps to prevent injury on your trip, with our post How to Prevent the Most Common Hiking Injuries noting that you’re most vulnerable to cuts, scrapes, dehydration, insect bites, and poisonous plants on the trail. You can also get blisters, sunburn, hypothermia, sprains, and broken bones. It can be common sense to expect and prepare for these injuries, which is why you may overlook precautions you can take to protect other parts of the body.

Notably, you may need to pay attention to your eyes. Even if you wear the right clothes and pack a first-aid kit, you can still get into accidents if you can’t see or don’t look at where you’re going. That makes preserving your eyesight on the trail all the more important. Here’s how you can keep your eyes safe on your next hike.

Be wary of high-altitude retinopathy (HAR)

Mountain trails are a popular choice for hiking. To prevent eye injuries from marring how you experience them, you may want to learn about the main risk on ascending hikes: HAR. The American Academy of Opthalmology notes that this condition occurs from the lack of oxygen at high altitudes, which can prevent your eyes from getting the nourishment they need and cause temporary vision loss or obstruction that can affect your safety as you climb. If you plan to embark on an involved, multi-day ascending hike, you can prevent HAR by climbing no more than 900 feet a day. For shorter trails, ascend slowly so your eyes can acclimate to the higher altitudes.

Hydrate your eyes

Hiking in certain conditions can cause dry-eye syndrome, which occurs when your tear film evaporates too quickly to keep your eyes moist. You’re especially at risk if you plan to hike desert or mountain trails, where the air can dry out your eyes. The condition can create friction between your eyes and eyelids, causing an irritation that can impact your vision as you hike. So, if your eyes start feeling gritty or begin to sting, make sure you have some eye drops on hand to hydrate them as soon as possible. WebMD recommends using drops with lubricating ingredients like glycerin, as well as electrolytes that can heal the surface of your eyes upon application.

Wear the right protective eyewear

Though getting some good old vitamin D from the sun on your hikes can be beneficial, overexposure to its UV rays can lead to vision loss-causing conditions like cataracts. In the short term, you may get photokeratitis (also known as eye sunburn or snow blindness) from excess glare reflecting off water or snow, causing temporary vision loss on a hike. Wearing protective eyewear like sunglasses is crucial for preventing any of these conditions, so be sure to look for a pair with a UV 400 rating and polarized lenses to cut out glare. If you’re a serious hiker, you may want to invest in dedicated sports glasses for more hiking-specific features. Take the sunglasses from Oakley: aside from providing 100% UV protection, they use PRIZM polarized lenses that cut out glare while also enhancing visual color and contrast. Outdoor lovers may also appreciate that they come with Unobtainium ear socks to stay secure on your face and wraparound lenses to provide additional protection against dirt and debris that may scratch your eyes.

Top everything off with a hat

It’s always great to have additional protection. The Skin Cancer Foundation notes that hats can supplement sunglasses by blocking as much as half of the glare and UV rays you’re exposed to. For the best effect, buy a hat that has a brim at least 3 inches wide and is made of tightly woven material so no sunlight will seep through. And, like sunglasses, serious hikers may want to invest in a hat with additional features. The wide-brimmed sun hats from Sunday Afternoons have some great options you can look at. Made of UV-protective fabrics and inner mesh strips, they’re lightweight and breathable to wear on both long and short trails. Adjustable straps mean they’ll easily stay on your head in windy conditions. And if you’re big on skin protection, their neck capes extend the effectiveness of their UPF 50+ rating to provide skin as well as eye protection. They even work well with sunglasses, with some models offering a dedicated sleeve you can put them in when not in use.

When preparing for your next hike, don’t forget to take precautions for your eyes. Educating yourself about the possible conditions you may get and packing some key items will ensure your eyesight can keep you safe on the trail.

7 Essential Backpacking Tips for the Hike of a Lifetime

The number of people enjoying backpacking has been on the rise. According to Statista, more than 50 million people in the US took part in different hiking activities in 2021. Unfortunately, some people are still not familiar with important tips that will guarantee a great experience when hiking. Here are eight important backpacking tips to consider:

Always Train Before You Depart

It does not matter if you have been on a backpacking trip before or if it is your first; training before you depart is an important prerequisite you should consider. Like sports people, the best way to succeed is to train. Try hiking and see how it goes using the same travel backpacks you will carry. Make sure there are weights inside the bag. It will assist you in knowing how to tie the straps.

When training for backpacking, focus on increasing strength in major muscles participating in heavy lifting. Remember to do some drills for the lower back and shoulders. Work on your balance to ensure a stable base, making walking through uneven terrain easier. Complement all these exercises by performing biking, trail running, or any other cardio exercise.

Get the Right Backpack

You must get a backpack that fits your style and activities to ensure a successful trip. When hiking, you can encounter unpredictable weather, so you should get a ruggedly constructed backpack. Longer hikes will mean you will have to carry more gear.

When shopping for a backpack, ensure you go for one with a modular design capable of taking in all types of gear. You must always hydrate yourself to ensure your health condition is not affected. Ensure the backpack has a water bottle storage feature. According to the National Academies of Medicine, Engineering, and Sciences, women should consume at least 2.7 liters of water and men 3.7 liters daily.

Consider Carrying Lightweight Backpacking Gear

Ultra-light backpacks will always cost you more. However, every ounce will always count when carrying all you need for your hiking. Despite its high cost, getting a lightweight backpack will enable you to put the things you need.

You will need a light tent in the bag to accommodate everyone you travel with. It can get cold at night, especially when hiking in the mountains. Invest in a warm sleeping bag, as it will help make the difference between a miserable and successful trip. You should go for a three-season bag with a rating of between 4°C and 9°C.

Pack all the sleeping bag liners and hot water in a bottle. Go for lightweight fabrics that dry fast when rained on and wick moisture from the body. Depending on the activities you will be doing during your hike, consider having waterproof or windproof shoes and clothes.

Go for a Hike That Matches Your Abilities

When going for your first hike, go for one with a moderate elevation to start. It will provide you with hints on how you can handle tougher hikes. Try an overnight backpacking expedition before you embark on a week-long trip.

Most backpacking trails are circuits that can be tackled with different exit and entry points or directions. Your backpack will be heaviest when you first embark on hiking, so ensure the start point is the easiest. The first days will be the toughest since you are still in rhythm with the gear weight and hike.

Come Up With a Route Plan

After picking the backpacking area, you must plan for the route. Consider sketching different options just in case the first plan fails. Having more than one route plan and gauging reasonable miles will be very important at different backpacking levels.

Most beginner hikers must pay more attention to planning a route and mileage. You must always plan on your daily mileage. Most people prefer 5 to 7 miles a day. With this, you will get enough time to be acquainted with new gear and reduce the pressure of covering the ground.

Do Not Go Alone

Backpacking can be dangerous, especially if you are a beginner and alone. You can find yourself in trouble with someone to assist you. You should always be in a group, especially when going off-trail. If you are a first-timer, being close to other people will ensure you get help when you forget something important. They will be of help when stranded. Take a satellite phone with you and have a map to help orient yourself. Inform some of your people about your whereabouts.

When planning for your first-ever solo hike, consider going for a well-maintained trail. There are fewer chances of getting lost on such a rail. Settle for a terrain where you will not be taking lots of risks. The conditions and terrains should be within your abilities

Pack Meals

When packing meals for a hike, go for foods with lots of calories and can easily be rehydrated, especially when going to areas where you can refill water. Pack some protein and power bars, as they will give you many calories and energy to last throughout the day. Have nuts and fruits for lunch and pasta with soup or potatoes for dinner. Consider packing dried fruits for multi-tours since they are much easier to carry.

Tuna contains a huge percentage of protein. You can eat it with bread and cheese, which produce high carbohydrates in the body. It is great you pack it when going for your hike.   Ensure you carry all the empty cans back at the end of your hike to help preserve nature. Only convert to eating new foods you are familiar with during your expedition. Stick to the foods you are used to, and you enjoy eating. Ensure you pack a variety, as it will help keep you motivated after long hikes.

Endnote

To ensure a great experience on your hike, you must prepare well and have all the necessary items. Remember to go for a backpack of the right size. The above backpacking tips will help ensure you have a successful hike.

Into The Wild: A Beginner’s Guide To Hiking And Backpacking

Are you new to the hiking and backpacking world? And not sure how and where to begin?

Backpacking in the wild is a blend of hiking and camping while experiencing the thrill and witnessing the majestic views of nature. The adventurous hike broadens your horizon, improves your confidence, makes you mentally and physically more robust, and teaches lifelong lessons. In addition, you explore new cultures, make new friends and disconnect from your daily monotonous life.

Despite these numerous benefits, backpacking in the wild can be challenging for beginners. There are numerous things you must consider and do while hiking. To begin with, buy the right gear, pick an appropriate trail, know the dos and don’ts on trial, choose suitable buddies, prepare for emergencies, and much more.

This article guides you on how to prepare well for a thrilling adventure.

Prepare All Your Gear

Having the appropriate gear is essential for every hike. Without them, you can’t think of leaving. There are two ways to get them. First, you can buy them. Second, rent it out. Since this is your first hike, renting out gear and clothes is recommended.

Renting gear will keep your investment low, and you will get familiar with everything that will help you make better buying decisions later.

Now you must be thinking about what gear to rent. The following are the essential gear you need for hiking in the wild.

  • Tent: Pick a lightweight, durable tent with enough space for at least two people. As you are renting it, make sure you check for all damages.
  • Backpack: Again, choose a lightweight backpack with enough carrying capacity. Since this is your first trek, you can pick a 35–40-liter backpack.
  • Sleeping Bags: Your sleeping bag should have good insulation to keep you warm during cold nights. Moreover, it should be compact and easy to carry in your backpack.
  • Sleeping Mat or Pad: To have a good night’s sleep, you need a sleeping pad that is well-cushioned and insulated.
  • Cooking Stove and Fire Starters: Prefer a stove specifically made for camping. Such stoves are compact, lightweight, and easy to carry. Besides the stove, you also must carry fire starters like a matchstick and lighter fluid.  Remember, if you forget to carry a lighter fluid, you can use other items to light a fire. Wondering how to start a fire without a lighter fluid? Use various household items like Duct Tape, Chips, Chapstick, paper, Cotton Balls, etc.
  • Water Filter: As you are going in the wild, drinking clean water is challenging. Therefore, you need to carry a water filter. You can find numerous water filters in the market specifically made for hiking.
  • Utensils: Carry enough pots, pans, plates, cups, and other utensils to cook your planned meals.
  • Hiking Clothes: Besides all the gear mentioned above, hiking clothing is among the most vital thing you need. Simply choose clothes made of quick-drying fabrics like nylon and polyester. But to get your hiking clothes right, you need to group them in layers; Base Layer, Hiking Layer, Insulation, and Rainwear.  The base layer includes undergarments and thermal; hiking layers have T-shirts for insulation, pick sweaters and padded jackets for insulation, and windcheaters and a poncho in the outermost layer.

Choose An Easy Trail For Your Hiking

Hiking on a challenging trail can ruin your experience as you struggle most of the time instead of enjoying it. Not only this, but you might also get stuck in a life-threatening situation. Hence the key advice is to choose an easy and safe trail. On an easy trail, you enjoy your hike more while putting in less effort.

To ensure you have a great hiking experience, be sure to get the AllTrails app before you go. The app has reviews from other hikers to keep you up to date on the latest trail conditions. You can filter by trail difficulty, length, and suitability and download trail maps to help keep you on track even when you’re offline.

To choose an easy trail, you must follow these tips;

  • Choose Nearby Trail: Picking a trail close to your home can save driving time. In addition, you also have more time to enjoy the hike and camping in daylight.
  • Trail Should Have Shorter Distance And Less Elevation Gain: Plan a hike with a shorter distance and less elevation as it will put less strain on your body and avoid any medical emergency.
  • Ensure There Are Water Sources On The Trail: Water is an essential thing you require on the hike. You need water to rehydrate, cook food, and for personal use. Hence, you must choose the trail and campsite site with water sources.
  • Prefer A Clear Day: Weather plays a crucial role in making your hike successful. On a clear day, you can easily hike without any obstacles. So, always check the forecast before venturing on the hike and choose a sunny day.

Plan Your Meals

After finalizing the gear, the next step is planning the food. Start by calculating the number of meals you will eat on the hike, which includes breakfast, lunch, evening snacks, and dinner. Once done, prepare a detailed food menu. Make sure you pick meals that are easy to cook and require minimal ingredients. For example, rice, eggs, ready-to-eat food, noodles, soup, bread, biscuits, and vegetables. This will save you energy and time while cooking. After that, list all the required ingredients and get them from a nearby store.

Work On Your Fitness

beginners guide hiking backpacking

Good fitness is essential if you want to enjoy your hike to the fullest. So, start working out at least a week before your hike. Include exercises like running for a short distance, yoga, weightlifting, and meditation. Apart from it, you can also indulge in various sports like football, soccer, baseball, etc.

Conclusion

Although backpacking in the wild is an exciting and thrilling experience, you need to be prepared well, especially when you are a beginner. You must choose an easy trail, carry lightweight gear, wear appropriate clothes, and work on your fitness. Besides, you must also take the advice of someone experienced and do detailed research on everything involved.