Pet owners are being urged to take extra cautions when hillwalking with their pet after a dog had to be rescued from Scotland's highest mountain during a sweltering heatwave.
The Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team were called to assist on Saturday after a 35kg Akbash named Maggie came into difficulty high on the Ben Nevis path and was unable to move.
Pictures from the scene showed a distressed Maggie being taken back down the mountain on a stretcher as night fell. The pooch survived the ordeal, but her story is a cautionary tale on the risks of taking your dog on hill walks in adverse weather.
While a day in the hills with your dog can be a rewarding experience, it's important to remember that a mountain walk is very different to laps around the park.
Like humans, dogs are vulnerable to the effects of hot and cold weather. We spoke to Mountaineering Scotland who shared their guidance on taking your dogs hillwalking in intense weather.
The outdoor experts also have some strong advice on how to properly prepare your pooch for the mountains.
Walking in hot weather
Many dogs cannot cope well with being out in the heat for too long. You should assess how well your dog can manage in hot weather on lower level walks before you consider taking them into the mountains.
Make sure to plan your route and try to map out a route that heavily features rivers and lochs so there are plenty of chances for your dog to cool off.
Always carry extra water and a dog bowl and regularly take water breaks, so your dog can stay hydrated.
Mountaineering Scotland also advise that you apply sun cream to your dog's nose, as they are prone to sun burn.
A child's factor 50 waterproof sun cream should be applied before walks and throughout the day. It is important to note that you should not use any stronger creams on your dogs.
Wet food is recommended for dogs over dried food in hot weather as it will help keep their hydration levels up.
Wind and rain warning
Many dogs do not enjoy wet and windy weather as they can become cold quite quickly. Mountaineering Scotland recommend wrapping your dog in a waterproof jacket, so they do not lose body heat and succumb to hypothermia.
The signs of hypothermia in dogs are subtle and can go unnoticed. Symptoms in dogs include shivering and fatigue often followed by disorientation and difficulty or reluctance to walk.
Taking your dogs into the mountains in snowy and icy weather is not advised unless you are an experienced climber.
Check your pup's breed
Taking your dog on a hill walk is not as simple as it sounds. The bumpy terrain and long distance can be too much for your dog, if they are not properly prepared.
According to Mountaineering Scotland, certain breeds of dogs will be better suited to hill walking than others.
Medium sized dogs like Labradors or Collies are more athletic dogs and will likely be better on hill walks than shorter leg pooches, like Dachshunds and Bulldogs.
Small breed owners should consult with their vets or a skilled dog trainer on the right age to start taking their dogs into the mountains, as this will vary between breeds.
Dogs bones and soft tissues develop in their first six to 12 months, so it is important to not over-exercise young dogs at this time to prevent long term skeletal damage.
Fitness
Like their owners, dogs need time to build up their fitness levels before they can take on the bumpy terrain of day long hill walks.
Start off by taking your dog on short walks in a similar environment, then gradually build up the time, distances and ascent.
Recovery time is also important, so make sure to allow your dog to have a rest day in between walks, as an overload can result in muscle and soft tissue injuries.
Paws
An important factor to consider when getting your dog in shape for the hills is the toughness of their paws.
Dogs who are used to walking in parks and fields will have softer paw tissue, which will be susceptible to cuts and damage when exposed to rough hill paths.
You can strengthen your dog's paw pads by taking them on walks over footpaths and land rover tracks, gradually lengthening walking times.
Four tips to keep your dog happy on a hillwalk
Outdoor retailer Mountain Warehouse have shared their top tips to keep your dog safe and healthy while on a hillwalk:
1. Maintain your dog’s energy levels - Don’t give your dog a big meal in the morning of your hike to ensure they have enough time to digest.
Feeding them at intervals will help balance their energy levels so they don't become exhausted early on.
2. Know your dog’s limits - Watch your dog closely for signs of discomfort or potential altitude sickness if on a steep trail. If she/he is panting heavily or slowing down, consider heading back down the trail or at least giving them a long rest.
Dogs will always want to please their owners so they won't stop unless you do, so you are ultimately responsible for their safety.
3. Ensure your dog is well-mannered
To have the best experience with your hiking companion, manners and strict training are necessary. In order to train your dog whilst on the hike, it is best to keep them on the lead to ease both of you into the new way of walking.
Using a lead will keep them settled and safe, as even the most obedient dogs can ignore commands.
4. Clean up after them
While enjoying the outdoor spaces nature has to offer, it is important to leave no trace behind.
This also goes for any mess left by your dog. Make sure that you obey guidelines by cleaning up after yourself and your pooch, so routes are kept clean for other walkers.
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