Adventures in the great outdoors are always better with a trusty companion by your side. And, for me, that means taking my two dogs on hikes! The moment we hit the trail, their tails start wagging with excitement. They love to smell different smells and explore the rural environment. When I take periodic breaks to rest and hydrate, they usually look at me with sad eyes because they so badly want to keep exploring. While most dogs love hitting the trails for a long walk, there are some things you need to consider before lacing up your sneakers and grabbing your pup’s leash.
Things to Consider Before Hiking with Your Dog
Before you take your dogs on a hike, ask yourself the following questions:
- Is your dog physically capable of hiking? – Just like people, dogs have different fitness levels and endurance capacities. Consider your dog’s age, breed, weight, and health condition. Shorter, gentler trails are ideal for older dogs or those with slight mobility issues, while energetic breeds may thrive on longer, more challenging routes. It’s crucial to tailor your choice of hike to suit your furry friend’s capabilities.
- Does your dog understand their basic commands? – Basic obedience training is essential before taking your dog on a hike. Commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” will help you manage your dog effectively and ensure their safety in challenging situations. Training will also help in encounters with wildlife or other hikers, making the experience more pleasant for everyone involved.
- Is your dog socialized? – Hiking trails can get crowded, and your dog will likely encounter other hikers and their canine companions. Socialized dogs are less likely to feel threatened or provoked by the presence of other dogs, reducing the chances of conflicts or aggressive encounters on the trail.
- Is your dog microchipped? – Expect the best, but prepare for the worst. In case your dog ever gets loose and runs away, a microchip can help reunite you with your fur baby. Important note: If any of your contact info has changed since your dog got their microchip, be sure to update that with the chip company.
- Is your dog up-to-date on vaccines/ pest prevention? – Safety should be the top priority when hiking with your dog. One way to help keep them safe is to arm them against illnesses by ensuring they’re up-to-date on vaccines and other medicines.
Picking The Right Trail
First things first, not every hiking trail is dog-friendly. So, before setting off on your hike, research the trail’s regulations regarding dogs. Some hiking areas may have specific rules or restrictions, such as designated dog-friendly trails, seasonal limitations, or leash requirements. Bring Fido is a great resource that can help you find dog-friendly hiking trails all over the world.
Along with finding a dog-friendly hike, make sure to pick a trail that fits your dog’s physical capabilities.
What To Bring
Once you’ve determined your fur baby is physically ready for a hike and you’ve picked the perfect trail, it’s time to start packing. Bring the following:
- Leash and Harness: Keep your dog safely by your side with a comfortable harness and sturdy leash.
- ID Tags: Ensure your dog wears updated identification tags, including your contact information. This is crucial in case your furry family member gets lost during the hike.
- Reflective Gear: If you plan to hike during low-light conditions or near roads, add reflective gear to your dog’s collar or harness to enhance visibility and safety.
- Water and Collapsible Bowl: Keep your dog hydrated throughout the hike by carrying enough water for both of you. I usually take THIS water bottle that features a silicone leaf that easily flips into a dog bowl!
- Dog Food and Treats: Pack enough dog food to sustain your pup during the hike. High-value treats can be handy for rewarding good behavior or providing a quick boost of energy.
- Poop Bags: Always clean up after your dog to be a responsible hiker and to help protect the environment.
- Pet First-Aid Kit: Be prepared for any minor injuries or accidents by bringing a pet-specific first-aid kit. Include items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and any medications your dog may need (such as Benadryl).
- Tick Removal Tool: Tick bites can be a concern in some hiking areas. Carry this tick removal tool to quickly and safely remove ticks from your dog’s fur.
- Pet-Friendly Insect Repellent: Shield your dog from pesky insects like mosquitoes and ticks with pet-safe insect repellent.
- Paw Protection: Protect your dog’s paws from rough terrain, hot surfaces, or sharp objects with paw wax or protective booties. I love the Natural Dog Company’s products!
- Towel: Bring a towel to dry off your dog if you encounter water or rain during the hike.
- Pet Insurance Information: Keep a copy of your pet’s insurance information and medical records in case of emergencies.
During Your Hike
- Keep your dog on a leash – Even if your dog is well-trained and friendly, there might be other hikers, wildlife, or sensitive ecosystems where you are hiking that necessitate leash use. Using a leash ensures that your dog stays close and minimizes the risk of encounters with dangerous wildlife or getting lost. Moreover, obeying leash laws is essential for preserving the natural environment and respecting other hikers’ space.
- Don’t allow your dog to drink standing water – When dogs see puddles, they’re often tempted to walk over, stick their tongue out, and take a little lick. But, that standing water isn’t the ideal happy hour drink for your dog. Standing water is a breeding ground for organisms, which can lead to tummy upset and more serious health concerns, such as Leptospirosis or Giardia.
- Stay on the trail – Leaving the trail increases your risk of getting lost and running into wildlife. It’s best for you and your pet to stick to the trail.
- Take breaks – Make sure your dog stays hydrated. While they may not want to take a break, it’s important to make them stop to drink some water.
- Pick up after your dog – Be kind and pick up your dog’s poo.
After Your Hike
After you get off the hiking trail, carefully check your dog for ticks or other bugs. Give your pup a thorough body check by running your hands through his fur, inspecting for any little lumps or bumps. Make sure to check your dog’s ears, neck, armpits, groin, tail, and between toes, as ticks especially love to burrow in those areas.
Make sure they don’t have anything crawling in their fur. Then, once you get home from your hike, expect your fur babies to catch some serious zzzzzs! When I get home from hiking with my dogs, they sleep for hours!
