The Ultimate Guide to Hiking with Your Dog

Hiking is a common pastime and those with dogs might opt to bring them along for the adventure. Hiking with your dog not only provides the physical benefits of exercise but is also an opportunity to strengthen your bond. Hiking is also an excellent source of enrichment for your dog as they can smell all the smells along the trail that they’ve never experienced before. Whether you’re a veteran hiker or just getting started, we’ve provided some tips for hiking with your dog to make it as seamless as possible.

Being properly prepared for a hike with your dog is the key to ensuring success. Part of this is choosing the proper trail. Not only do you need to find a trail that is dog-friendly, but you need to choose one that fits your dog’s endurance level. Not all dogs can go straight into a 5-10 mile hike. You can work on shorter hikes to build up their endurance and increase their ability to hike in higher elevations. Many people even bring their dog backpacking but this requires much more time to build up their ability to safely hike the length of the trail. If you aren’t sure if your dog can handle hiking, your veterinarian can do a physical assessment of your dog and their current health.

When it comes to finding trails, All Trails is an excellent platform to search for trails near you and filter them by dog-friendly trails. Many national parks have phenomenal dog-friendly trails. Please be considerate and do not bring your dog on non-pet-friendly trails.

What you bring when hiking with your dog can vary based on the length of the hike as well as factors such as weather conditions, terrain, activities, etc. We’ve put together a general list of essentials to bring for your dog when hiking:

• Travel wipes

• Water with a travel bowl or a dog water bottle

  • Dogs require 1.7 to 3 fluid ounces per 2.2 lbs of body weight without exercise so keep that in mind

• Food if needed

• Treats (high protein is great for keeping their energy levels up)

• Poop bags and/or  used poop bag holder (no one wants to hold it for an entire hike)

• First aid that includes wound care spray, eye rinse , and bandages

• Dog boots (dependent on the terrain and weather conditions)

• Collar with identification tags and/or harness

• Leash (you can use a longer lead for emptier trails)

• Safety light for night hikes

• Cooling vest , and/or neck gaiter

• Bear spray

Taking your dog hiking means you need to take extra safety precautions to protect both you and your dog. In the end, it can be the little things that matter the most and prevent your dog from ending up in the emergency vet or needing care when you’re 5 miles away from anything.

• Ensure you bring enough water and/or a filter if there are bodies of water along your trail

• Be able to recognize the signs of fatigue , dehydration , and heatstroke . Flat-faced breeds are at higher risk of heatstroke.

• Take regular breaks for water, dogs will often push through and not let you know they need to stop.

• Keep them cool in hot weather with a cooling vest , and/or neck gaiter .

• Know basic first aid for any potential injuries.

• Keep dogs on a leash to prevent them from coming in contact with dangerous wildlife, plants, and animal traps.

• Keep dogs from going into bushes along the trails as rattlesnakes often hide there.

  • If you live in a high rattlesnake population area like California, you might consider rattlesnake aversion classes for your dog.

• Make sure they are up to date on flea and tick medication.

The number one practice of trail etiquette is keeping your dog on a leash. This is not only for safety measures as mentioned above but it prevents dogs from wandering off the trail going after wildlife and harming the environment it also prevents your dog from approaching other people and dogs on the trail. Dogs can leave behind a predator scent that may disturb wildlife. Remember, just because your dog may be friendly, it doesn’t mean others are or that everyone likes dogs. Keeping your dog on a leash can also help control where they go to the bathroom.

This leads to  leaving no trace. This is a common practice among those enjoying the outdoors in an effort to maintain a clean environment. Always bring more poop bags than you think you need. After picking it up, you need to keep it with you until a trash can is available, even if the bag is compostable or biodegradable. Carrying a used poop bag, especially on hot days, may get a bit stinky but you can use a used poop bag holder that contains the smell. For longer trips like backpacking, bury the waste (without a bag) in a hole that is 6 to 8 inches in diameter and about 200+ feet away from campgrounds, trails, and water sources.

Post-hike care can be just as important as the safety precautions you take for your dog during a hike. Just like we have our own steps we do after a hike like stretching, drinking, or relaxing, our dogs need to have their own steps. This can prevent or reduce the chance of bugs, dehydration, and torn muscles.

• Monitor for heat exhaustion which includes signs of heavy panting, glasiness in the eyes, and/or vomiting. Rest and hydration are crucial even after the hike.

• Check for and remove ticks . If you aren’t sure how to do so, your vet can assist in tick removal.

• Look them over for any cuts, injuries, and pulled muscles or tendons.

• Hydrate and feed them but wait at least 30 minutes before feeding to prevent bloating or an upset stomach.

• Let your dog rest and limit their exertion after longer hikes

• Wipe them down with grooming wipes

Hiking with your dog is a wonderful way to enjoy nature while reaping numerous physical and mental benefits for both you and your furry friend. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out, the tips and essentials we’ve discussed will help make your hiking adventures safe and enjoyable. Remember to prepare adequately by choosing suitable trails, bringing the necessary gear, and understanding basic safety measures. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a seamless and enriching experience on the trail. And remember, HICC Pet® is here with your essentials whether it be for a hike or any other adventure. So grab your gear, leash up your dog, and embark on your next outdoor adventure together. Happy hiking!