4 Tips for Hiking with Your Dog

If you are planning on taking you four-legged companion on a hiking trip, make sure you're prepared before loading up the car and hitting the road. You're dog certainly won't be making the to-do list, so its up to you to pack the essentials and cover all the bases. 

Though many of your dog's needs mimic yours--as in food, water and rest--there are other requirements specific to your dog that should be considered in order to make your hiking experience all it can be.

1. Find a Dog-Friendly Hiking Trail

This may be easier said than done. The National Park Service website, for example, does not organize parks in regards to dog access. Even if dogs are allowed, they may be restricted access to a large number of trails.

Your best bet is to phone ahead and ask for specific information as to dog tolerance and trail access for your canine. Here's a handy resource of park information throughout the country to help get you started.

2. Take Plenty of Water

This not only includes water during your hike, but water after the trails as well. For example, if you are anticipating to consume 1 liter of water while on a hike and your pet weighs more than 50 pounds, plan on packing an equal amount for your dog. Hydration requirements will also depend on the ambient temperature, breed of dog and your dog specifically.

Some breeds, such as shepherds or huskies with double-layered coats, may require more cooling off than other breeds with thinner coats. The color of their coat, as in black versus white, will also determine how quickly your dog will heat up.

Finally, know your particular dog. How does your pet normally handle medium to heavy exercise at home? Does it take a while for your pet to wipe-out, or is overheating a problem? Overheating occurs when body temperature reaches or exceeds 104 degrees Celsius.

A good way to gauge overheating without a thermometer is when the tongue hangs from the side of the mouth and is weighed or rounded at the end.  Also, rapid or heavy panting may be an indication. Place your dog in the shade immediately and wet the "armpits" and chest area.

Also remember, your dog can pack gear as well. There are a variety of dog packs on the market for this very purpose.

3. Bring Your Leash and Know Some Rules of the Trail

Always bring your leash, maybe two. While you may be more than confident that your dog will listen when you call, dogs are by nature predatory and can quickly run off-trail in search of something more interesting.

While you may be fine with a strange dog approaching you, you'd be surprised how many people are not. Wait for them to ask if they can approach your dog. Some other tips include:

• Hike quietly and control your dog's barking.
• Dog Poo: bag-it, bury-it off trail, and keep away from any water sources
Also, it's good to remember:
• Hikers going uphill have the right of way.
• Pack out what you pack in.

4. Go the Distance

Monitor the duration of your hike. Along with possible overheating, your dog's pads should be monitored for wear and tear. Too much of this, and he may not be able to walk the following morning.

For more ideas on making the most of the outdoors with your dog, see our 10 Dog-Friendly Campgrounds for places to hike and camp with your four-legged companion.

Comments

[Barbara B]

I think you mean 104 degrees Fahrenheit, not Celcius. 104 C would be 219 F.

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I think there's nothing better than hiking with my dogs. I have three of them, so I have to carry a LOT of water but it's worth it! I also bring them healthy snacks like carrots etc. Thanks for the tips!:)

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Thanks for the information on hiking with dogs. Dogs love to be outdoors with their masters and those who enjoy hiking should consider taking their dogs with them. Your tips will help prepare us for these outings.

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This tips are indeed helpful, I'm actually planning a hiking trip and considered bringing my dog. If ever I decided to bring him, I'll definitely follow the tips.

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[Tristan Benette]

Dogs are good trekking companions, since they also have their sense of direction. And they can't easily be misled! LOL! Just make sure you have enough food and water for them.