Hiking with your dog: What to bring before hitting the trail

Hiking is a great activity for people and their pets alike. It can be a good way to bond with your dog, to exercise and get some fresh air, or just to explore the outdoors.

There are many reasons why hiking is good for you and your dog. Hiking provides mental stimulation for both you and your pet by getting them out into nature and away from the distractions of everyday life. It also provides physical benefits such as improving cardiovascular health, strengthening muscles, increasing stamina, and more.

Hiking with your pet also allows you to spend quality time together while building a strong bond that will last a lifetime.

Planing a successful hike with your dog

If you are a dog owner and want to take your dog on a hike, then this article will give you some helpful tips.

Check the weather forecast: Before heading out the door, check the weather forecast to see what the conditions are. If it is too hot or there is a storm on its way, you may want to rethink your plans.

Prepare for the hike: Bring plenty of water, food, and poop bags with you in case of an emergency. Also, make sure that your pup has been vaccinated and has their tags on them at all times. Bring their favourite toys in case they get bored or need to go potty during the hike.

Plan your route: Plan out your route before hand so that you have an idea of what to expect. If you don’t know where you are going, you run the risk of loosing your sense of direction. If you’re heading out towards the end of the day knowing your route is crucial. 

Stick to public footpaths: It can be tempting to go off the beaten track, but always stick to visible public pathways when going on a hike with your dog. To avoid getting lost, pack a compass and map of the area you are exploring as your signal may drop off.

Before you begin your journey, it’s important you plan your route.

What to bring to make the day easier

It is important to always have a hiking gear checklist with you before heading out on the trail. Following this list will make sure that you are prepared for any situation that may arise.

Leash & Harness

It’s wise to use a shorter leash when hiking with your dog no matter what the season. Even if your pet always wears a harness on their normal walks, these leashes are generally safer during hikes. They keep pressure off the animal’s neck and distribute it more easily.

Flea/Tick Prevention

Your dog should have up-to-date vaccines, flea, tick and heartworm preventives before you take the hiking. Once in the car or back at home, check them for ticks and for any wounds (cuts, burrs, etc..). If you find a tick on your dog, don’t panic – but do remove it right away.”

Collar with Proper Tags

All dogs should have a well-fitting, up to date collar in order to ensure safety. Even if your dog roams free at home without a collar, you should make sure they have it on when going on a hike. The collar should include your direct contact information.

If your dog is prone to overheating, pack a cooling collar to help easily dissipate your dog’s heat.

Water Container and Fresh Water

Make sure you always bring a collapsible, silicone water dish to ward off potentially harmful bacteria that may be present. You should also make sure water is easily accessible for your dog on walks too.

Dog Food and Dog Treats

Bring dog food or healthy, nutritionally balanced snacks for your pup when you go hiking with them. Bring water too, to rehydrate and to give your furry friend a much-needed drink. It helps to have breaks from it every so often, so remember that and take an occasional break from walking as well.

Doggy Bags

Bring doggy poop bags to help clear up any messes so you can keep the trail clean for other members of the public, especially those who don’t have dogs.

Dog Coat

Don’t forget to pack a dog coat in your back too! You never know when there might a sudden drop in the weather.

Towel

In order to keep your pet as healthy and clean as possible, it is always best to have a towel on hand. Whether it’s after they’ve been playing at the water’s edge or when they’ve spent time out in the rain, you’ll need to make sure that they are completely dry before heading home.

Dog-Friendly First-Aid Kit

Bringing a human first-aid kit and packing a dog-friendly one too is important. Pet shops carry first aid kits with items that are safe for dogs, so you don’t need to worry about what items will work for both human and dog. You can also make your own DIY first-aid kit that caters to both humans and pets.