Last Updated: 2 months ago
Hiking is a terrific way to get some exercise and enjoy nature firsthand.
It’s especially fun when you have company to enjoy the experience with. That said, you might want to consider hiking with dog.
Dogs are known for being great companions in general, but they’re especially great to bring on outdoor excursions. They adore the sounds, sights, and smells of nature just as much as humans do.
If you decide to take your furry friend along for your adventures, there are lots of dog-friendly lakes, trails, and forests with scenic views that you both will enjoy.
Items To Bring When Hiking With Dog
When you’re hiking with dog, you’ll have to be very careful, or your canine companion may run into trouble. When spending time outdoors, they’re at risk of contracting diseases or infections, sustaining injuries, or getting lost in the middle of the hike.
If it’s your first time taking your dog with you on a hike, you’ll need to make sure you have the necessary items to keep you both safe as you explore forests or trails.
That being said, here are the items you should prepare for your hike with your dog.
Enough Water for the Both of You
On a hike, your dog will need water to stay hydrated. So be sure to bring enough water, not just for you but also for your canine companion.
Though there might be a body of water your dog can drink from during the hike, such as a lake or a stream, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
You also shouldn’t forget to bring a water bowl for them. Regular bowls may be too bulky to carry in your bag, so you can opt to bring a collapsible dog bowl instead.
Nutritious dog snacks
Aside from water, it’s important to bring nutritious food, snacks and treats for your dog. This will help keep your pet’s energy up during the hike, especially if it’s a longer walk than they’re used to.
To prevent them from having the discomfort of trekking on an empty stomach, frequently feed them small quantities as you walk.
Waste Bags
Dog poop, believe it or not, is quite detrimental to the environment. Thus, you should always make sure to pick up after your dog.
You can opt to use biodegradable waste bags to help reduce your carbon footprint. Tidying up any waste left by your dog is a small way you can help the environment as well as keep the trails neat for other trekkers.
Canine First Aid Kit
A first-aid kit designed specifically for pets is a must when hiking with your dog. Fortunately, it’s easy to create your own canine first-aid kit.
Simply ensure that it contains gauze pads, adhesive tape, sterile saline solution, swabs, a rectal thermometer, hydrogen peroxide, and disposable gloves, among other things.
If you don’t have time to prepare all of these before your hike, you can buy one at a pet store or online.
Dog Harness
A dog harness isn’t strictly necessary, but it may come in handy if you need to carry, hoist, or more easily manage your dog on your hike.
As mentioned earlier, it’s better to be safe than sorry, and having a dog harness on hand may be helpful in certain situations.
Make sure to choose the right harness according to your dog’s size and breed so that they don’t experience any discomfort. In addition, a good harness should have a handle at the end for better grip.
Dog Cooling Vest
Hiking with dog in warm temperatures isn’t always a good idea, as it can be unsafe for your dog’s health.
If you intend to take them on a hike in hot weather, you should purchase a cooling vest for them to wear. This vest can keep your dog cool and comfortable as they hike with you in the hot sun.
Dog Tag
It’s important to be prepared for the unexpected when going on a hike. For instance, there’s a chance that your dog might run off and go missing. If that occurs, a dog tag will be quite helpful in aiding other hikers or locals in identifying your dog.
Your dog’s identification tag should include their name, your name as the owner, your address, and your contact information. All of the information inscribed on it should be up-to-date, so be sure to double-check it when planning a hike with dog.
Dog Boots
It may seem strange to put boots on a dog, but hiking trails can be unpleasant on a dog’s paws. Sharp rocks can cause paw pad tears; twigs and other debris on wood trails can be painful; and even cement on a hot day can burn delicate paws.
That being said, try to look for dog boots that are appropriate for the trail you’ll be hiking on. It’s best to look for boots with a solid, well-fitted sole.
In addition, you should take weather into consideration. If you’re hiking in hot temperatures, pick breathable mesh dog boots. But if you’re hiking in cold weather, look for padded boots.
Final Thoughts
If you want to take your dog with you on a hike, it’s important to plan ahead of time. You should be well-prepared and shouldn’t even consider hiking without the items necessary to keep you and your dog safe and comfortable.
So, take note of the items mentioned above to bring on your next adventure. This way, you can ensure that your dog has a good time with you outdoors.
