Hiking with your dog is a great way to explore new places. If you love nature and want a break from the crowds, make time to visit one or two pet-friendly trails on your next vacation.
When visiting a new place, it’s easy to pull out your guidebook and check out the local attractions. But chasing the crowds isn’t always the best way to get a sense of the real atmosphere of the area. For a more authentic experience, plan a hike with your dog.
Reasons to go hiking with your dog
You may be wondering what hiking with your dog adds to your travel experience. Over the years, we’ve found that hitting the trails is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, appreciate scenery you can’t see from your car, and get some exercise.
And since many tourists don’t have time to hike, put your boots on and you’ll see things only locals know.
There’s also the chance of meeting some great people, especially if you’re hiking with your dog. A friendly greeting from your pup gives you time to ask other hikers for advice on pet-friendly activities in the area.
can you do that?
The great thing about hiking is that anyone can participate. Whether you’re starting with short paved trails or embarking on more advanced trails, there are options for people of all abilities.
apps like all trails It’s easy to find pet-friendly trails of the right difficulty level. Once you’ve chosen your destination, all you have to do is take a few steps to ensure everyone’s safety.
read more ⇒ Top U.S. Cities for Dog-Friendly Urban Hikes
Tips for hiking with dogs
1. Consider your dog’s physical condition
If you’re not sure how your dog will perform on hikes, start with longer walks around your neighborhood to slowly build up your dog’s endurance. When you’re ready, try a few short hikes and gradually increase the distance.
If your dog is older or has a disability, choose trails that are stroller- or wheelchair-friendly. It takes a little work, but it’s well worth the effort.
read more ⇒ Tips for traveling with an aging pet
2. Follow the rules
When using online resources to find pet-friendly hikes, it’s important to check the rules before you go. Pet policies change frequently, so call the park’s website to check or ask on arrival where your dog may go and if it needs a leash. Then follow the trail rules!
Many places have canceled dog walking permits following complaints about incidents of off-leash incidents. If you don’t like the restrictions of one place, find another hiking place.
read more ⇒ Dog Friendly Off-Lead Hikes on Federal Land
3. Prepare for the weather and terrain
Reading reviews of any trail you’re considering can help you prepare for the terrain. You can also take the weather into account by checking the weather forecast. When traveling, it’s important not to underestimate how different altitudes, humidity and sun intensity can affect you and your dog.
Spring and summer hiking is all about sun and bugs, so bring sunscreen and insect repellent specially formulated for dogs. Short-coated dog breeds may benefit from an outer layer when hiking in wet or cold environments, and may need dog boots when hiking in snow or rough terrain.
read more ⇒ 7 must-haves for hiking the desert with your dog
4. Carry plenty of water
Dehydration is serious, so follow the rule of drinking water before you are thirsty. And the same goes for your dog. Therefore, both of you should drink enough water.
Be careful not to let your dog drink water from rivers or lakes. These water sources contain dangerous parasites that can cause severe gastrointestinal problems or worse in your dog. Persuading your dog to drink only the water you brought with you may save you the trouble of going to the vet.
read more ⇒ Recognizing Dehydration and Heat Stroke in Dogs
5. Let your dog share the load
Instead of carrying all the water yourself, give your dog a backpack and let him carry it himself. Lighten the weight and start with short walks to acclimate your dog to the pack. When you start hiking, be sure to adjust the pack contents and straps to balance the weight.
Most dogs can safely carry up to 1/3 of their body weight, so be careful not to overload them. Buster loves backpacking and we appreciated him and Thai packing water and collapsible bowls.
read more ⇒ What is the best backpack for dogs?
6. Carry a first aid kit
A human first aid kit contains most of the supplies you and your dog may need if they get cuts, bruises, or scrapes. Consider adding compression tape or boots if you have a foot injury. Also, talk to your veterinarian about the proper dosage and use an antihistamine along with it in case you or your dog has an allergic reaction to a bite or sting.
Make sure you understand what the kit contains and how to use it. The best time to find a kit and read the instructions is not when someone is groaning in pain.
read more ⇒ Create your own pet first aid kit
7. Check your dog’s ID
Before leaving, make sure your dog’s ID tag is securely attached to the collar and does not fall off. The tag should have your cell phone number and any other information that may be needed if someone finds your dog.
If you know you’ll be leaving cell phone coverage, make a plan to find your lost dog out of cell phone range.
8. Be especially careful during hunting season
Special precautions should be taken when hiking during hunting season. Bright or reflective dog vests and bear bells help prevent puppies from being mistaken as targets. You will also want to wear something bright that will make you stand out from your natural surroundings.
It’s also a good idea to keep your dog on a leash during the hunting season, even where it’s okay to be off leash. This helps avoid conflicts with hunting dogs that may be in the area.
9. Three Leaves, Let It Be
Like humans, dogs are susceptible to plant-based toxins. And they can transfer poison ivy or the oily substance from poison ivy to you by sticking to their fur. Take the time to make sure you identify poisonous plants common to the areas you hike.
10. Watch out for wildlife
Your dog hears, smells, or feels something in front of you. If you’re hiking with your dog and it starts barking, it may be warning you of a potential threat nearby. Be aware of what types of wildlife you may encounter while hiking and learn how to avoid encounters.
If you hike in bear country, wear bear bells on your dog and carry a can of bear spray. Also, always keep your dog in sight and alert when entering an area where a bear may be sighted.
read more ⇒ Predator encounters on the trail
11. Let someone know where you’re going
something happens! If for any reason you need help while hiking, having a relative, friend, neighbor, or park ranger know where you are going and when you plan to return can be a big help. It is convenient to print this information on a note card with relevant contact numbers and keep it in your car.
When hiking new trails, carry a copy of the trail map or take a photo of the map at the trailhead and carry the park’s phone number while hiking. Even if you do get lost, you’ll be glad you got lost. Asking a ranger for directions may be embarrassing, but you may not need to spend a night under the stars.
An app like Runkeeper that tracks exactly where you hike can also help. If at any point you need to go back, your current location and the route you traveled will be shown.
If you are using a mobile phone for route tracking, please bring a mini portable battery pack to charge your phone.
12. You can’t tell anyone you went hiking with your dog.
All trash and dog excrement must be bagged, carried out and disposed of properly. Leave no evidence that you and your dog were on the trail.
13. Check for ticks after hiking
If you’re hiking where ticks are present, know that bites can cause serious medical problems, such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. And both of these diseases can be transmitted to both dogs and humans.
If you plan to travel to areas where ticks are common, talk to your veterinarian about an appropriate prevention program. Also, always check yourself and your dog after hiking in wooded areas where ticks are present.
read more ⇒ Lyme Disease and Dogs – What You Need to Know About Ticks
To help you remember these dog-friendly hiking tips, our friends pet hub I’ve created a useful info-graphic:
We hope these tips on hiking with your dog make your next adventure the best it can be.
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