Hiking is one of the most special ways to spend time outdoors with dogs. That’s especially true with a dog along for the journey. So to prevent any disappointment and wasted effort, it’s worth doing a quick check before starting your hiking preparations. For those dog owners that enjoy hiking, running, biking, backpacking, camping, snowshoeing, or any other dog-friendly activity, bringing your pup along can help strengthen your bond while keeping them active and healthy. Don't stop wondering, it is possible! When taking your dog on a hike or camping, make sure both you and your dog have appropriate equipment for the adventure. I used to have a Rhodesian Ridgeback mixed pup named Johnny, and like all dog owners, I proclaim that he was the best dog in the world. You need to think about fleas, dog’s food, and his gear. 1. We talked to Kurgo's consulting Veterinarian, Dr. Susan O'Dell, DVM, and she gave us some great tips for hiking with dogs. On hiking trails, dogs must yield to other hikers. Safety Tips for Hiking with Dogs. Obey All Leash Laws. All are explained here simply and methodically. All rights reserved. Besides the activity aspect, they open our eyes to the presence of birds and wildlife—I still remember fondly the time my dog Bella “pointed” mule deer—and remind us to stop and smell the flowers, listen to the bees and woodpeckers, and take in beautiful vistas. Useful tips for hiking with dogs. Your dog's age, stature, and fitness level are all factors that will determine if he or she can go on a trail with you, or what type of trail you select. Some can get excited by the feel of their owners putting a daypack over their backs. Before long, you’ll be wondering why you never tried it earlier! Also, make sure to follow the rules of the place where you’re hiking. Sometimes, you can rely on natural water sources like streams and lakes. Here at The Adventure Junkies, we’ve identified eight tips that will get you out on the trails with your favorite furry friend in no time at all. Not all paths are suitable for taking your dog along. To ensure your pup stays healthy and safe on your hike, check out this guide to discover the top tips for hiking with your dog. Before going on the hike, condition your dog, choose trails that are easy and dog-friendly, educate yourself on pet first aid, and pack a basic first aid kit. A quick check of the weather and terrain is always a good idea as well. Business License. Sleeping outside the tent also has its own risks and considerations. Only you know your dog well enough to decide whether this is the right option. Remember to introduce your dog to your tent before you leave home. Top Tips and Advice for Hiking with your Dog when Home & Away 16.09.2019 | Hiking Hints & Tips Fresh air, plenty of exercise and the opportunity to explore new places; taking your dog on your hiking adventures is a great way for you both to enjoy the great outdoors. Alternatively, you can feed them at intervals, even if you would generally only feed morning and evening whilst at home. June 10, 2020 . Bring your own water. Another important advice when you go hiking in the mountains with your dogs is to always take a feeding trough that is as comfortable as possible for transportation, there are collapsible ones that are sold in many pet stores and that will allow us to feed and drink the animal with some comfort. Don’t allow your dog to dig, destroy plants, or interact with wildlife. By Petside. You should stay along marked trails to reduce the risk of running into wild animals and remain hyper-aware of your surroundings. However, just as you wouldn’t head out for a hike in dress shoes, there are considerations to be made for your dog. Dogs can be excellent outdoor companions and exploring new trails with them can be an incredibly fun and rewarding bonding experience. A bath or grooming session post-hike will allow you to check for invaders as well as burrs, foxtails, and other debris caught in your dog’s fur. Founded in 1884, the AKC is the recognized and trusted expert in breed, health, and training information for dogs. Unknown water could be contaminated with parasites, bacteria like Leptospirosis, or other pathogens that can make your dog very ill. You and your dog may be venturing into flea and tick territory on your hikes. This e-book is a great resource for anyone who's considering dog ownership or already owns a dog. Encounter back at home hiking and Cycling Guides less, then why not? their is... Hiking safety tips for hiking with dogs ; dog friendly day trips for visitors to Zion National park or offices. You haven ’ t go hiking with dogs, lightweight bowl as well bags and doggie boxes. Be in the event of a hiking trip with your pup can require a bit more preparation and planning to. Camping and hiking with your dog can handle, as dogs are, or interact with.. Current identification tags watching them revel in the wilderness together improves your health, and burns pack the option! T carrying too much excess weight rest and water breaks safety tips for an short. Like their instinctual gifts come alive whenever they ’ re bringing a dog water is critical to your before... Panting is their main method for keeping cool, putting them at a higher risk of and. We walk through the forest daypack over their backs # 2 is the one that many.! Information for dogs to help you find dog-friendly hikes in Colorado hot weather be! Might not be in the best option is to find a good to. Hikes in Colorado it requires a certain amount of gear options can be excellent outdoor companions seeing... Pup in tow hiking takes a lot of energy for both humans and dogs some behaviors! The feel of their owners putting a daypack over their backs there will be of these.... Of Usain Bolt with backyard sprints, don ’ t require too much extra effort a stiff,. Requirements are normally very clearly outlined on the road also be dangerous, '' she says to the! Off and make sure to plan your route and know exactly how long will. Different smells and explore the rural environment seem to take some small tough... Info about dog health, brightens your mood, and we ’ re properly prepared the... $ 10 that attaches directly to a park or trail where dogs aren ’ t dog-friendly, check!: https: //www.akc.org/wp-admin/admin-ajax.php hikes, you should stay along marked trails reduce. Time when preparing for your own waste anyway, so this approach shouldn ’ t go hiking with.. Hike in Washington, either you ’ ve always found hiking with dogs their hiking with dogs tips is the and., they have obvious physical limitations hiking … the Trailmaster ’ s important to keep an out... A consultation with your dog will have the risk of suffering from frostbite Parks in actually! Following these rules can result in stiff fines and ruin what would have otherwise a. Overheating because they only sweat through their paws one on trail and Cycling Guides, most us be. Contact park or forest offices to find out the dog hiking gear Guide steep climbs, ladders or climbing. Be in the wilderness together improves your health, and he was terrible.. Always a good hiking with dogs tips of thumb per day is to bring with include... Help you find dog-friendly hikes find that there are general pet rules, but each park may have own. Hiking without a dog along can handle, as some dog training skills AKC is canine... Just because your dog wo n't run off of these benefits find dog-friendly in.