Hiking with your dog 101

hiking with your dog 101

Summer is just around the corner, and you may be planning some backcountry hikes to explore the mountains or the wilderness. As you prepare for your hike, you’re likely working out and making sure you have all the gear you need. But if you plan to bring your dog, they need to be prepared for this adventure too! The following checklist will ensure your pup is ready to hit the trails.


Before hiking season
Before making purchases and conditioning your dog, there are a few things to check out:

  1. Check with your veterinarian to make sure your dog doesn’t have any health conditions that would limit their ability to join you.
  2. Be sure your dog is up to date on their vaccines. Rabies, distemper and leptospirosis can be spread by wildlife.
  3. Ask your veterinarian about flea, tick and heartworm preventives and make sure your pet is protected before you head out!
  4. Plan your hike and check to see if there’s terrain that may be challenging for your pet. Keep in mind that not all trails allow dogs, so verify regulations. 
  5. Identify the likelihood of encountering snakes on your route, and use extra caution in areas where snake encounters are common. 

Pre-season training
Now that you’ve confirmed that your pet can hit the trails with you, it’s time to start conditioning them! Depending on the route you’ll be taking, you may need to build up their muscles and stamina. 

  1. Start conditioning your pet as early as possible. If they’re used to long walks, condition them to the different terrains they’ll be encountering.
  2. Introduce dog booties if your hike will take you over rough terrain.
  3. If they’ll be carrying their own food and water, start conditioning them while they’re wearing their backpack.
  4. Spend some time reviewing basic commands such as “leave it,” “come” and “stay.” You never know what you’ll encounter while on the trails or setting up camp for the night—whether it’s wildlife, other hikers or dogs, these commands will be useful and may even be lifesaving. 
  5. Review basic leash etiquette so you’re not dragged or yanked. The last thing you want is your dog to yank you, causing you to lose your balance and take a tumble.

Day of hike

  1. Identify any weather hazards such as heat or thunderstorms. Since these are unpredictable, it may mean a last-minute change to your travel plans. Dogs are especially prone to heat stroke if both temperature and humidity are high, and the trail is not shaded. Heat injury can be fatal if not recognized and treated quickly, and it is best to avoid heat stroke in the first place. Dogs with short noses (e.g. bulldogs) are especially prone to heat injury.
  2. The most important thing to pack for your dog is water! Dogs may drink a half-ounce to one and a half ounces per pound per day—more if it’s hot and humid or if your hike involves an elevation gain. Pack more than you think you’ll need. Offer water to your dog every 30–60 minutes and whenever you stop for a drink. Don’t forget a water bowl—a collapsible one is ideal.
  3. Pack dog snacks if your hike is longer than a few hours. Take a break for your dog to snack and rest. If your hike will last a few days, pack more food than your pup would normally eat to keep their caloric intake up.
  4. Retractable and long leashes are impractical for hiking. They can easily get tangled in underbrush and make it difficult to maintain control of your dog. A secure collar or harness and a six-foot leash will keep your dog safely by your side.  
  5. The number one wilderness rule is “Take only memories and leave only footprints!” This applies to dog waste too, so bring plenty of pet waste disposal bags and a larger bag to store them in until you reach a waste receptacle. On longer trips, bury your dog’s waste as you would your own.
  6. Pack a set (or two) of dog booties. Your dog’s feet will thank you!
  7. Always carry a first aid kit for you and your pet! Make sure you have tweezers to remove ticks, grass awns, cactus spines and splinters. Include important medications, antiseptic, gauze and self-adhering bandages.

Have a fun and safe hike and for the safety of everyone using the trail, review the National Parks B.A.R.K Principles:

  • Bag your pet’s waste
  • Always leash your pet
  • Respect wildlife
  • Know where you can go
 

Be prepared with 24/7 Live Chat through the myVCA app,* where our licensed veterinary professionals are available to answer all your pet health and wellness questions. >>

*Live Chat with a licensed veterinary professional is free for VCA clients through the myVCA mobile app, available at Apple's App Store and Google Play.