Woman Hiking with Her Dog Text Graphic | Taste of the Wild

With summer right around the corner, it’s time to think about ways to get out and enjoy the nice weather. A great way to soak up those rays is by getting outside and hitting the trails — and your pooch probably agrees! Here are some things to keep in mind as you get ready to take your dog hiking.

Is Your Dog Ready?

Trail Etiquette
The last thing anyone wants when they’re hiking is an unruly dog that lunges at them when they pass by. According to the hiking experts at REI, an outdoor outfitter based near Seattle, Washington, knowing what sorts of situations can set your dog off is important to avoid an aggravated pooch or fellow hikers.

Additionally, be sure to know the leash laws for any dusty path you venture down with your dog. You can usually find the specific leash requirements for your chosen trail by looking at the “rules and regulations” section of a park’s or municipality’s website. Many trail maps will mention the regulations as well. When in doubt, however, always leash your dog.

To help your dog become more comfortable with hiking, start out by trying low-traffic trails. This may mean trying out hiking during the off-season.

Physical Capabilities
Even if your dog is raring to go, some trails may be too much for them. Know what sort of exercise your dog is capable of and make sure that the trail is a good fit for you and your dog’s expertise level. For those dogs who aren’t used to hiking, Dogster recommends building “endurance with shorter hikes before attempting longer, more difficult ones.”

What to Pack

Being prepared for your hike means knowing what to pack. REI lists some basic hiking gear that you should pack for your pup:

  • Food and water (and dishes)
  • First aid pack
  • Booties, vests or coats
  • Leashes

Doggy Packs
If you expect your hiking buddy to carry their own pack, ease them into it. Putting a loaded pack on your dog and assuming that they will be fine rarely pans out well. REI offers some helpful advice for easing your dog into carrying their own gear on a hike:

If you want your pet to carry some of the load, start off by having him or her wear a pack around the house, then on short walks, then longer walks. You should also start with lighter loads. It’s safe to work to up to one-third of your dog’s weight if your dog is in healthy physical condition. For dogs who are older or in poor physical condition, consider leaving them at home with friends. They’ll be much happier… and safer, too.

Feeding Your Active Dog

To help your dog keep up with you on the trails, it’s important to feed them food that offers ingredients with higher protein and fat than the average dog food. A good source of energy for active dogs is the Ancient Wetlands Canine Recipe with Roasted Fowl. Read more about this product to find out if it’s the right fit for your furry pal.

After the Hike

Chances are good that your pup is going to sleep like a baby after a long hike. But before they are down for the count, Dogster recommends checking your dog for cuts or injuries as well as ticks, which can carry Lyme disease.

Since dogs burn energy faster than humans, it’s important to pack some food for your tired and, most likely, hungry dog to munch on after the hike.

The information in this blog has been developed with our veterinarian and is designed to help educate pet parents. If you have questions or concerns about your pet's health or nutrition, please talk with your veterinarian.