Safely Hiking or Backpacking With Your Dog

For starters, puppies aren’t ready to carry a load, nor are their immune systems prepared to take on the world. So you need to work out exactly when your dog will be ready. Dog walking a small dog daily is a good idea. If your pup is slow, start with 200 feet or less than gradually increase your distance until you feel your puppy walking you.

Visit the Vet: Ask your veterinarian some critical questions before you and your dog head into the wilds:

Is your dog physically ready?

It would be best if you waited until a young dog’s bones are developed and ready for strenuous activities. That might be at a year of age, plus or minus several months, depending on size and other factors. Pet owners that push their pets before they are ready can see long term health problems for their dog.

Does your dog need any specific vaccinations or preventative medicines?

Ask the vet about preventative measures for outdoor destinations and city streets. Pet care starts with the drinking water, make sure the water is fresh, and your dog is vaccinated. Pet first aid care will give you years of enjoyment with your favorite sidekick.

Is your dog’s immune system ready?

Factoring in the rate of natural immunity development and your dog’s vaccine schedule, your vet can advise you about the safe age for you two to hit the trail.

Know Your Trail Regulations: Always check on the regulations for the areas where you’ll be hiking or backpacking. Most U.S. national parks, for example, do not allow even dogs on a leash to share the trail. Many national forests in the United States, as well as state and local parks, do allow dogs on their trail systems, though rules vary. Leashes are mandatory almost everywhere, as are poop bags, so you leave no trace. Please follow the dog-friendly regulations for your country.

Food and Water Guidelines to Follow

Being on the trail all day requires you to provide more food and water than your dog typically consumes. All dog walkers should have dog packs that include a pool for any outdoor adventures.

Larger dogs might drink 0.5 to 1.0 ounces of water per pound per day. Dogs 20 pounds and lighter will be closer to 1.5 ounces per pound per day. These are general guidelines, though, so you need to be watchful and offer water often, especially on hot days. If the nose is dry, then you’re under-hydrating your dog.

The rule of thumb for feeding is that you need to start with the usual amount of food, then add one cup for every 20 pounds of dog weight.

Tip: If you’re thirsty, hungry, or tired, then the chances are that your dog is, too. Take a trail break to chow down, drink up, and catch your breath together.

Essential Items for Hiking with Dogs

Leash: Avoid long straps. A better choice is either a short leash or a moderate leash under 10 feet long. Note: Some state parks require dogs to be on a leash that is 10 feet or shorter.

Dog brush and comb: This will help to keep your dog’s fur deburred. On some long-haired breeds, if their coat gets knotted enough, they will refuse to move another inch even if they are 10 miles from the car.

Your pet should have a collar with your phone numbers and your dog’s name, rabies tag, and dog license on it for any emergencies.

Dog booties are almost impossible to get on your pooch but are great to protect sensitive dog paws or if your dog cuts a pad or tears a claw.

Water: Carry at least a quart of water for your dog for every 3 miles you plan to hike if there are no reliable water sources along the route check your hiking guide and plan accordingly.

Dog food/snacks: Bring actual dog food and dog biscuits, which are nutritionally balanced (fewer carbs and more fat, protein) and more manageable for dogs to digest than human food.

Spare rope: Depending on what you carry for a leash, an extra line is helpful for times when you need to tie your dog to a tree or another fixed object.

Poop bags: if your dog does its business anywhere above treeline, along with a trail, or in a camping area, and you need to pack it out.

Dog first-aid kit: Basic components should include the following:

Bandage scissors
Dog toenail clippers
Tweezers
Cleansers and disinfectants such as hydrogen peroxide and Betadine
Canine eyewash
Calamine lotion (for itchy bug bites)
Topical antibiotic ointments such as Bacitracin or Neomycin
Baking soda (for bee stings)
Vaseline
Stop bleeding powder
Enteric-coated aspirin or Bufferin
Imodium A-D
Pepto-Bismol
Dressings and bandages
Gauze pads (4 inches square)
Gauze roll
Non-stick pads
Adhesive tape (1- and 2-inch rolls) Duct Tape

These simple beginners guide can take your knowledge level from total newbie to at least beginner, if not intermediate. Knowing these things will also help make the hike more enjoyable and safer for both you and your dog.