A favorite activity among outdoor enthusiasts is hiking, and for those who own a dog, it's an exhilarating adventure when your four-legged sidekick joins in. Regardless of the season – whether flowers are blooming or leaves are falling – hiking with dogs is not just great exercise but also a great bonding opportunity for you and your pup. However, as with all adventures involving a pet, safety is essential to ensure it's a positive experience. Let's explore the top tips for hiking with your dog and make it an activity you'll want to repeat time and time again.
No Hiking Dogs Allowed
While it’s hard to imagine a spot that isn’t accepting of your cherished dog, you can’t assume that every hiking trail is dog-friendly. Do your homework and check the rules for your destination before leaving home, as bringing your dog to a trail that doesn’t allow them can result in a fine or an irritated hiker. There’s always a justifiable reason for dog restrictions, whether it’s a safety concern, such as cliffs or delicate ecosystems that hiking dogs can further damage.
To find dog friendly hiking trails, try:
- Using Trail-Finding Apps: Apps like AllTrails, BringFido, and DogTrekker are great for finding dog-friendly hiking spots. These apps often include user reviews, difficulty ratings, and pet-related restrictions, helping you choose the best option for your dog’s needs.
- Checking Local Parks and Recreation Websites: Many city, county, and state parks have websites that list their rules and whether hiking with dogs is allowed. Be sure to double-check their leash requirements and any specific dog-related guidelines to avoid surprises.
- Joining Local Dog Groups: Dog owner communities, both online and offline, can be a fantastic resource for finding the best local hiking spots for dogs. Facebook groups, Meetups, or even chatting with fellow dog owners at the dog park can give you valuable insights on where to go and what to expect.
- Calling Ahead: When in doubt, call the park or trail office to confirm their pet policies. Some locations may not update their websites frequently, and calling ahead ensures you won’t run into any unexpected restrictions.
Hiking Etiquette
Once you’ve confirmed your dog is welcome on the chosen trails, be prepared to follow posted rules and adhere to the National Parks B.A.R.K. rule regardless of your spot. This not only ensures a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone but also shows respect for the environment, other hikers, and other pet owners, too.
The B.A.R.K. rules for hiking with dogs include:
- Bag your dog’s waste
- Always keep your dog on a leash
- Respect wildlife
- Know where you’re permitted to go
Safety First
Hitting the hiking trails with your dog is full of unknowns, especially if you’re visiting a route for the first time. You may encounter dangers such as cliffs, wildlife, poisonous berries and plants, and aggressive dogs. Be sure your dog is on a leash at all times, so you’re able to quickly pull them back from a dangerous situation. Be mindful of what they’re exploring and your immediate surroundings. Also, be sure your dog is wearing their ID tags before taking them on a hike, in case the worst happens, and they manage to get away from you in unknown territory. And as always, we highly encourage microchipping your dog in case those tags ever come off.
Keep Your Dog Hydrated
Dogs don’t sweat like humans, making it essential that you bring plenty of water for your dog. While panting is their primary way to stay cool, they’ll need water as well to avoid overheating. Ensuring they have adequate water will also keep them from drinking from puddles or streams, where they might pick up bacteria such as Leptospirosis, which can cause serious gastrointestinal distress as well as organ damage. The AVMA provides a handy list of disease prevention tips for outdoor enthusiasts taking their dogs along.
Check for Ticks
During and after your hiking adventure, be sure to check your dog thoroughly for ticks. While your dog is hopefully protected with a tick preventative, nothing is guaranteed, and ticks can cause serious health complications for them and you. Know how to identify a tick and how to safely remove it before you invite your dog along for the fun.
Be Prepared
While you might not want to carry the extra weight, bringing your dog along for a hike means extra supplies. If you want your dog to enjoy the experience and get excited when they’re invited along for the next hike, be prepared.
Be sure you have the following when hiking with your dog:
- Water and a dog-friendly, portable water bowl
- Dog food if hiking through a mealtime
- Treats to reward good hiking behavior
- Pet first-aid kit
- Pet-safe insect repellent
- Dog booties in case the terrain gets rough or hot
Tips for Introducing Your Dog to Hiking for the First Time
If you’re eager to take your dog hiking but they’ve never hit the trails before, a bit of preparation will go a long way toward making their first adventure a success. Here are some tips to help your dog adjust to hiking and ensure it’s a positive experience:
1. Start Slow
Just like humans, dogs need to build up their endurance. Start with shorter, easier trails to let them get used to the new activity. Pay attention to how they’re handling the physical demands and gradually increase the difficulty and length of your hikes over time. Your dog’s safety and comfort should always come first.
2. Gear Up
Before you venture out, ensure your dog has the right gear. A well-fitted harness or collar, a sturdy leash, and ID tags are essential. If you’ll be hiking on rocky or hot terrain, consider dog booties to protect their paws.
3. Train Basic Commands
If your dog is new to hiking, make sure they have a solid grasp of basic obedience commands like “come,” “leave it,” and “stay.” These commands are critical for keeping them safe when encountering wildlife, other hikers, or hazards on the trail.
4. Know Their Limits
Pay attention to your dog’s body language during the hike. If they seem tired, thirsty, or overheated, it’s time to take a break or turn back. Pushing them too hard could lead to injury or illness, so err on the side of caution, especially for their first hike. Taking it slow or completing part of a trail is a-okay!
While the first hiking adventure might prove to be a bit stressful as your dog acclimates to a new activity and unfamiliar terrain, making it a positive first experience ensures you’ll both want to repeat it. Hiking with your dog is a fantastic form of exercise and special bonding time unmatched by most other activities. Be prepared and follow hiking etiquette, and you might just discover a new shared hobby for you and your loyal companion. If you're seeking other hiking tips, dog exercise advice, or your canine companion is due for their next wellness visit, we can help you find a local veterinarian.
If you have more questions, the GeniusVets Telehealth platform will give you unlimited access to text and/or video calls with board-certified veterinarians! To learn more click here.