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Written by: Sarah Seward-Langdon
Published on: 08/31/2023
We’re sure you’re finding lots of time to enjoy the weather in the great outdoors. What better way to enjoy it than by hitting the trails with your four-legged friend?
Hiking with your dog is more than just a walk in the park—it's an opportunity to strengthen your bond and explore new outdoor spots. That being said, embarking on hikes require thoughtful preparation and awareness to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, for both of you!
Let's dig into a step-by-step guide on taking your dog hiking, as well as handy tips and tricks to make it a tail-wagging success…
Before you set out on the trail, it’s crucial that you evaluate your dog's fitness and health.
Consider their age, breed, weight, and overall condition. If your dog is new to hiking or has health issues, consult your veterinarian to ensure that hiking is a suitable activity for them.
Most importantly, if your dog isn't an experienced hiker, begin with shorter and less challenging trails. Gradually increase the distance and difficulty as your dog becomes more accustomed to hiking and gains better endurance.
Remember that not all trails welcome dogs, so research ahead of time. Look for trails that are both dog-friendly and suit your dog’s individual abilities.
There are some very helpful apps available out there. For instance, AllTrails can help you look for trails all over the world that are dog-friendly. It also offers a free and a pro version, depending on how much you like hiking.
When choosing the trails, rough or steep terrain might be challenging for some dogs. Select trails with terrain that's appropriate for your dog's size, breed, and fitness level.
Also, know which trails are off-leash and on-leash!
When you hit the trails, here are the must-have items you need to bring along with you:
Versatile leash—we recommend a leash made of sturdy, waterproof materials like biothane
Collar or harness, based on what your dog is used to
Identification tags (possibly also a tracking device, like an Apple Airpod)
Water for you and your dog
Portable dog water bowl
Dog treats
Snacks for yourself
First aid kit
Poop bags
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
As we mentioned, there are hikes that are both on and off-leash. Whichever type of hike you decide to do, you should keep your dog under control. And if you’re going on a on-leash trail, make sure your dog is on leash at all times.
Give other hikers space and always ask before allowing your dog to greet others—dogs or people!
Another harder thing to consider is teaching your dog to leave wildlife alone. Chasing or barking at animals is stressful for them and can be dangerous for your dog.
Finally, wandering off the marked trail can harm delicate ecosystems. Keep your dog on the path to minimize your impact on nature.
While hiking, you need to make sure your dog is comfortable and safe. Here are the most important things to watch out for:
Fatigue or discomfort (know your dog’s limits)
Signs of overheating
Hurt paws if the terrain is rough
If you see any of these issues arise during your hike, take a break or turn back, consider bringing protective booties, and avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day.
After the hike, examine your dog thoroughly for ticks and any injuries, paying close attention to their paws and underbelly.
This is also the time to rinse or wipe down your dog if they've gotten dirty. Mud or debris can cause skin irritation if left unattended.
Finally, after all of this, you should treat your dog with a special snack and give them time to rest and recover. Hiking can be an exhausting, but fulfilling activity!
Hiking with your dog is an enriching activity for both you and your dog. It’s an experience that fosters connection and mutual respect.
By following these steps, you'll ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking adventure that both you and your furry friend can cherish.
The trails are calling, so grab that leash and let the exploration begin. With a little preparation and a spirit of adventure, you and your canine companion will find that hiking creates memories that last a lifetime.
Happy trails!
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
✅ Single ingredient, 100% pure Camelina Oil.
✅ Non-GMO
✅ Ideal balance of Omega-3 compared to other products, like soybean oil.
✅ Canadian produced and operated.
Sarah is a marketing specialist with a passion for anything creative! Her openness to working across industries and job opportunities has allowed her to gain enormous amounts of experience in graphic design, video production, and written content creation. Animals have a special place in her heart as she grew up with cats and now owns her own Alaskan Malamute. She has spent the last couple of years in Vancouver working with different companies within the pet industry and gained valuable knowledge about the ins and outs of the (alternative) pet food industry, supplementation, and various training methods. When she’s not digitally creating content for pet lovers to consume, she’s out eating great food, dancing at drop-in classes, or exploring the beautiful Canadian scenery with her fur-child Miso.
