Hiking Tips For You and Your Dog

When taking your dog hiking, there are a couple of important things to keep in mind. One of those things is to be aware that your dog is more susceptible to warm weather than you are. All that fur is great for the colder months, but when things heat up so do they. Make sure not to walk during peak hours and to bring plenty of water for them. Pack a water bowl and stop every once in a while to give them a drink. If you are walking a paved trail, make sure to touch the pavement with your hand. If the pavement burns you, then it will burn their paw pads. Either make sure they have shoes or walk later when things have cooled off.  

Another thing to think about is that not all hikes welcome dogs. On some hikes, dogs can be a tripping hazard if the trails are steep and narrow. Dogs can also have an adverse effect on the ecosystem. If you bring a dog to the wrong trail, you could face pricey fines for doing so. So, making sure to do your research before heading out is crucial to picking the right trail.

The other thing to consider before going out hiking would be the wildlife in the area. You want to make sure to steer clear of snakes, boars, or skunks. And after the hike, make sure to check for ticks. Understanding the wildlife in your area will help you to keep your dog safe.

Things to bring on a Hike

Water and Snacks

Along with water and a water bowl, make sure to bring treats and snacks for you and your pup. Try to discourage letting your dog drink from stagnant pools or eat things they find. While dogs will eat a lot of things, these things can have harmful bacteria that could make them sick.

Pack Pads

Resting is important. But sometimes there are very few places that are good to rest. To give them a cool spot to lie down during stops, you can bring them a pack pad. These pads are comfortable, portable, and durable dog beds that can be rolled up and taken on the go. It’s waterproof and will help your dog to have the comforts of home on the go.

Leash and Collar

Having a durable collar and leash is also important for any walk. Many parks require dogs to be on a leash. This is both for the safety of your dog and the safety of other hikers. There’s also much more out there than other hikers. If your dog runs out of sight, they could find any form of wildlife. Some wildlife won’t be as friendly as they are. Having them on a leash helps you to know where they are and get them away from trouble if it comes up.

Finally, if your dog is the one that rides in the vehicle, make sure to put down one of our Gorilla Chew-Proof Crate Pads. That way, they can comfortably lounge in the back while the rest of the family are in their seats.