How to Hike Safely with Your Dog: 6 Tips to Keep Your Dog Happy and Healthy
Dogs love to go for walks, play in the yard, or frolic in the snow. They also love to hike with their owners. Dogs are perfect partners on a hike with keen senses and natural agility. You'll both have fun, and they'll get some much-needed exercise. However, when you take your dog hiking, there are several things to remember. The terrain is rougher than a typical park path and full of potential dangers that don't exist when walking on a paved sidewalk or even through a field. Here are six tips for hiking safely with your dog, whether exploring a nearby state park or venturing deeper into the wilderness on an extended backpacking trip.
Always Have a Leash, Regardless of Your Dog's Behavior
Even the most well-behaved dog can be unpredictable when encountering wildlife or other dogs. You're responsible for your dog's safety and the safety of other hikers. Always have a leash on a hike, even if your dog usually is off-leash. Use the leash to keep the dog out of harm's way and prevent him from running off into strange and potentially dangerous territory. Depending on the level of terrain, your dog may benefit from wearing a harness with a leash, which cuts down on the chances of the leash becoming wrapped around a dog’s legs.
Even if your dog is friendly, keeping him on a leash when meeting other hikers with dogs and wildlife, such as rabbits, squirrels, and birds, is wise. Your dog may want to chase them, causing problems for everyone in the vicinity. Although birds are generally safe from your dog's grasp, hawks and other raptors might swoop down to defend their territory. Keep a careful eye on small breed dogs who may become prey for predators.
2. Be Aware of the Terrain
Hiking on well-maintained trails is one thing, but bushwhacking through unknown territory with only a compass and your GPS to guide you is something else entirely. You must be aware of the terrain when hiking with your dog. Avoid steep, rocky terrain and areas prone to flooding.
If you're unsure if you and your dog can handle the terrain, stick to well-maintained trails and plan shorter hikes. With a young or senior dog, avoid rocky terrain or find a more accessible trail to hike. If hiking in an arid part of the country, be aware of the potential for wildfires and avoid dry, open areas where a blaze might start. In an areas prone to flooding, find higher ground or a less prone-to-flooding trail. Bring a local trail guidebook with you if you want to go off-trail but aren't sure about the terrain.
3. Bring Plenty of Water for Your Dog
Many people only think about the water they should drink while hiking, but your dog needs water, too. Dogs can't handle high levels of dehydration as well as humans, and they don't realize they're thirsty until they are very thirsty. Pack enough water and food for you and your dog, but bring more water than you'd normally drink. If you have more than one dog, you may have to double or triple the amount of water you bring.
If you're hiking in an area with limited water sources, consider carrying a water bottle, specifically one designed for dogs. Otherwise, plan to pack multiple water bottles for your hiking journey.
4. Bring Food for You and Your Dog
Your dog should eat before you go on a hike, but he can also eat while you're out walking. Always carry food for your dog—whether it's a dog-friendly trail mix or freeze-dried dog food. Make sure to get food that contains enough water to keep him hydrated, but not so much that he gets full quickly and forgets to drink water. You can also bring water that's been mixed with food as a way to give your dog a quick drink while also giving him some energy.
If you plan to hike for several days, pack food for your dog and rotate it, so you don't run out. Ask your vet about your dog's nutrition before you leave on a multi-day hike, and make sure the food you bring suits your pup’s needs.
5. Don't Forget Identification, Including Microchipping
Always keep identification on your dog and make sure it has a microchip. A microchip is a small device implanted under your dog's skin that contains his name and contact information. If your dog gets lost, a person who finds him can scan him to find out who his owner is. Make sure you keep the information on file current.
Your dog should have a collar with an ID tag that clearly states the owner’s contact number. Additionally, bring a photo of your dog with you and a contact card or business card with your name, address, phone number, and email address. Make sure it's durable, like a laminated card, and keep it in a place where it's easily accessible. If your dog is separated from you, having this information quickly available can increase your chances of finding your pup.
6. Watch Out for Poisonous Snakes
Many snakes are not harmful and won't bother you or your dog unless you step on them, but others are poisonous and can cause harm if you and your dog come into contact with them. Avoid rocky areas, low-lying brush, and areas near water. If you see a snake, don't touch it—even if it's non-poisonous. Try to scare the snake away from your dog if your pup is nearby. Make noise and clap your hands to scare the snake out, or even throw rocks in its direction. If the snake doesn't leave your dog alone, you may have to pick your pup up and move him away from the snake.
Conclusion
When hiking with your dog, don't forget to bring the essentials. Always have a leash with you, even if your dog is usually off-leash. Be aware of the terrain and choose trails suited to your skill level. Take plenty of water for your dog and bring food, too. Don't forget identification, and watch out for poisonous snakes.
Hiking with your dog can be fun, healthy, and adventurous. Just make sure you follow these tips, so your trip with your best friend is safe at all times. Get your dog's travel safety gear at the Pawsitive Destinations shop. Enjoy being safe and making memories with your pup on your next adventure!
