July 15, 2018 pedalgoa

Hiking with dogs: Dog essentials and tips to be a prepared hiker :: hike, camp, travel with pets

Hiking with dogs: What to pack in the backpack when going on hiking trails or camping with your dog

Enjoying the views of a Hawaii hiking trail 😉
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A hiking dog is a happy dog! 😉

You know what you should do to prepare for a hike, and you also want your dog to be a prepared hiker!

Just like for when you go hiking, there are some hiking essentials for dogs too.

So, what are some things to keep in mind when hiking with your dog?

Here first are 3 things to have a look at!

– This to make it easy for your dog to stay hydrated on-the-move

– This to keep your dog nearby without worry of hurting the neck

– This if your hikes are on paved trails with really hot pavement in summer or really cold pavement in winter

See below for more things you may want to pack for hiking with your dog!

In thinking about hitting the trails with your dog, you can start off by getting back to the basics and thinking about those hiking essentials for yourself and then consider how they would apply for your dog.

Of course the specific preparations may be different between a person going hiking and a dog going hiking, but there are many things in which the basic concepts can apply to both.

Remember that because every trail is different, the level of preparedness that’s best for each trail can be different too.

How much you and your dog want to be prepared for the trails will depend on the length of your outing and how strenuous the conditions are.

HIKING 101



Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!


Be properly energized

What is one of the most important things for when you are going out hiking, whether it’s with or without your dog? Having good energy!

For you, this includes making sure that you stay well hydrated, and it also includes bringing snacks along to keep you adequately energized.

For your dog, the same applies!

So make sure to bring plenty of water, as well as a way to feed the water. To make sure your dog stays well-hydrated, you can use one of these types of bowls. You’ll also want to bring along plenty of snacks to make sure your dog can stay energized.

The less experienced your dog is, the more you’ll want to pay attention to how your dog is feeling as you’re walking along. You may want to take extra breaks early on for water and snacks if you’re just starting out.

Remember, just as you need more calories when you’re going out for a hike compared to a normal day, your dog needs more calories compared to a normal day of life at home!

Choose dog friendly trails

So what makes a dog-friendly trail? There are trails that are categorized as “dog-friendly,” but other than that, what types of things might you want to look for so you can both have maximum enjoyment on the trails?

– Leash requirements on trails

Some trails require you to leash your dog at all times.

And if this rule is there, it’s best to adhere to it.

And in those cases, a retractable dog leash like this one can work great for your active dog.

A harness like this one may also be a good choice to better protect your dog’s neck.

But there are also trails that have no such requirement of having dogs leashed, and these types of trails may be ones you want to seek out so your dog has a bit more freedom.

You should also carry a leash even if there are no requirements, but if it’s safe to roam around, you both may like the idea of free roaming.

Also make sure that your dog is wearing tags in the unlikely event that you do get separated, whether it be stainless steel tags or bright and colorful tags!

– Trail terrain

You want to try to find trails that will be friendly to your dog’s footing.

This means not going hiking on trails that have sections of rocky terrain that can make for an unpleasant experience for your dog, which can then end up making for an unpleasant experience for you!

You also may want to avoid trails that have too challenging of a terrain with steep inclines and loose gravel.

– Shaded trails

For summer hikes in particular, to limit the possibility of becoming dehydrated, you may want to consider finding trails that have plenty of shade.

You may also want to look for trails that have rivers and lakes that your dog can cool off in.

But do make sure any bodies of water your dog does jump into along the trail isn’t considered a water source for backpackers and thru-hikers.

– Poisonous plants

You want to limit the exposure of potentially poisonous plants that can be irritating to your dog and then be consequently transferred over to you.

This can quickly turn into an unpleasant hiking experience for both of you!

– Mountain biking trails and horse trails

It’s best to avoid trails that are frequented by mountain bikers and horseback riders.

It can produce unsafe conditions for all involved.

Be trained for the trail you are embarking upon

Just as you need to consider some things for yourself, you need to give extra consideration for your dog as well.

– The difficulty of the trail.

What type of terrain is the hiking trail?

Is your dog’s fitness level up to the challenge of the type of trail it is?

You also want to take into consideration the difficulty of the trail in the amount of food your dog will need for the duration of (and after!) the hike.

The more difficult and longer the trail, the more dog snacks you should bring along!

– The weather.

The hotter it is outside, the more important it is to make sure to be mindful of your dog’s hydration levels.

If you’re going for a cold weather hike together, this still involves staying hydrated, and it also involves thinking about possibly adding some layers for your dog to wear.

It’s best to start your dog off on easier trails before going for the longer ones.

This can be helpful for both you and your dog for training and so you can test out different things to determine what works and what doesn’t for when you go out for longer hikes and maybe even backpacking trips!

Items that will make your dog feel like a pro hiker

There’s nothing that gets someone more excited for outdoor adventures than having a bunch of gear that’s just ready and waiting to be used, right?! 😉

Well, the same can most certainly apply for your dog! 🙂

Affiliate links take you away for your browsing fun!

– Collapsible dog bowl

You can use these collapsible bowls for water or food.

They are convenient because when you’re transporting them, you can compress them them and place them into a backpack without taking up much space.

And then when it’s time for your dog to hydrate or replenish fuel with water or snacks, you can conveniently whip it out and serve that water or food!

There are also dedicated travel water bottles for dogs.

When buying these collapsible dog bowls, you’ll want to pay attention to the sizing and think about what size is right for you and your dog’s adventures.

This is especially true for water.

Consider the duration you’ll be out and the outdoor temperature.

– Dog first aid kit

It’s always best for you to be prepared for unexpected accidents in the outdoors with your own first aid kit.

And it’s also best for your dog to be prepared for unexpected accidents in the outdoors with their own first aid kit for dogs too!

– Dog backpack

Are you and your dog equal hiking partners? YES?!

Well then your dog should do his or her part in bringing the gear along too, right? 😉

Your dog can act the part of being a true and experienced hiker by wearing a backpack for dogs like one of these like a pro!

It might make other dogs on the trail jealous and something to aspire to. 😉

The generally accepted recommendation is to not have your dog carry any more than 25% of their weight in the backpack.

This will also depend on the breed of your dog and might be less than this.

Just as you shouldn’t suddenly go out and hike miles upon miles with a fully loaded pack, you want your dog to work up to it and start to get used to it if you’re looking to have longer outdoor adventures together.

You can get your dog used to the idea of wearing a backpack by wearing it around the house or going on shorter walks around the neighborhood with the pack, with or without the gear in the backpack.

Check in with your vet

Just as it’s always recommended that you consult with a doctor to make sure that you are physically well and able to participate in more grueling physical activities, it is always best to consult with your dog’s vet to make sure your dog is well and able to participate in more grueling physical activities!

Your vet also may have some extra tips to keep your dog healthy and happy on the trails!

HAPPY HIKING!

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Are you taking your dog on paved trails? How hot is too hot for dog paws on hot pavement?

Are you going to be on the water with your dog too? Does your dog need a life jacket?

hiking gear list – what to wear hiking – best daypack for hiking

gifts for hikers under $25 – gifts for travelers under $25



There are affiliate links on this page. Among other partners, as an Amazon Associate, I may receive a commission.


🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!


I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.

Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.

There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.


see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling


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