Hiking with Dogs: 7 Essential Preparations and Gears Before Taking Your Dog on a Trail

On days when the weather is clear and not too hot, going out for a hike can be the best activity for you and your dog. As a responsible dog owner, let's be well-prepared before taking our beloved to enjoy the nature. With the right trail selection and proper preparation, hiking with your dog can indeed be a delightful experience.

Planning the route in advance is crucial when taking your dog hiking. Depending on your daily routine, if you are living in the city, your dog may not be prepared to have heavy exercise and may struggle with long hiking trails, so it's best to pick routes that can be completed within two hours. Trails like Recreational Trail are more appropriate for dogs as the trails are more well-constructed. Consider carefully whether your dog can handle the selected path.

Not all dogs are suited for hiking. Dogs that seldom go outdoors may get overly anxious in unfamiliar environments. Some dogs are timid and may get scared by sudden noises or strangers, so forcing them to hike isn't advisable. Additionally, long-haired breeds such as Huskies, Labradors, and Golden Retrievers have poorer joint health and are not suited for prolonged walking. Their thick fur also makes it difficult for them to cool down, making them less ideal for hiking. Brachycephalic breeds like Pugs, Shih Tzus, and Pekingese are more prone to heatstroke and are also not recommended for hiking a long distance.

Pet owners should monitor their dogs' physical condition. If your dog has been ill recently, shows signs of discomfort, lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea, or has a contagious disease, it is better not to take them hiking. Puppies under three months old or older dogs that are physically weak may not ready to natural environments and have lower immunity, which could expose them to diseases.

Never assume it's okay for your dog to roam free during a hike, especially some popular trails are often crowded. Dogs off the leash can scare other people. The dense forests and secluded areas in mountains make it easy for dogs to get lost, and being leashed also prevents them from falling into traps.

When hiking, it's essential to bring enough water and snacks. If your dog feels unwell, move to a shaded area to rest and cool them down with a wet towel. If the dog doesn't return to normal, consider cutting the hike short and leave the trail. Hiking consumes energy, and dogs may get hungry, so carry small snacks to prevent them from searching food on the ground, which could lead to discomfort or poisoning.

Most dogs in city live indoors with floors made of wood or tiles, making hiking trails potentially hazardous for their paws, which can be cut by sharp rocks or burned by hot surfaces. Therefore, when hiking with dog, we should always bring a small bag with antiseptic ointments, gauze, bandages, and saline solution for emergencies.

It's the owner's responsibility to clean up after their dog to keep the countryside clean. Even though it's a natural area, allowing your dog to relieve themselves without cleaning up is unacceptable. Note that garbage bins and recycling bins have been removed from many park trails, and finding places to wash hands can be challenging. Therefore, owners should bring Poop Bag, disinfectant wipes, and water to clean up after their dogs.