There is something different about hiking with your dog. You are not simply getting outside for a few hours. You are sharing the smells, sounds, changing terrain, and occasional unexpected detour with a companion who is thrilled to be there with you.
It can be tempting to grab a leash and head out, especially when you are only planning a day hike. Most of the time, everything goes exactly as planned. Then there are the days when the temperature climbs faster than expected, the trail is rougher than it looked online, or your dog steps on something sharp.
You do not need to pack half the house to be prepared. A few thoughtfully chosen items can keep a minor inconvenience from becoming a serious problem.
Before leaving home, take a few minutes to look at the trail itself. Make sure dogs are allowed, check the leash rules, and look at the distance and elevation gain. A trail that appears short can still be demanding when it climbs steeply or sits at a higher elevation than your dog is used to.
It also helps to check:
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The expected temperature and weather
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Whether shade is available
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Known wildlife or seasonal hazards
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Whether dependable water is available
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The location of the nearest veterinary clinic
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Whether you will have cell service
Be honest about your dog’s current fitness. A dog that comfortably walks around the neighborhood may not be ready for several steep miles over rocky ground. Puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with health conditions may need a shorter and easier route. If you are unsure what your dog can safely handle, talk with your veterinarian before increasing the distance or difficulty.
Water should be one of the first things you pack. Bring a separate supply of clean water for your dog instead of relying on streams, ponds, puddles, or livestock troughs. Natural water can contain bacteria, parasites, harmful algae, and other contaminants. Even clear mountain water is not automatically safe.
The amount your dog needs depends on size, temperature, elevation, trail difficulty, health, and how hard your dog is working. Offer water regularly instead of waiting until your dog appears desperately thirsty. Carry some extra in case the hike takes longer than planned or the day becomes warmer.
A leak-resistant bottle and collapsible bowl make water stops much easier. For larger dogs, the 77 oz Large-Dog Travel Water Dispenser carries a generous supply in one container. The Large Collapsible Dog Bowls – 2 Pack clip easily to a pack and give you a separate bowl for food and water.
For a short walk, your dog may not need a full meal on the trail. On a longer or more demanding hike, bring a small amount of food and a few familiar treats.
Treats are useful when you need to reward your dog for returning when called, ignoring wildlife, stepping aside for another hiker, or staying calm around an unfamiliar dog. Bring something your dog has eaten before. The middle of a hike is a poor place to discover that a new treat does not agree with your companion’s stomach.
Your dog’s harness, collar, and leash deserve a quick inspection before every trip. Check the buckles, clips, stitching, and attachment points. Replace anything that is frayed, cracked, loose, or difficult to fasten.
A properly fitted harness can provide better control without placing all the pressure on your dog’s neck. Your dog should still wear a collar with current identification, even when the leash is attached to a harness.
A fixed-length leash usually gives you more control on a busy or narrow trail than a retractable leash. Keep your dog close when passing hikers, bicycles, horses, other dogs, or wildlife.
The National Park Service uses four simple B.A.R.K. principles for visiting parks with pets:
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Bag your pet’s waste
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Always leash your pet
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Respect wildlife
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Know where you can go
Those are useful rules on almost any shared trail.
Take a moment to check your dog’s identification before leaving. Make sure the phone number on the tag is one you currently answer. A microchip adds another layer of protection, but only if the registration information is up to date.
Keep a few important details on your phone:
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A recent, clear photograph of your dog
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Your regular veterinarian’s phone number
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The nearest emergency veterinary clinic
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Vaccination and medical information
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Your dog’s microchip number and registry contact
If you expect limited cell service, save screenshots before leaving. Information stored online will not help much if you cannot access it when you need it.
Waste bags are easy to forget, so keep a roll attached to your leash or permanently stored in your hiking pack. Bring more than you expect to use in case a bag tears or another dog owner runs out.
Unless the land manager provides another approved disposal method, dog waste should be carried out. Leaving a filled bag beside the trail does not count, even if you plan to retrieve it on your way back. A small sealed pouch or odor-resistant container can make carrying used bags much less unpleasant.
A dog first-aid kit also belongs in your pack. Cuts, torn nails, insect stings, cactus spines, and sore paws can happen quickly. A first-aid kit gives you a way to manage a minor problem or stabilize an injury while you seek veterinary care.
Useful trail supplies include:
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Sterile gauze pads
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Gauze rolls
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Self-adhering bandage wrap
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Medical tape
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Blunt-tip scissors
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Disposable gloves
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Saline wound rinse
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Tweezers
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A tick-removal tool
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An emergency blanket
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A soft muzzle
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Your veterinarian’s contact information
A frightened or injured dog may bite even if that dog has never bitten before. A soft muzzle can protect you while you provide care, but it should not be used on a dog that is vomiting, having trouble breathing, or showing signs of heat illness.
Our Compact Pet First Aid Kit for the Road and Trail gives you a portable starting point for handling unexpected injuries away from home.
For a closer look at what belongs in the kit and how those supplies may be used, read Would You Know What to Do If Your Dog Got Hurt on the Trail?.
Your dog’s paws also need attention. Dogs do not always show discomfort immediately, especially when they are excited and trying to keep up with you.
Rock, pavement, and sand can become dangerously hot. Sharp stones, thorns, cactus spines, ice, and rough ground can cut or wear down paw pads. Check the surface with your hand and stop periodically to inspect between your dog’s toes and around the pads.
Depending on the trail and weather, consider carrying:
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Properly fitted dog boots
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Paw balm
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A small towel
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Extra gauze and bandage wrap
Introduce boots at home before relying on them outdoors. Give your dog time to practice wearing them and make sure they stay in place without rubbing.
After a wet or muddy hike, the Dexas MudBuster® Dog Paw Cleaner can help rinse dirt and debris from your dog’s paws before getting back into the vehicle or heading inside.
Weather is another reason to pack with a little extra care. Mountain and high-desert conditions can change quickly. A cool morning may become hot by midday, while a clear afternoon can turn windy, cold, or wet with little warning.
Short-coated dogs may need an insulated layer in cold or windy conditions. Dogs traveling over snow or ice may also need paw protection.
In warm weather, watch closely for signs that your dog may be overheating:
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Heavy or frantic panting
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Excessive drooling
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Weakness or stumbling
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Vomiting
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Confusion
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Collapse
If your dog begins to struggle, stop the activity and move to a cooler area. Begin cooling your dog with cool water rather than ice-cold water, and seek veterinary help immediately. Do not push ahead simply because you are close to the end of the trail.
Fleas, ticks, burrs, and foxtails can be harder to notice while you are walking. Ask your veterinarian which preventive products are appropriate for your dog and your area.
After the hike, check carefully around:
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The ears and eyelids
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The neck and collar
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The armpits
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The groin
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Between the toes
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Under the tail
Brush away burrs, seeds, and other debris before they work deeper into the coat or skin. Foxtails deserve particular attention because their barbed seed heads can enter the paws, skin, ears, nose, and eyes.
Even a planned daytime hike can run late. A small light or reflective item makes your dog easier to see near roads, trailheads, campgrounds, and parking areas. The Rechargeable LED Dog Collars – 2 Pack provides an easy visibility option when daylight begins to fade.
Carry a flashlight or headlamp for yourself as well. Depending entirely on your phone can leave you without light when you also need the phone for navigation or an emergency call.
Before you leave, tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. If your route changes, update that person while you still have service.
There is also one difficult question that owners of large dogs should consider: Could you move or carry your dog if your dog became injured?
A rescue sling, strong towel, or packable dog-carrying system may be worth bringing when you will be far from the trailhead. Know your turnaround point and pay attention to your dog’s condition along the way. Reaching the planned destination is never more important than getting both of you home safely.
Before heading out, run through this quick checklist:
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Clean water
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A collapsible bowl
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Familiar food or treats
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A secure harness
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A collar with current identification
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A sturdy fixed-length leash
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Waste bags
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A dog first-aid kit
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Paw protection when conditions require it
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Weather protection
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Flea and tick prevention
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A light or reflective safety item
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A recent photograph of your dog
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Veterinary and emergency contact information
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A downloaded trail map
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A plan shared with someone at home
Once you are back, offer your dog fresh water and time to rest. Then perform a quick nose-to-tail check.
Look for:
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Ticks
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Cuts or scrapes
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Tender or worn paw pads
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Torn nails
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Swelling
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Burrs or foxtails
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Unusual stiffness
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Limping
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Changes in behavior
Dogs are good at keeping up with us, sometimes longer than they should. Pay attention to what your companion is telling you during and after the hike. Turning around early is always better than allowing a manageable problem to become an emergency.
The best trail gear lets you spend less time worrying and more time enjoying the miles together.
Road, trail, and training gear, built for the active life you share.
Helpful resources
This article provides general educational information and is not a substitute for veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Trail conditions, weather, health needs, and local regulations vary. Consult your veterinarian about your dog’s individual needs and seek prompt veterinary care if your dog is injured or becomes ill.