If you are a hiker and a dog owner, then you and your furry sidekick are likely destined to be great trail buddies. Hiking with your pet is a great way to get out of the house and experience the outdoors.
Of course, hiking with your furry friend is a rewarding experience, but it is not without its own set of challenges; not the least of which is finding pet-friendly hiking trails that engage your pup from start to finish.
Planning is essential if you are going on a hike with your pet. It is important to remember that this is a hiking companion who is going to need a lot of care and feeding.
You can find the right gear with Outdoorish along with a few tips for making your outing a safe and fun experience.
Hiking With Your Pet: Tips You Need To Know
Gear Up Right
When taking your dog on a hike or camping, make sure both you and your dog have appropriate equipment for the adventure.
The regular hardware you use may not be the best thing in every instance, so be flexible and approach each experience as its own.
For dogs, you will want to use a collar or a body harness. Front hook harnesses restrict some motion in the shoulders, so a body harness is the safest most secure option.
Use a reliable leash. When choosing one, you have to take into account both your handling skills and how well behaved your dog is. If your dog is trained well, a retractable leash will give them a little more space to have fun and explore.
Also, when traveling to and from your hiking destination, you can use a seat cover and a car restraint for your dog. This will help keep your dog safe and your car clean.
If you are camping during your hike, coming up with a sleep system is essential. This starts with the size of your tent. A one-person larger size tent to accommodate your dog should be enough.
A piece of closed-cell foam and a crib-size comforter make an excellent doggie bed. Plan to do several backyard sleepouts, so your dog will be entirely comfortable with whatever sleep system you choose before you hit the trail.
Supplies to Bring with You
Many of the supplies you bring will depend on the weather conditions typical to the area, but it is vital to plan well for any eventuality.
In general, remember to bring supplies such as water. Hydrating you and your pup is number one. You never know whether you are going to find water along the way.
In addition to water, you will also need a first aid kit. A suitable first aid kit is not just for your pet; it is for you too.
You may occasionally get a few nicks and scrapes, bites, stings, and minor irritations. But you may potentially get severe cuts and scrapes if you or your dog takes a tumble, which can happen when managing a dog on a leash.