Ultimate Guide to Hiking with Dogs: Trails, Tips, and Gear

If you love the outdoors as much as you love your pets, hiking with dogs is probably one of your favorite activities. But you can’t necessarily start hiking with your dog as soon as you bring them home. You need to make sure your pup is fit for the task, that dogs are allowed on the trails you plan to hike, and that you have all the gear necessary for you both to have a fun, safe hike.

Here’s everything you need to know to get ready for hiking with dogs.

Finding Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails

Some national, state, or local parks don’t allow dogs, and most of the ones that do require them to be on a leash that is no longer than 6 feet long, so be sure to check each hiking trail’s rules before bringing your pup along. You can find an interactive map here showing which national parks allow dogs. However, just because a park allows pets in certain areas, that doesn’t always mean they’re allowed on the trails, so be sure to check each park’s trail rules before getting there.

The American Hiking Society also has some good resources on how to find “hiking with dogs near me.”

Practice the B.A.R.K. Rule

Anywhere you go hiking with dogs, you should follow the National Park Service’s B.A.R.K. rules. B.A.R.K. stands for:

• •Bag your pet’s waste

• •Always leash your pet

• •Respect wildlife

• •Know where you can go

Following these rules allows everybody to continue enjoying the hiking trails for years to come. Remember that other people use the same trails and don’t want to see your dog’s poop or encounter unleashed pups they may be afraid of. Additionally, dog waste can introduce bacteria and parasites into the ecosystem and its water supply, making dog poop a hazard as much as it is an eyesore.

Sadly, dog waste is becoming an increasing problem on popular hiking trails. For example, despite a decade-long “There is no Poop Fairy” campaign by Jefferson County Animal Control in Colorado, other hikers have to be disgusted by and Park Rangers still have to pick up poop bags along popular hiking trails, which isn’t fair for anybody.

Pre-Hike Readiness

Before heading for the hills, make sure your pup is up for the hike. Young puppies and senior dogs may not be able to handle a long hike, and even healthy dogs need to build up their endurance for longer hikes, so start small and talk to your dog’s vet about their fitness for hiking.

Before going on your first “real” hike, you may want to start your dog on a heartworm preventative as well as a flea and tick preventative. You may also want to introduce your dog to protective booties so they can get used to them before the big hike.

Additionally, you should brush up on your obedience training and learn proper trail etiquette. Your pup should be calm around other dogs and people and walk loosely on a leash that’s no longer than 6 feet.

The Importance of a Dog Pack

Since you’ll need to bring water and food for your pup, it helps if they can help carry some of their own supplies. Get your dog used to wearing it around the house empty before you gradually start adding weight. Most dogs can handle a pack weight that is no more than 25% of their body weight, so keep that in mind as you add weight to the pack.

How to Fit a Pack

Measure your dog’s chest around the widest part of their rib cage and find a pack that can be adjusted to that measurement. The pack should be snug enough not to bounce around too much without being so tight that it’s difficult for your dog to breathe.

Other Dog Gear

While you should take some gear, like a first aid kit, on even short hikes with your dog, longer hikes and backpacking trips will require even more gear to ensure your dog stays safe, healthy, and happy along the hike.

First Aid Kit

A first aid kit packed with supplies for both yourself and your dog is a must-have on every hike. You should include bandages, wraps, gauze, tweezers, alcohol wipes, antibiotic ointment, and your dog’s vaccination records in case you need to head to the emergency vet after your hike.

Sleeping Situation

Unless you plan to have your dog sleep literally on top of you, you’ll need to make sure your tent is large enough for you both and pack along foam or something to keep your pup off the cold ground at night.

More Essentials

Other gear you may want to bring include collapsible food and water bowls, towels, booties, a flashlight, and a cooling collar or dog coat (depending on the weather).

Food and Water

The same hazards that prevent you from drinking straight out of a pond can make your dog sick, as well, so make sure you bring enough water for both of you (as well as a way to purify more water, if necessary). Also, keep in mind that your dog will burn more calories than usual on a long hike, so they’ll need more food before, during, and after the hike.

Trail Hazards

You and your dog may encounter a variety of hazards when hiking together. For example, you should keep an eye on your dog to look for signs that they are overheated, exhausted, or injured. Dogs tend to hide their pain, so be sure you know what to look for.

Wild plants and animals can also pose hazards to both you and your pup. Bears and cougars aren’t the only problematic animals out there: ticks, mosquitoes, flies, and lice can cause your dog many issues. Poisonous plants and foxtails also pose potential threats.

Giardia, leptospirosis, and other pathogens that can make you and your dog extremely sick can taint water, so always boil or otherwise treat water before giving it to your dog or drinking it yourself.

Tips for Hiking With Your Dog

Here are some quick tips for hiking with dogs:

• •Make sure dogs are allowed on the trail you wish to hike

• •Build up your dog’s endurance for long walks first

• •Acclimate your dog to gear like a pack or booties ahead of time

• •Keep your dog on a 6-foot or shorter leash

• •Make sure your dog is well-behaved and won’t bother other hikers, dogs, or wildlife

• •Bring along enough water and food for both of you (along with collapsible bowls)

• •Pick up your dog’s poop and pack it out with you (or bury it more than 200 yards from a trail)

• •Don’t assume every hiker likes dogs (some may be afraid of your pup)

The Perfect Pre-Hike Meal: We Feed Raw

Before hitting the trails, you’ll want to fuel your dog up with a high-protein, moisture-rich raw food like We Feed Raw. Our patties are complete and balanced for dogs of all life stages, including the growth of large-breed puppies, and our food is naturally low in obesity-causing carbs and high in muscle-building protein.

We also use a cold-pressure process to inactivate potential pathogens, making our food safe for your dog.

Learn more about the benefits of We Feed Raw here or take our quiz now to get your dog started on the life-changing nutrition of raw dog food.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where can I go hiking with dogs near me?

The best way to determine where you can go hiking with dogs is to Google “dog-friendly hiking trails near me” and look through the available options. You can also check sites like Bring Fido, All Trails, or Hike With Your Dog.

What do I need to consider when hiking with a dog?

When hiking with a dog, you need to consider their physical fitness, their water and food needs, how well they do on a leash, and how you will pack their poop out with you (as opposed to leaving it on the trail). If you plan to go backpacking with your dog, you also need to make sure there is room in your tent and bring something for them to sleep on besides the cold, hard ground.

How can I prepare my dog for a hike?

To prepare your dog for a hike, take them for gradually longer walks in their normal environment to build up their endurance for the length of the hike you want to take. You should also consider getting them acclimated to things like booties or a pack before you use those items on a hike.

How do I find hiking near me with dogs allowed?

To find hiking near you with dogs allowed, you can check sites like Bring Fido, All Trails, or Hike With Your Dog or Google “dog-friendly hikes near me.”

Can I take multiple dogs on a hike with me?

If you are able to control multiple dogs on 6-foot leashes and get them all off the trail when you need to yield to other hikers, bikers, or trail users, then yes, you can take multiple dogs on a hike with you.

Are there any special tips for hiking with my dog?

Some quick tips for hiking with your dog include acclimating your pup to gear and long walks before the hike, finding dog-friendly trails, bringing enough water and food for your pup, keeping them on a short leash (most trails require dogs to be on a leash that is no longer than 6 feet), and picking up and packing out their poop.

We Feed Raw Is Powerful Fuel for Dogs

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When you're planning to cover miles of scenic beauty with your pup, their well-being is a top priority. The benefits of feeding them We Feed Raw extend beyond a single hike. Our carefully crafted raw meals support muscle development and maintain optimal hydration levels, crucial for those long, exploratory journeys.

Don't let the challenge of trail hazards and the need for endurance become a roadblock to the experiences that await you and your dog. Transition to We Feed Raw and take the first step towards empowering your canine companion for the many excursions ahead. Taste the difference, see the benefits, and watch your dog thrive on the path less traveled.

Explore our products and take our quiz today at wefeedraw.com to discover the ideal raw food plan tailored to your dog's needs. Get ready to make your next outdoor adventure with your pet not just enjoyable, but also a testament to their vigor and vitality, powered by the unrivaled nutrition of We Feed Raw. Hit the trails with confidence, knowing your dog is fueled by the best. Visit us now and let your pup's journey to peak health begin!