7 Things to Pack when Hiking with Dogs :: A to Z Packing Tips
Back into our A to Z Packing Tips series today. Jessica is here to share her packing tips for hiking with dogs!
Dogs can make great hiking partners. They can help to keep you motivated and its fun to watch them explore. The physical exercise is great for them too and the multitude of smells they encounter really exercise the mind. A tired dog is a good dog.
Whether you are new to hiking with your dog, or just need a refresher, this list will help you be prepared for hitting the trails with your pup.
What to bring for hiking with dogs:
- Leash and harness or collar – It is a law on most Northwest trails that your dog be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. There are many good reasons for this – from safety to environmental protection – so the rules should always be followed. A collar is good but a harness is even better for hiking because it reduces the stress on your dog’s neck and back.
- ID Tags and picture identification – We never want our dogs to get lost but it can happen. If your dog is wearing clear identification, it’s easier for you two to be reunited. A picture of your pooch is worth a thousand words when you are trying to describe them to other hikers too.
- Plenty of water and snacks – Bringing water for you is a given but be sure to bring extra for your pooch too so both of you can drink freely. You’ll also want to bring plenty of snacks to keep your dog’s energy up and to coax them to look at the camera when you want to get a cute photo.
- Collapsible water bowl (affiliate) – Carrying a collapsible water dish is a big help when your pup is trying to drink. I am sure you don’t want them sticking their dirty tongue inside your water bottle and most of the water bottles designed specifically for dogs only carry enough water for a stroll in the park.
- Dog Poop Bags – It’s the right thing to do, and the law in most places, to pick up your dog’s poo and carry it out. Also bring a couple of gallon Ziploc bags to put the full waste bags to help keep the rest of your hike smell free.
- Basic first aid kit (affiliate) – It’s always a good idea to carry a first aid kit on your hikes but be sure to throw a couple of dog-specific things in there if you are bringing your dog. I suggest some PawZ booties (affiliate) to help keep a foot bandage dry and clean. It also a good idea to bring some generic Benadryl and know what to do if your dog has an allergic reaction to a bug bite.
- Camera – Ok, this is more for you than your dog but you’ll want to catch plenty of “cute fido moments” when you are adventuring with your dog. Photos of your dog with an alpine lake or jagged mountain in the background is so much more interesting to show your friends than a picture of your dog passed out on the sofa.
Packing these essentials will help keep you and your dog comfortable when out exploring a trail. Keeping the experience enjoyable with help ensure there will be more trips in the future.
Jessica is author of You Did What With Your Wiener? – An active and outdoor lifestyle blog focused on enjoying those things with your dog. Through her stories, she encourages people to get outside with their pup. You can find her and her husband, along with her two miniature Dachshunds, hiking or paddleboarding around Seattle on most weekends.
Thank you Jessica for an excellent and helpful post about hiking with dogs! Check out the other great posts in our A to Z Packing Tips series:
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Alcohol & Wine, Building Lists & Plans, Chargers are a Must
D’s to Remember, Embark on a Cruise, First Aid Kits
Games for Any Family Trip
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Thanks for including my packing list. It’s always good to be prepared when heading out into the woods.
Thanks so much for guest posting and sharing the great tips!
How long are you doxies able to hike? I’d take my little girl, but she’s 10 now, and way too lazy for such things these days. lol.
Hey Erin, this was a guest post by a fellow writer, Jessica from You Did What With Your Wiener?. So I can reach out to her for you or you could connect with her on social or her blog and ask? We’ve dogsitted a pair of doxies, but didn’t take them on any hikes. :)
This is fantastic!