What to Pack When Hiking With Your Dog
No pet parent wants to leave their pup behind when they hit the trail. Taking your dog hiking can be great fun for both of you, but it is important to come prepared!
Hound Hiking Essentials
To ensure a safe, enjoyable experience for all involved, here are 10 must-have dog accessories and products you should pack when hiking with your hound.
- Dog Leash – A good quality leash is essential for keeping your hound from wandering off or running into trouble. Make sure it's strong and sturdy enough to handle any terrain, and avoid using retractable leashes, as these can get tangled in undergrowth quite easily.
- Dog Bowls – You'll need something lightweight and easy to carry for water and food. These durable steel dog bowls are a great option as they can be easily washed and reused multiple times.
- Pet First Aid Kit – It's always a good idea to carry a first aid kit for yourself and your dog. Basic first aid items to include in your kit are bandages, antiseptic cream, gauze pads, and tweezers to remove ticks or splinters picked up along the way. You may also want to consider carrying some basic human medications (for you), such as anti-diarrhea tablets, Pepto Bismol, and painkillers – not every emergency is a hound emergency!
- Dog Poop Bags – Pack plenty of dog poop bags; nobody wants to come across smelly dog droppings on a glorious nature hike. Don’t forget your poop bag holder!
- Collar & ID Tag – Make sure your hound wears their collar and ID tag in case they become separated from you on the trail.
- Dog Treats – Always keep a few treats handy to reward good behavior. They're also a fail-safe way of ensuring your hound sticks closely to your side in the hopes of snaffling a tasty treat, keeping them safe in unfamiliar surroundings.
- Sunscreen & Insect Repellent – There are many sunscreen and insect-repellent pet products designed specifically for hounds. Ensure you read the label before applying it to their skin or fur.
- Dog Backpack – If taking extra supplies with you, consider getting a backpack harness for your pup that fits snugly into the small of their back and is easy to carry. This Trailblazer Dog Pack is exactly what you need.
- Dog Towel – After a long day on the trail, your pup may need some TLC! Pack a towel to dry off any excess water or mud accumulated throughout the day.
- Dog Toys – If you plan to spend a few hours on the trail, take some toys to keep your hound occupied. Tennis balls and frizbees are great for keeping a hound happy and entertained while hiking.
Tips for Hiking Adventures with your Pet
Beyond packing these ideal pet products for hiking, here are some tips you can use to ensure an enjoyable experience for you and your pet when hitting the hiking trail.
- Plan Ahead:
Research the route you want to take ahead of time; this will allow you to plan for any unexpected trail hazards or complexities that may come up.
- Start Off Slow:
Longer hikes aren't something that hounds can jump straight into. Instead, start slowly and gradually increase your hikes' intensity as your hound gets used to the terrain.
- Watch Out for Heat Stroke:
Hot days can be especially dangerous for pets, so try to avoid going out at midday when temperatures are at their peak and provide plenty of water stops along the way
Amazing Hound Hiking Locations
Finally, if you're looking for some great places to take your hound hiking in the US, here are 5 amazing locations that are sure to be a hit:
- Grand Canyon National Park – Arizona
- Rocky Mountain National Park – Colorado
- Appalachian Trail – Georgia/North Carolina
- Glacier National Park – Montana
- Acadia National Park – Maine
No matter where you decide to hike with your hound, with some preparation and the right dog accessories, it's sure to be an epic adventure!
