Do you want to go hiking with your dog? What should you bring? Make sure that you bring the 10 essentials!
Table of Contents
The 10 Essentials you should bring for hiking with your dog!
2. Harness
In addition to a leash, it is also wise to buy a harness instead of a collar. It can happen that your dog pulls a lot, which is very bad for his/her neck. A harness often also has a handle which makes it easy to grab your dog or help your dog to get out of water. These are our favorites:
Rabbitgoo Dog Harness
OneTigris Dog BackPack
BarkBrite Multi-Purpose Backpack
3. Water
Make sure to bring enough water for yourself but alsof or your dog. For a hike of 2 hours I suggest to bring at least 1 liter of water (especially when the temperature is high) or make sure you can refill your water bottle in time. There are water bottles with a bowl attached so you don’t have to bring a separate bowl. These are perfect for a hike:
MalsiPree Do
g Water Bottle
4. Hiking Treats
Don’t forget to bring treats or food. Especially if you go on a long hike. dogs also need fuel. A small candy also does wonders for listening to you. These high energy treats are perfect for active dogs or when you go for a long hike:
Merrick Power Bites
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Trail Treats
Like the Merrick treats, these Blue Buffalo treats are grain free, but made with real beef instead of salmon. Many dogs today are allergic to chicken protein. A treat with real beef can therefore be a good solution, just like the salmon. Now all you have to do is let your dog taste what he / she likes best.
Check out Amazon for more information!
5. Paw Protector
Your dog’s paws can handle a lot, but can be damaged and hurt by extreme cold or heat. Of course you could buy paw boots, but most dogs will not like this. There are paw creams based on beeswax that can offer a lot of protection. This is our favorite and I really recommend to try it when you go hiking in the summer. Asphalt can quickly become very hot.
Musher’s Secret Dog Paw Wax
This paw wax isn’t really a secret anymore, but it works well. If your dog is not a fan of boots on his paws (like any other dog), this wax is a very good replacement solution for extreme heat or cold.
6. Car Seat Cover
If you don’t have to drive your dog somewhere first, you can ignore this step. for those who do have to drive somewhere first… Buy a car seat cover before your car interior is ruined. This is especially true if your dog likes to swim or roll through mud or if it is simply going to rain. Take a look at this one:
Dog Back Seat Cover
This car seat cover is of course water- and dirtresistant. the car seat cover protects the entire seat and ensures that your dog does not jump on your lap. The cover can also be used for the trunk. After this you will no longer suffer from hair and mud feet in your car.
7. Dog Car Restraint
Again skip this step if you don’t go by car, but if you do, it is wise to take a look at this. In some countries it is already mandatory that your dog is tied up when he drives with you in the car. If it is not mandatory, it is still very smart to use it. These can be attached either by the belt fastener or by a loop through the headrest.
Kurgo Direct to Seatbelt Tether
8. Identification Tag
Earlier I mentioned that I personally think it’s wise to keep your dog on a leash at all times while hiking. An identification tag is also a good idea, should your dog run away regardless.
GoTags Pet ID
We all know the standard tag indicates: what the name of the dog is, your phone number and possibly your address. This is a good, cheaper option!
Take a look at Amazon for this tag.
AnimalRescue.com Q-Tag
The Q-tag with a QR code gives you the possibility to give much more information about your dog. The App gives you the location whenever the tag is scaned. This tag doesn’t just look more fashionable, it has a really nice advantage!
Tractive LTE GPS Dog Tracker
You can also go a step further and buy a gps tracker instead of a tag. These are of course a bit more expensive than most tags, but give you the location of your dog! Also a nice feature for the active dog: The tracker measures the activity of your dog so you know exactly how he/she has performed!
This cool tracker has even more functions, so check out Amazon for more information!
9. Plastic bags
Make sure you bring plastic bags for the places where it is mandatory to clean up dog poop. Even in certain nature reserves this is mandatory (it’s also just nice for other people walking there). Use a dispenser like this one to make it even easier.
Simpletome Dog Waste Bag Dispenser
10. Canin first aid kit
I don’t have to tell anyone why it is wise to bring a first aid kit. The only difference in a first aid kit for dogs is that it also has pliers to remove ticks or a muzzle. This differs per kit. These two are ideal for hiking or backpacking:
AKC Pet First Aid Kit
Adventure Medical Kits Adventure Dog Series
I hope I’ve helped you a lot with this checklist and let me know what else you always take with you when you go out with your dog!
I really like the Rabitgoo Harness, thanks for the tips!
That’s super nice to hear, thanks for the nice comment!