Essential Hiking Gear for Dogs: Top Picks for Adventure-Ready Pets
Hiking with your dog is an adventure like no other! It’s excellent exercise, fantastic for mental health and a wonderful way to bond with your canine companion. Whether going for a short nature walk or up for a more challenging hike, a well-packed dog kit can make your hike safe, comfortable, and fun for you and your furry friend.
Wilsons Pet Food and Wildbarc have teamed up to highlight all you need to know and pack to ensure pawsome hiking adventures. We'll be going over the essential gear to take on a hike, focusing on what you need for shorter, easier walks and what to pack for longer, tougher trails with your four-legged besties.
What to Bring When Hiking With Dogs
Strong Dog Lead
Even if your dog is trained to behave well off-lead, a strong lead that doesn’t tangle easily is a must for safety on the trail. It’s important to respect other hikers and ensure your pup does not scare livestock or other animals and their habitats. Consider a hands-free lead for longer hikes to maintain control when needed while allowing you a little more freedom.
Water and Portable Bowl
Hydration on a long walk is key, not just for you but for your dog as well. Take a bottle and bowl rather than relying on rivers and streams for your dog’s water intake. Heat exhaustion is a killer for dogs so make sure if it's a sunny day, to hydrate in the shade, take lots of breaks and ensure you have enough water to fuel yourself and your pup for the duration of the walk.
A lightweight travel bowl, ideally collapsible, offers a convenient option for providing water whilst out on a short country walk or a longer adventure in the hills.
Natural Nutrition
Like humans, our dogs need a good feed before a hike to ensure they have ample energy. Feeding a few hours before a hike provides enough time for food to settle. Feeding your dog a nutritionally balanced diet packed with quality ingredients, vitamins, minerals and no nasties, such as Wilsons natural pet food, will keep your dog in optimum health.
Wilsons’ award-winning cold pressed is ideal for hikes due to its nutritional value and convenience. It is easy to store and carry and simple to feed on the go. Packed with goodness and free from junk or fillers it’s also gentle on sensitive tummies. There’s a variety of recipes suitable for various allergies; chicken free, grain free, wheat free, and pea free. For shorter hikes, your dog may only need a light snack, either a small amount of cold pressed or treats along the way.
Hands-Free Treat Pouches for Dogs
A hands-free dog treat pouch for both short walks and long hikes makes it easy to reward your dog on the move. Whether you're walking in the park or on a more challenging trail, having treats close by encourages good behaviour, and helps with training as well as manages distractions, especially in areas with free-roaming animals. To feel confident with reliable recall, you should use high-value rewards, something your dog will struggle to resist! Wilsons tasty treats are great for this. Choose from Porky Bites, Duck Bites, & Goat Bites, all high in protein and hard to resist! Treats like Beef Liver are great for engagement, encouraging them to sit and chew whilst also providing protein. The treats are 100% meat and free from junk or fillers.
Dog First Aid Kits for Hiking
Just like you would pack a first aid kit for yourself, you should have one for your dog or consider combining both to save space in your rucksack.
Cuts, scrapes, and minor injuries can happen, so it’s best to be ready. Essential items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, tick removal tools, eye wash, and bite relief, amongst other basic items, should always feature in your kit and always include any additional meds your dog may need. Plus keep a number for your dog’s vet stored in your phone or written within the first aid kit.
Dog Jacket or Sweater
For longer hikes, especially if you’re hiking in colder weather or at high altitudes, a jacket or sweater can help keep your dog warm and dry. Smaller dogs, older dogs, and short-haired breeds are especially sensitive to the cold. Pick a lightweight, water-resistant jacket that allows movement. Make sure it’s easy to put on and take off and won’t overheat your dog on warmer parts of the trail.
Dog Backpacks
A comfy, well-fitted dog backpack with adjustable straps and breathable material is an excellent addition to longer hikes. Ensure it’s not too heavy for your dog to carry, the weight is balanced, and you train your dog to use it a few weeks before any big walk. Letting your dog help by carrying some of their gear, like water, food, and waste bags, lets you lighten your load.
If you’re also cool with carrying your dog’s kit, consider packing all your dog’s gear in a separate bag inside your rucksack so it’s easy to grab when needed.
Dog Hiking Safety Tips
Be Prepared for the Unexpected
No matter how long or short your hike is, it’s always wise to be over-prepared rather than underprepared.
Know the trail: Research the trail you plan to hike to understand its difficulty and any risks for you and your dog. It’s always worth letting someone know where you plan to explore to keep things safe. You can always share your location with tools such as Find My Phone on iPhone or as a tracker with a friend or family member.
Check the weather: Be ready for sudden weather changes, especially in the mountains or near water.
Monitor your dog’s condition: Watch for signs of tiredness, dehydration, or discomfort. Adjust your pace or take breaks to keep them healthy and happy. Just like you, take time to enjoy the walk and absorb the views.
Hiking with your dog is a wonderful experience but requires careful planning and the right gear. Whether you’re out for a quick walk or going on a day-long adventure, these essential items and tips should help ensure you and your pup are ready to hit the trail and create great memories together!
Have fun!
Find out more about Wildbarc and the fantastic range of dog and outdoor gear they stock.