Hiking with the Dog – Four Paws on a Discovery Journey

By Sarah Welsh
Published on 01/26/2024
Reviewed by Dr. Greg Patterson

How old should my dog be for hiking?

It’s logical that your dog should reach a certain age before going hiking. For a short hike, your dog should be at least nine months old. Longer distances are suitable for dogs starting from the twelfth month of life. This is simply because hiking also puts a strain on joints and bones. Consider how long your dog can keep up on a regular walk without getting out of breath or becoming exhausted. For older dogs, hiking needs careful consideration as well. They may lack the stamina or already have physical weaknesses that prevent longer hikes. Dogs struggling with back or hip problems should not necessarily go on a hiking trip.

Can I go hiking with small dogs?

Small dogs may sometimes appear more active than larger ones. However, this does not automatically mean they are suitable for hiking. Breeds like Chihuahuas, Westies, Bologneses, and similar ones are not ideal hiking companions. Their body size is not designed for covering longer distances. Also, certain breeds with short legs are not suited for hiking, such as Basset Hounds or Dachshunds. Pugs or Bulldogs are also not suitable for hiking due to their short noses, which inevitably lead to breathing problems. It won’t go well for long.

Which dogs are suitable for hiking?

Hiking with a dog is best done with a larger breed. A medium shoulder height of at least 40 centimeters is preferable for your dog to accompany you on hikes.

Suitable breeds include:

Herding dogs
Hunting dogs
Labrador Retriever
Huskies
Bernese Mountain Dog
Border Collie
Irish or English Setter
Flat Coated Retriever
Australian Shepherd

This list is just an example. It also depends on what you believe your dog can handle and their conditioning. For example, even Jack Russell Terriers may be suitable for hiking due to their high agility.

What requirements should your dog meet for a hike?

The fundamental requirement for a joint hike with your dog is a solid training foundation. Along with basics like sit, down, or heel, your dog should always be responsive and listen to you. This includes having well-developed social behavior and a low hunting instinct. Keep in mind that you might not want to keep your dog on a leash all the time during a hike. They should be able to absorb the surroundings in their own way.

It’s essential that you keep an eye on your dog and that they respond to your commands at all times. Remember that, in case of an international trip, your dog should have a pet passport and a valid rabies vaccination. This vaccination should be entered at least 30 days and a maximum of 12 months before a potential stay abroad.

The Right Gear for Hiking with Your Dog

A hike is not comparable to a longer dog walk. While a dog walk might cover two to three kilometers, a hike can involve stages of ten to twenty kilometers. This, of course, depends on your dog’s fitness level. For such a long distance, which needs to be trained, you need various items – regardless of your own provisions:

A padded harness for your dog
Various dog leashes that you can use depending on local conditions
A foldable food and water bowl
Sufficiently packed dry dog food
Water supply (reusable PET bottles with still water)
First aid materials and a dog emergency kit
Poop bags
A dog blanket for breaks

What should be in the dog first aid kit for the journey?

A basic set is sufficient to be well-prepared for small incidents on the way. This includes:

Tick tweezers and tweezers to remove parasites or splinters
Flashlight to examine your dog’s ears for small pests
A magnifying glass to better detect splinters
Flea comb and a brush
Disposable gloves
Disinfectant spray for small wounds and wound ointment
Anti-flea treatment
Udder balm or Vaseline for dog paws

Tip:

During a longer hike, small incidents can always occur, necessitating a visit to the vet. As a precaution, there’s dog health insurance. It covers veterinary costs – no matter which vet you choose to care for your dog. This also applies to hiking tours abroad.

Hiking with your dog – what about feeding on the go?

Before embarking on the planned hiking route with your dog, your furry friend should not gorge on food. If he has finished his morning meal, give him about an hour to digest. A full stomach does not march willingly. This is no different for dogs than it is for us humans. Dry dog food is generally more suitable for a hike than wet food. You can fill the dry food in the usual amounts and give it to your dog in the foldable bowl at the usual times on the way. The same rule applies: your dog needs a break now before moving on.

A bit of digestion must be allowed – use this time for recovery. You can also have a small snack during this time. After about an hour, continue. Wet food is only partially suitable because, after opening a can, you somehow have to keep it cooled for the remaining distance. Unless you’re carrying a cooler, that might be challenging.

There is also the option of using specialized dog food. This food is pressed and dried, making it significantly lighter due to water extraction. If there is an opportunity on the way to let it swell with warm water, it will double in volume. The additional advantage is that your dog will take in sufficient fluids. You save a considerable amount of weight – after all, the entire equipment for you and your dog has to fit into a backpack.

What Risks Can Occur During a Hike with Your Dog?

Covering a distance of ten to twenty kilometers may not seem problematic at first glance. However, there are risks that can turn your hike with your dog into a substantial problem.

Especially during mountain tours, your dog may run out of breath. If you find yourself having to partially carry your dog because he’s exhausted, you’ll quickly reach the limits of your physical endurance.
Pay attention to the terrain: Paths that are often rocky pose the risk of your dog injuring his paw. Be prepared with bandaging materials.
If you lack experience with mountain hiking, avoid trails that pass by slopes. Hikes typically involve unknown paths – they shouldn’t become a challenge for you either. Otherwise, it becomes stressful.
On less frequented trails, don’t rely solely on technical aids like the GPS on your smartphone. A technical failure automatically means a lack of orientation. The good old folding map provides an additional layer of security – if it’s up-to-date.

Important Note: Dealing with Cattle Herds or Other Hoofed Animals

In 2014, a tourist in Austria lost her life during a hike. She was surrounded by a herd of cows, which felt threatened. While the dog managed to break free, the tourist did not. She passed away on the spot.

The presence of the dog, even if it behaved inconspicuously, made the cows uneasy. Most animals have a protected period, especially in spring. They don’t feel particularly threatened in their habitat. Therefore, certain rules should be observed when hiking with your dog. Cows, deer, sheep, goats, or horses graze in the meadows of mountainous regions. Unlike flatland areas, these regions are not always fenced. The animals there can move freely, either fleeing or attacking in case of danger. If you encounter hoofed animals on your way, leash your dog and proceed quickly. Especially mother animals sense a threat to their young and can react aggressively.

Summer means a lot of heat – what should you be aware of?

Many people use the summer season for vacation. When going on a hiking trip with your dog, there are several things to consider to ensure the summer vacation doesn’t become a hardship for your dog. Start the hikes early in the morning. This way, the sun’s intensity is lower, and the ground your dog walks on with his paws is still reasonably cool. Not every route follows forest paths or hiking trails. Sometimes a section of the hiking route is also paved. Test the ground temperature with the back of your hand. If the ground is too hot, it’s not suitable for your dog.

Use the midday hours for extended breaks. Either find a shady spot or stop somewhere that welcomes dogs. This can be well-coordinated during the pre-planning stage. A lunch break in the shade has the added advantage that your dog can peacefully consume a portion of his food without immediately hitting the trail again. Take the time to relax a bit. Your dog can rest on his blanket.

If the temperatures are already rising to 86°F (30 degrees Celsius) in the early morning, you should definitely avoid overloading your dog. Heatstroke is a potential danger. In this case, the hike is definitively over. If you still want to reach your destination, such as a guesthouse or hotel, it’s better to use public transportation. Perhaps you can take a walk with your dog at your destination after the heat has subsided.

Preparation for a Hike with Your Four-Legged Friend

Hiking with your dog doesn’t mean randomly picking a destination and setting off. It requires a certain level of preparation. The first step is finding suitable hiking routes. This depends on both your fitness level and the fitness level of your dog. After all, there is a significant difference between hiking in flatland and hiking in the mountains. Check in advance which accommodations are suitable. Your dog should be welcome there. This aspect deserves a lot of attention, especially if you’re planning a multi-stage hike with your dog and need to visit multiple accommodations.

It’s advisable to start your preparation for such a vacation by going on local hikes with your dog. This allows him to get used to longer distances in familiar surroundings, and for you, this type of training only involves some time commitment. As a precaution, involve your veterinarian in the process. A health check won’t hurt before you start training your dog.