6 Hiking Tips For You And Your Dog

With warm weather fast approaching, it’s finally time to go out and enjoy nature with your best pet companions! If you are looking to start hiking with your dog on the weekends or on vacation this summer, it’s very important to ensure that you’re prepared. Hiking can not only be a great form of exercise for you and your dog, but also a wonderful bonding experience. Make your relationship with your dog stronger by bringing them on hikes this summer.

It can be extremely beneficial to take preventative measures and plan your hiking trip to be fully accommodating for both you and your pup. Check out some of our hiking tips below so you can feel ready for your upcoming outdoor adventure with your dog.

Do your hiking trail research

Make sure to do your research before venturing out on a hike! There are apps you can download on your phone like All Trails that can locate hiking trails in your area. You can filter your search to see which trails are dog friendly as well as the length of the trail and the difficulty level. The length of a trail and difficulty level can be vital information, especially if you have a senior dog or a puppy. If your senior dog struggles with long walks or hikes, you may want to choose a shorter and easier trail to accommodate your dog’s needs.

Protect your pup from the summer heat! Knowing if the trail is mostly shaded or open to the sun is another useful detail to have. Try applying Pet Releaf's Skin and Paw Releaf Topical before and after a hike on your dog’s paws to help prevent any cracks or burns from the hot rocks on the trail.

Keep dog on leash

Most hiking trails state that your dog must be on a leash at all times. Not obeying this rule could lead to an unfortunate chat with a park ranger. Make sure to follow the rules for the park’s sake as well as for your dog’s safety. Other dogs, strangers, and noises in the wild may cause distractions and result in your dog wanting to run off. To ensure that your dog stays by your side, make sure to have your dog leashed for the entire duration of the hike. Also, be sure to have your dog’s ID tags and microchip information completely up to date in case your dog runs off, so another hiker can identify your dog and contact you by phone.

If your dog isn’t leash trained, you may want to consider dog leash training before going on your first big hike to make for a more pleasant outdoor experience.

Clean up after yourselves

If you’re planning a picnic with your pup off the trail, make sure to dispose of your trash in a nearby trashcan or bring a garbage bag along just in case. Plus, it’s important to clean up any waste that your dog may have left behind.

Fresh water with travel bowl

Stay hydrated with your pup! While you’re drinking out of your water bottle, make sure to bring along a canteen of water for your pup as well. Use a travel water bottle for an easy way to provide your dog with water on-the-go. All you have to do is squeeze the bottle and water will fill in the bowl for your dog to drink.

First aid kit

It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when you are miles deep into a hiking trail and need to help your dog with any discomfort or injury.

Create your own dog’s first aid kit with essentials like:

• Absorbent gauze pads
• Adhesive tape
• Ice pack
• Hydrogen Peroxide

To read a full list of potential items to add to your dog’s first aid kit, learn how to make your own dog first aid kit.

Support mobility

If you have an older dog or a puppy who experiences occasional joint discomfort after a long walk or hike, try administering CBD Hemp Oil for dogs before a hike to support your dog’s mobility and flexibility. Administer your dog’s recommended usage amount of our Hemp Oil about an hour before a hike.

If you’re looking for a specific CBD-infused Edibites flavor that can help with hip and joint health, check out Pet Releaf's Hip & Joint Chews that include beneficial ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin, and noni to help support a healthy inflammatory response. Our Edibites are a convenient CBD chew to bring along with you to supplement as needed throughout the hike.