Dogs make for awesome trail buddies, they love adventuring, and getting out on the trail together can be a great way to strengthen your bond while also keeping them (and yourself) active and healthy.

To make the most of your time out on the trail, we’ve put together some pointers to prepare your furry-friend for a day out exploring while also keeping them comfortable and safe.

1. Ensure Your Dog has Basic Training and a Suitable Level of Fitness

Before embarking on a journey with your pup, make sure you set realistic expectations of what your dog will be able to do and what training might be required beforehand. For example, taking a puppy on a long or tricky hike, or a dog that won’t listen to commands on a highly frequented trail may not be the best idea.

Also, think about your dog’s fitness level and choose a trail to start with that wont be too difficult for them, you can always start small and work up to longer or steeper hikes from there. This also allows time for their paws to get used to walking on uneven and potentially rough terrain too.

Teaching your dog basic commands such as come, sit and stay beforehand is important for when you’re out adventuring on the trail as not only will it make things easier on popular tracks, but it also helps protect your pooch if they were to run into a large animal, snake or if they’re heading towards a cliff edge as you know they will respond to your command to steer clear. It’s also a good idea for them to be leash-trained as they may need to be on a leash for certain trails (or in particular areas of a trail).

2. Check That Your Dog’s Tags and Vaccines are up to Date

In the event that you and your dog get separated on the trail, you will want to know that your dog is licenced and their tags have your current contact information.

In addition to this, you should make sure your dogs general vaccinations are up to date and it may also be worth asking your vet if any specific vaccines are required depending on where you’re planning on hiking. For example, you may not need to worry about the water your dog drinks in and around your home, however this may be a concern when your dog is drinking out of a potentially contaminated lake or pond.

3. Get Familiar with the Trail Regulations

Part of choosing a hike should include checking whether or not dogs are allowed on the trail and if they have to be on a leash or not. For example, majority of the National Parks in the US do not allow dogs on the trail (even on a leash), as well as a number of National Forests and state and local parks.

4. Leave no Trace

Part of being a responsible pet owner on the trail includes picking up after your dog. There are two options while out on trail, you can pick up poop and pack it out with you. Or bury dog waste in a hole that’s at least 6” deep and a minimum or 200 feet away from any trails, camping sites or water source.

5. Dog Hiking Gear

• Dog leash: It’s important to bring a leash with you even when you’re on a trail where off-leash walking is permitted. You may come across an aggressive dog or another hiker that is afraid of dogs

• A dog bowl: Any small and lightweight bowl or dish will work, you can also find collapsible ones to save extra space

• Dog harness/pack: Choosing a harness with a top handle is a great feature as you’ll be able to easily grab your dog during close encounters or river crossings. Fitting the harness with bags on each side also allows your dog to carry their own food and water. When purchasing a harness ensure it is the correct size and comfortable for your dog. Then prior to your first hike, let them wear it around the house slowly adding a little bit of weight to get them used to it before you hit the trail.

• Booties: Depending on the terrain, the trail can be harsh on your dogs paws, with pad injuries being a common for dogs that are outdoors a lot. If the trail is rocky, sharp, or snowy, dog booties are a great option to protect their paws (be sure to pack a few extras though, as they’re likely to lose one or two along the way!)

• Dog towel: This is a good idea if you’re camping so that you can dry or wipe off your dogs feet before they get into the tent

• Safety light: On overnight hikes this is a great accessory to keep track of your dog when taking night-time potty breaks

6. Food and Water on the Trail

The physical demand of hiking means your dog will need more food and water than they would normally. Be sure to keep an eye on your furry-friend especially on hotter days to make sure they are well hydrated.

A good tip to keep in mind is that if you’re hungry, thirsty and tired then it’s likely that your dog is too so remember to have plenty of breaks, take a drink, and have a snack together.

7. Potential Hazards on the Trail

There are a number of hazards you and your pooch may come across along the trail, so it’s important to be careful and monitor your dog for:

• Over exertion: Check in often to see how your dogs heart rate and breathing is, if their panting seems to be excessive or they’re slowing down, you may need to take breaks more often or make your days hiking shorter

• Wildlife: While out on the trail be mindful of snakes, burrowing rodents, porcupines, and other larger animals. It’s a good idea to get your dog vaccinated for rabies prior to heading out on the trail in case they get bitten or scratched. If you’ll be hiking in an area known for rattle snakes it can be a good idea to do rattlesnake avoidance training beforehand so that your dog knows how to react if you do come across one

• Stings and bites: Mosquito bites, bee stings and ticks can be a common occurrence along the trail. Most often bee stings aren’t an issue (unless your dog is allergic), however diseases transmitted by ticks can be highly dangerous. Carrying a natural insect repellent that is specific to dogs can be a great idea if you will be hiking in an area known for ticks. When you get home do a thorough check for ticks and if you find any be sure to use a specific tick removal tool to ensure you get the whole tick out (often the head will remain buried under the skin when using tweezers).

• Wild plants: Try to stop your dog from chewing on any plants while out on the trail as these can often cause digestive upset. Also look out for stinging nettle, ivy, poison oak and sumac. In particular, areas with Foxtails should be avoided as these barbed seedpods can catch on fur, in between toes as well as around the eyes and ears. If any get caught be sure to remove these as soon as possible with tweezers.

• Safety around water: Be careful around water especially if your dog is not a great swimmer and always carry your dog across stream and river crossings (even if they are confident swimmers). It’s also a good idea to towel them off well afterward to make sure their wet fur doesn’t cause a chill.

• Temperature: When planning a hike think about what may or may not be suitable for your dog, for example smaller dogs with short hair may not be able to withstand cold temperatures like larger long haired dogs might. Some people opt for a doggy coat or jacket to keep their pup comfortable on cold snowy days. In hot temperatures remember to take regular breaks in shady areas and keep your dog well hydrated. Also, beware of hot surfaces and look out for signs of heat exhaustion.

Getting out and exploring in nature with your furry-friend is an excellent way to disconnect and unwind while staying active and healthy, and with a bit of planning will be a safe and enjoyable experience for all!