If you have a dog that likes to join you on hikes it is important to keep dog safety in mind to enjoy your time together. Bringing your pup along for a hike requires you to carry a few extra items but it is so worth it. Here are some items that I always take along for safety for hiking with dogs. Some of these suggestions will help keep your pup happy and full of energy while others I hope you won’t have to use but give me piece of mind to have with me. I have found that the more prepared I am, the more fun we can have on the trail.
Dog Safety:
Doggie First Aid Kit
My dogs and I go on hikes often and haven’t had any serious scares to dates. Having said that, I try to keep our pack prepared for worst case possibilities. You can buy doggie first aid kits that come pre-packaged and ready to go. Usually, I prefer to pick up my own items and just prefer to restock individual items as needed.
There are a few key items I would suggest having on you for dog safety on hikes. Make sure to carry gauze and self-adhesive wrap. In case one of my pups steps on something sharp or has a small bleed. This way, I am able to take care of it until we can get back home. I also carry tweezers for any small areas that my fingers can’t reach. If a small item is stuck I am able to get ahold of it efficiently.
Once, I took my dogs on a hike, when traveling, where we ran into a few sticker bushes not native in our area. Anyone that has a doodle dog will tell you that their hair is like Velcro! Arabella, my golden doodle, picked up so many prickly piece from the bushes that made her so uncomfortable. I glad to have those tweezers to dig those out of her fur, luckily she didn’t have any get under her feet, into her paw.
I’m a big fan of my head light and always keep it in my pack. Back to the time with the sticker bushes. I used the light to check Arabella’s paws and ears. So even in the daylight the light was a great help. You can also get little lights to hook on the outside of you pack.
Water bowl
When hiking with two dogs, I find that space is limited and I don’t like to carry more than what I see necessary. I’m sure you have seen the collapsible water bowls; well, I own at least 6 of them! I keep one in the van, in our big pack, the small cross body bag for short hikes and a few laying around in case needed. I like the bigger ones that easily clip on to my pack. You can also get a duel bowl for food and water.
My dogs and I have ended up on some trails that lack shade and taking several water breaks really helped keep them comfortable. When traveling around, I usually look at reviews of trails and check to make sure they are dog friendly. However, limited shade is not listed near as much as it should be.
My Samoyed, Tiberius, is a winter breed and with his coat he requires more water breaks than others to stay comfortable. With that in mind, having an easy to access bowl for mid walk breaks is a must have for us.
Water for Hydration and Dog Safety
On a recent trip out to the Oregon coast we took one of our favorite trails to date that switch backed down to a beach. We hiked all the way down through the trees for a good two miles. We were then rewarded with a beautiful beach all to ourselves. I bought two water bottles and my camel back full for me. We still ran out of water on our hike back up. Keep in mind that I do have two big dogs. I now pack a big water bottle in each side of my pack plus a third in the pack. Just to make sure we don’t run out of water. Proper hydration is a must have for dog safety
It is really easy to overlook but crucial for dog safety and comfort. I have made it a habit to fill up all of my water supplies when leaving a campsite even if it seems unnecessary. While packing extra water means a heavier pack it also give the dogs and I some freedom to explore with worry.
These are a few of my favorites:
Simple Modern Water Bottle
Hydro Flask Water Bottle
CamelBack Water Bottle
Dog Safety:
Paw Protection
On long camping trips in particular, I have noticed that Tiberius and Arabella’s paws get dry and a little cracked. I set out to find a brand of paw protection that was safe, easy and didn’t have an odd smell. We really like using Baileys Paw Shield. It is a waxy balm that in a tin can. I just pick up each paw and rub it across that wax a few different ways and their paws stay pretty and safe for days.
We have tried using boots and each time both dogs fight to get them off. Or they walk around kicking their feet until they have knocked them out of alignment.
I have found the paw shield balm to work the best for dog safety and comfort. Because of the ingredients, I don’t have to worry about them ingesting anything bad if they were to lick their paws. Having said that, I usually put the balm on while getting ready for some sort of adventure. After the hike they have usually forgotten about it already.
I love the results we get and the peace of mind knowing that their paws are protected.
Dog Safety:
Proper ID & Records
Call me a crazy dog mom but my two have 2 dog tags. Each tag has their name with my address and phone number. My dogs have a tag on their collar and one on the harness that we walk in. I also keep a spare in the campervan in case one falls off. Keeping proper ID and medical records is important for dog safety.
I keep a copy of their up to date shot records with me in my pack and a copy in the van. We go to a VCA clinic and I have always just asked them to email me their records when we go in for their yearly shots.
Luckily, thus far, we have not had to deal with any bad experiences with wildlife of other dogs getting into an altercation. However, the possibly is always there. Having up to date shot records on you will make it easier to sort through situations with a vet who is not familiar with your pet.
Dog Safety:
High Value Treats
All pups are different and have different taste but my two will do just about anything for a slice of cheese or a little piece of chicken. I usually cook some chicken before heading out on an adventure. If we were to run into a wild animal of interest, a family with little kids or a talkative dog along our route I am able to pull my dog’s attention back to me and keep their manners in check.
I also use chicken for training, since it really seems like their favorite treat. However, when we take off on a road trip I can’t always stop for fresh, raw chicken to cook. Tiberius and Arabella rarely, if ever, stay in the van by themselves. When we are on a road trip, we are a pack and that means we stick together. Because of that, I like to keep cheese sticks in my little refrigerator. I am able to cut the cheese stick into little pieces and I usually get the same effect as the chicken in pulling their attention back to me.
We do have few treats that we turn to and keep handy. I personally, like to keep the ingredients simple and first ingredient meat, peanut butter or cheese. Small or easily breakable treats are easier to carry and handing out in small pieces keeps the dogs from overeating snacks.
Check out these options that we really love:
Freeze Dried Chicken
Chicken Jerky Treats
Pup-Peroni’s
Earthborn Cheese Dog Treats
Rachael Ray Nutrish Real Meat Dog Treats
Dog Safety:
Snacks
When it comes to snacks, I like to take something for the dogs and myself. If we are going to be out for a long while, I usually pack something like a Cliff Bar. It seems only right to pack something for my canine hiking buddies too.
Zukes actually has a protein bar for pups. My two will eat the chicken or beef flavors. They are designed as a healthy snack during increased periods of exercise.
My two often get a dental stick to munch on. I have tried several brands but the pups and I agree on Whimzees. You can get their dental chew in different shapes and sizes. I like the hedgehog and alligator shapes because it takes Tiberius and Arabella longer to work though those. Oh and they are super cute.
We also like to take Soup Bones with us. You can also get these in sizes and flavors. These usually don’t take as long for Tiberius and Arabella to munch though but we like to mix it up, especially on back to back hiking days. We often even take a small bowl of their usual dog kibble.
They usually appreciate a different snack than their usual but on extra-long hikes having some kibble handy can be a good thing to have. I always make sure to give them a full water bowl so they can drink as needed and enjoy their little break. We typically take a break after we pass our half way mark. You know your dog best and will know when is best to stop for you.
Dog Safety:
Flea and Tick Preventive
There are several options for flea, tick and heart worm medication that should be discussed with your vet. Tiberius and Arabella take Interceptor and Heartguard + as recommended by our vet. One of their medications is given monthly and the other every 3 months.
I once took off on a camping trip and made it about 15 hours from home before realizing that I left the flea, tick and heart worm medicine behind. With the amount of hiking that we were planning on doing, they needed that protection on time. I was able to have my vet send the script over to a nearby clinic and pick up the medicine with records in hand.
Unfortunately, we have had a few run ins with ticks and they give me the heebie jeebies. I took Tiberius and Arabella to Brown County State Park in Indiana, completely up to date and covered on both flea and tick and heart worm medication.
When we got home I found a tick on Tiberius. Because I found one, I brushed him out looking for any others that had jumped on. After a bath and very detailed brush out, I found a total of 12 ticks. None of them were attached. Some were still working their way through his fur and others that must have already bit him and died. So rest assured that the flea and tick medicine was doing what is was supposed to do by killing the ticks that had bit him but I wanted better protection to keep them away all together.
Also check out: Tick Protection for Dogs who Love Adventure for more details on tick prevention.
Seresto Collar
I talked with my vet, as you should as well, and was told that I could add a Seresto collar to our preventative plan along with the oral medication that they are already on. Ther Seresto collars last 8 months and my two pups don’t go on hikes without them. Since adding the collars, the dogs haven’t had any issues with ticks.
Tick Ban
I also added Tick Ban to our hiking pack must haves. I usually spray all three of us before going out on a hike. When we are on camping trips Tiberius and Arabella usually share my bed and we are in close proximity to each other. So while I know that my dogs are protected if they are bit by a tick I now feel more confident that the ticks won’t jump from them onto me in the middle of the night.
Permetherin
Having said that, before big trips I like to spray Permethrin on my clothes. The spray stays doesn’t stain your clothes but stays active through several wash cycles. Permethrin is an extra layer of protection against little pesk like misquotes, ticks and chiggers.
Dog Safety:
Bear Bell(s)
Depending on the area that you are in, you might need to consider a bear bell I usually strap some onto my back pack if we are going into an area where bears or large cats in the area that we could encounter. We really love going into remote areas that are not paved or highly populated. Seeing wildlife while we are out on our hikes is one of my favorite aspects of hiking.
While it is unlikely that we would encounter a predator animal looking to attack. I’m not taking chances. The sound that the bear bells will make are designed to keep predators away be making them aware of your presence.
When taking your furry friend along for a hike, keep in mind that they are totally dependent on you for their safety and happiness. Having a game plan and needed items together will help you enjoy your hike and be prepared for any situation. Now pack your bags and have fun with you best fur-friend.
