The Best Hiking Gear for Dogs
Spending time outdoors, hiking, or camping with your dog is a great way to help them stay active and healthy. It’s important to ensure safety when taking your pup on adventures—like making sure they are up to date on their vaccinations and on heartworm, flea, and tick prevention. But it’s also important to have the correct hiking gear to keep them safe while out on the trails together.
What To Pack When Hiking With a Dog
As you prepare for your explorations, consider the following as you pack and plan what your hiking companion may need:
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What is the weather going to be like where you will be hiking?
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If it’s a warm, hot day and your pet isn’t accustomed to outdoor activity, they could easily become overheated.
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If you plan to be in a colder area, check out what the terrain will be and whether it will be rough on their paws.
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How far will you be hiking with your dog?
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Your pal will easily grow hungry on the trails and will likely need more water than usua. Be sure to bring plenty, along with a travel water bowl and some of their favorite treats.
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What activities do you plan to do on the hike?
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Will you be doing any swimming or climbing around logs and rocks? Consider if they will need a life vest for water adventures.
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Best Hiking Leashes for Dogs
Look for a leash that is comfortable for you to hold and provides enough room for your pup to explore without getting too far from you.
Chai's Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure Padded 3M Polyester Reflective Dog Leash
This leash provides just enough length to let your dog sniff and take in the smells, but keeps them close enough that you can quickly intervene if they get into trouble.
Shed Defender Shock Absorbing Bungee Three Padded Handles Reflective Dog Leash
This leash is a great option because it’s reflective and provides a few handles, so you can select how much freedom your dog can have (adjustable between 4 to 7 feet of leash length).
Tuff Mutt Rope Dog Leash
If your pal gets excited on hikes and is known for pulling, or you anticipate some explorations through rain or water, this leash provides comfort when managing tougher terrain.
Best Hiking Collars for Dogs
It’s important that your pup has a collar that provides visibility in darker areas and one that won’t easily fall off. Before any trip, make sure your pup’s ID contact information and tags are up to date in the event you become separated on your hike.
GoTags Nylon Personalized Reflective Dog Collar
This collar is reflective, allows for personalization, is waterproof, and features a buckle latch for ease of use.
GoTags Waterproof Personalized Reflective Dog Collar
If you prefer a traditional metal buckle, this collar can still be personalized, is waterproof, and is reflective for any night walking.
Best Hiking Harnesses for Dogs
Harnesses allow for comfortable, safe control of your pet while they are walking on a leash, especially on longer walks during a hike.
PetSafe Deluxe Easy Walk Nylon Reflective Dog Harness
This harness is great for small dogs and big dogs alike. It’s designed to discourage pulling and is reflective to help increase visibility of your pup.
Chai's Choice Premium Outdoor Adventure Reflective Dog Harness
If you anticipate needing assistance to help your best pal over some obstacles or in and out of your car, this harness is padded, reflective, waterproof, designed to discourage pulling, and features a handle that allows you to help them up and over.
Best Hiking Vests for Dogs
Hiking vests come in handy if you will be in areas where it may be difficult to see your dog (like in rainy or foggy conditions).
SafetyPUP XD Reflective Dog Vest
This water-resistant, high-visibility reflective vest is a great option if you want to keep your pet dry in wet conditions and to make sure that you and others can easily identify him.
Frisco Ripstop Dog Life Jacket
If your dog will be doing any swimming on their adventures, a lifejacket is a must to keep them safe. This life jacket is easy to put on and stays on, and it also has two easy-to-grip handles in the event you need to lift your pup out of the water.
Best Night Lights for Dogs
If you plan to hike in the dark, a night light is a great way to make your pet visible to you and others on the trail.
Nite Ize SpotLit Rechargeable Dog Collar
This rechargeable light attaches to your dog’s collar and allows you to select the color, which can make identifying your pup easier.
Lightvise Universal Super Bright LED Clamp-On Flashlight
If you are hoping to shine a little more light on the path in front of your dog, this light attaches to their leash or collar and also ensures your pup is visible.
Best Hiking Supplies for Dogs
Depending on how long you hike or where you plan to travel, the following items could come in handy, depending on the adventure.
Best Travel Water Dish for Dogs
Be sure to pack water and a water dish for your pet to drink from—make sure they are familiar with the bowl prior to the day of your travels so they are used to it.
Best Travel Food and Treat Container for Dogs
Packing your pet’s food and favorite treats is important. Be sure to pack food and treats they are familiar with, and keep them safely stored in a travel-friendly container:
Best Sun Gear for Dogs
Dogs can be sensitive to sunlight, so it’s important to protect their eyes and skin in areas where the UV index is high.
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Best Sunglasses for Dogs: Doggles Originalz Dog Goggles
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Best Sunscreen for Dogs: Epi-Pet Sun Protector Skin Treatment Spray
Best Booties for Dogs
Rough terrain can quickly aggravate and injure sensitive paw pads. Getting your pet accustomed to booties before setting out on the trail is a great way to help protect their feet.
Best GPS for Dogs
If you will be hiking in an area that you and your dog are not familiar with and there is any chance they may get separated from you, a GPS tracker may help quickly reunite you.
Best First Aid Kit for Dogs
Packing a first aid kit can help with minor injuries and issues that may arise on your hike. This kit also includes resources on how to treat common emergencies that may occur while outdoors.
Best Travel Bed for Dogs
Packing a blanket or bed for your dog to lie down and rest on your hike may help encourage them to take it easy when you are ready for a break. This bed is easy to roll up, pack away, and is waterproof.
Best Backpack Gear for Dogs
If you’ll be spending a long day or extended period of time on the trails, giving your dog the ability to carry some of their own supplies can help lighten your load and give them a sense of pride in the process. Both backpacks are easy for pups to carry, and allow enough room to pack their own snacks.
If you want to carry the load for your dog, this backpack comes with collapsible food and water bowls, food storage, and a feeding mat, and has room for a blanket and other essentials your dog may need on your travels.
As you prepare for your next outdoor adventure with your dog, make sure to check in with their veterinarian to confirm that they are in good health and there are no restrictions on their activity.
Featured Image: iStock/FiN85
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