Dog-friendly hiking
10 Tips Every Dog Owner Should Know Before Hiking
Going on trips and hikes with your dog is a great way to enjoy nature, strengthen your bond, and do something healthy for both yourself and your four-legged partner. But to make sure everyone enjoys it—including other hikers, wildlife, and the dog itself—it's important to follow a few basic rules.
Here are 10 tips to help you out:
🐶 1) Not every dog is a natural-born hiker
Every dog is different—it depends on age, breed, and fitness level. Some breeds, whether small like a Chihuahua or more athletic like a Border Collie, are often much more resilient and enduring than they might seem and can handle longer trails. On the other hand, a Pug or an older dog might have limited capabilities. Therefore, it's always good to start with shorter routes and observe how your dog handles the effort so they enjoy the hike and stay safe.
💧 2) Water is essential
A dog can't tell you they're thirsty. Always bring plenty of water and a bowl. In the summer, plan your hikes for the morning or evening to avoid overheating.
🍖 3) Don't forget the snacks
For longer expeditions, a handful of kibble or a few treats come in handy. Dogs need to replenish their energy too. But be careful—don't feed them a large meal right before intense exercise.
🦮 4) Safety first – leash, chip, and contact info
In nature, on trails, and in protected areas, one rule applies: the leash. Not every person or other dog appreciates an unexpected "greeting."
Additionally, your dog should have up-to-date vaccinations (especially rabies), a microchip, and ideally a tag with your phone number—such as a collar tag or a QR code. If they get lost or an accident happens, this makes finding a solution much easier.
❗Remember: "My dog is friendly, he won't do anything!" is not an excuse. You don't know if the other dog is aggressive, or if a person has a phobia or allergy. That's why keeping your dog on a leash protects everyone, including your pet.
💩 5) Poop bags – even in the forest
Yes, even there. Hiking trails are not a dog's toilet. Always carry bags with you and take the waste to a trash bin.
🐾 7) Watch those paws
Hot asphalt, sharp rocks, winter salt—all of these can cause pain. Paw balm or dog boots for extreme conditions can help.
💊 8) A first-aid kit comes in handy
Tweezers, bandages, disinfectant, and the number for an emergency vet. They don't take up much space but can make or break a trip.
😴 9) Monitor overheating and fatigue
Slowing down, heavy panting, frequent stopping—these are signals for a break. Dogs don't push themselves "for performance" like we sometimes do. If they can't go on, they won't.
🌲 10) Dogs aren't allowed everywhere
In National Parks (NP) and nature reserves, special rules apply—sometimes dogs are only allowed on a leash, sometimes not at all. Always check in advance.
🐕🦺 Hiking with a dog can be the best experience—if you know how to do it. Think about their safety, respect your surroundings, and adapt the route for both of you. Then you'll bring back more than just mileage from nature; you'll bring back joy and memories. ♥️
