Whether this is your first trip or one of dozens, keeping your dog happy and healthy on the trail can be a logistical challenge. Check out the tips below for all you need to know about backpacking with your dog.
Upgrade your leash Most parks require your dog to be on a leash at all times. However, your daily leash may not cut it. Instead, you will need to purchase a harness and a durable leash. While walking your dog a few miles with a collar is no big deal, you don't want to be pulling on their neck all day. To avoid injury and discomfort, a harness is a must. Many leashes are not designed for hiking and outdoor trails. In these cases, you will need to purchase a heavy duty leash that can better withstand these elements. We suggest it's a good idea to bring a spare just in case.
2. Pre-Departure Training To be honest, only well-trained dogs should be taken on backpacking trips. Otherwise, your dog may be a bit difficult to handle, which can lead to stress or even accidents. If your dog is not well trained, then keeping them safe can be challenging. Therefore, be sure to train your dog on basic commands before you hit the road. Ideally, your dog should have a reliable recall, which helps ensure that your dog will come back when you get off the leash. However, this command can be complicated for all dogs, so it can be skipped. That said, walking on a leash properly is a skill you can't skip. After all, you don't want your dog dragging you around.
3. Check the rules before you leave While many parks allow dogs, others do not. Some only allow dogs in certain areas. Therefore, you need to check carefully to make sure dogs are welcome at the park you plan to visit. Otherwise, you may end up accidentally breaking these rules - or showing up only to be turned away. Often, rules regarding dogs can be found on the park's website. However, you can always call and ask.
4. Exercise If your dog has not hiked regularly before, backpacking trails may be too hard for them. Like people, dogs need to build up their endurance to handle longer hikes. Therefore, it is vital that they are trained before the trip. Again, you don't want to expose your dog to the wilderness for the first time on your trip. Better yet, hiking in the wilderness should be a cliché for your dog when you take them backpacking. Otherwise, they may be a bit overwhelmed and unable to complete the trip.
5. Don't forget first aid When you go backpacking, you may remember to bring first aid supplies for yourself. However, you should also bring a first aid kit for your dog. Otherwise, you may find yourself out of luck when your dog is injured. We recommend that you have a variety of items in your first aid kit, including gauze, bandages, tape, cotton balls, hydrogen peroxide, and antibiotic spray. These should cover most minor injuries. Of course, serious injuries will require a trip to the vet. You should always keep this first aid kit with your dog.
- Take your time. Even experienced dogs can get into trouble on the trail. Be sure to take your time and listen to your dog; if they are panting much more than usual, then it may be time to stop and take a break. Remember, dogs don't sweat, so the only sign you have that they're tired is their breathing. If it's hot outside or the hike is challenging, you may need to take more breaks. Heat stroke can occur if you don't have enough water and hiking breaks, so this can be a tricky situation.
- Provide plenty of water Although dogs don't sweat, they still need plenty of water to stay happy and hydrated. You should make sure you bring your dog's bottle and a bowl for them to drink from. They make collapsible bowls, which are very useful when you have limited space. You must also consider a bottle that is designed to allow your dog to drink directly from it. Either way, be sure to offer water regularly. After all, your dog can't exactly ask for it. Therefore, the only way to know if they want it is to offer it.
8. Pack light, but nicely Packing for backpacking can be a bit complicated. On the one hand, you want to pack light and not have to carry too much stuff. But, on the other hand, you don't want to forget anything essential. After all, you can't leave everything at home. When you bring a dog along, it automatically means you'll bring more stuff with you. As you might imagine, it also means a heavier load for you - unless you use a puppy backpack to let them carry some of their stuff. Either way, think carefully about what items you want to bring, as you don't want to carry unnecessary items. You will need dog food, a first aid kit and collapsible bowls. If you are out during hunting season, be sure to bring reflective clothing. However, you can probably leave most of your dog's stuff at home.
Conclusion
Taking your dog on a backpacking trip can be stressful if you don't plan accordingly. It's important to check the area before you go to make sure your dog can legally be there, no matter what. You will also need to consider what to pack for your dog. While some items are necessary and others are not, there are a few things that fall in the middle.