Hiking With Your Dog: The Gear Worth Packing

Dogs cannot tell you they are thirsty until they are already struggling, and they will often keep going long past the point where they should rest. So the job on a hike is mostly yours: carry the water, read the signs, and turn around before your dog has to.

Water comes first

Dogs cool themselves mostly by panting, which uses a lot of water. On a warm day or a long trail, plan to offer water every 20 to 30 minutes, and more often in heat. Do not count on streams: water can carry parasites, and some trails have none.

For long hikes and big dogs, capacity matters more than weight. A stainless bottle with a fold-out bowl holds enough for a full morning.

For shorter trails or smaller dogs, a light bottle with a built-in bowl is easier to carry and lets you pour unused water back. Our portable dog water bottles guide compares five.

A harness built for long days

A walk around the block forgives a bad fit. Six hours on a trail does not. A harness that sits too close behind the front legs can rub the skin raw, and you often only notice at the end of the day. Look for padding at the chest, several adjustment points, and a back clip for relaxed walking plus a front clip for the moments your dog spots a squirrel.

If your dog pulls hard on the first stretch of every trail, a harness with rings on the chest and the back lets you use a double-ended leash for more control. See our no-pull dog harnesses guide for more options.

The small things people forget

• Poop bags, and a way to carry them out.
• An ID tag with your phone number, even if your dog is microchipped.
• A few high-value treats for recall, because trails are full of distractions.
• A small towel for muddy paws before the car.
• A basic first aid kit with tweezers for ticks and splinters.

Know when to stop

Heavy panting that does not settle, lagging behind, lying down in the shade or stumbling are signs to stop, offer water and rest. Short-nosed breeds, puppies and older dogs overheat faster. Hot rock and asphalt can burn paws: if the ground is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for your dog. Build distance slowly, and ask your vet before big hikes with a young or senior dog.

Questions people ask