11 Must-Have Items to Take on a Hike with Your Pup

Why do all the work yourself, right? Let your dog carry their own gear in a dog backpack. Working dogs (and strong dogs) will love this. Dogs can be trained to carry gear, but don’t put packs on dogs younger than a year old to avoid developmental problems and be sure to keep the bag light with things like treats, doggie bags, a portable charger, etc.

Hopefully you’ll never need it, but stash this pet first aid kit in your pack just in case. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends a checklist of items for your dog’s first aid kit and the Red Cross also offers classes in pet first aid. If you’re looking to cover the basics, this 50-piece set contains everything from sting-relief pads to tweezers to antiseptic to splint sticks, covering you for many common emergencies.

You should pack more food than your dog normally eats because they will be burning more calories than usual, and if you do end up having to spend an extra night out there, you need to keep your pup fed. Trail treats serve the same purpose for the dog as they do for you — quick energy and a pick-me-up during a strenuous day of hiking.

Don’t count on there being water along the trail for the dog. Figure what you’ll drink between water sources, and then add an extra liter. If you plan to rely on wilderness water sources, be sure to include some method of purification, whether a chemical additive, such as iodine, or a filtration device. Pack enough extra water to meet all your dog’s drinking needs and a collapsible water bowl.

Even if your pup is absolutely trained to voice command and stays at heel without a leash, sometimes they are required by law or just by common courtesy, so you should have a leash handy at all times. This harness has four points of adjustment, so you can ensure the perfect fit. Foam padding makes it comfortable and prevents chafing during your voyage.

Be aware that some animals, and some people, have strong negative reactions to certain insect repellents. So, before leaving home, dab a little repellent on a patch of your dog’s fur to test your dog’s reaction to it. Look for signs of drowsiness, lethargy, or nausea. Remember to restrict repellent applications to those places the dog can’t lick — the shoulders, the back of the neck, and around the ears (staying well clear of the ears and inner ears). These areas are also near the most logical places mosquitoes will be looking for exposed skin (at the eyes, nose, and inner ears) to bite. And don’t forget to check your dog’s entire body for ticks, foxtails, and other trail troublemakers after your hike.

Your dog should always wear ID tags, and since a dog lost in the woods can lose their collar, I’d heartily recommend microchipping them and using a GPS device with them as well. Carry a photo of your dog in your pack. If your dog gets lost far from home, you can use the image to make flyers to post in the surrounding communities.

Another must-have are dog booties. These help protect your dog’s feet from rough ground or harsh vegetation. They also keep bandages secure if your dog damages their pads.

You’ll need poop bags to clean up after your dog on popular trails. When conditions warrant, you can use the trowel to take care of your dog’s poop. Just pretend you are a cat — dig a small hole six to eight inches deep in the forest duff, deposit the dog waste, and fill in the hole.

Just because they’re covered in fur doesn’t mean dogs are immune to sunburn and skin cancer. Hairless and short-haired dogs could use some sunblock. But put away the Coppertone — this sun protector spray protects dogs from sunburn and skin inflammation without greasing up their coats. 

Just as you packed for your pup, pack enough food for yourself so that you’ll have some left over after an eventful trip — the extra food will keep you fed and fueled during an emergency.