14 Oct Hiking Safely with Your Dog: Tips from Mountain Dogs

At Mountain Dogs, we believe that adventures with your mountain dog should be fun, safe, and memorable! Hiking is a fantastic way to bond with your dog while enjoying the great outdoors, but it does come with its own set of challenges. Here’s your guide to hiking safely with dogs, packed with tips to keep both you and your pup happy on the trails.

Essential Supplies to Carry

Before you hit the trail, make sure you have all the necessary supplies to keep your dog comfortable and safe.

Here’s a checklist:

1. Water and Bowl: Hydration is key! Bring enough water for both you and your dog, plus a collapsible bowl. Your dog can carry their supplies in a hiking pack.

2. First Aid Kit: A basic first aid kit tailored for pets is essential. Include antiseptic wipes, gauze, adhesive tape, nail clippers, and any necessary medications.

3. Leash and Harness: A sturdy leash and a well-fitted harness provide better control, especially on steep or rocky trails. Walking off lead is no excuse to not carry a lead.  You may find yourself in a situation confronted with other unleashed dogs, wildlife, unsafe terrain, injuries, or bad weather. Make sure your lead is nearby at all times.

4. Dog Food and Snacks: Pack enough food for longer hikes, and consider high-energy treats for quick boosts along the way. Stella & Chewy’s freeze dries patties and snacks are the perfect lightweight, high protein foods your dog needs.

5. Poop Bags: Leave no trace—always clean up after your pup to keep trails pristine. Leaving bags on trails is not leave no trace. Pack it out, carry it out.

Tip: Put a ziploc bag in your pack (or your dogs) and put bags in the ziploc bag.  The bag will contain odors and it is easy for disposal in the nearest trash can.

6. Dog Booties: If the terrain is rough or hot, booties can protect your dog’s paws from injury.

What to Do in an Emergency

Even with the best preparation, emergencies can happen. Here’s how to handle them:

1. Stay Calm: Your dog will pick up on your emotions, so try to remain calm and focused. Put your dog on a lead immediately.

2. Assess the Situation: Check for visible injuries and try to identify what might have caused the problem.

3. Use Your First Aid Kit: If your dog has a minor injury, treat it using the supplies in your kit. Keep in mind that some injuries require professional care.

4. Seek Help: If the injury is severe or if your dog is unresponsive, get help immediately. Use your cell phone or head to the nearest ranger station.

When to Call for Search and Rescue 

Colorado Search and Rescue Association has wonderful resources to educate yourself on what essentials people need and when to call SAR.

If you find yourself in a situation where you and your dog are lost, here’s when to consider calling for help:

– You’ve Lost Visual Contact: If your dog has wandered off and you can’t see or hear them, it’s time to take action.

– Unfamiliar Terrain: If you’re in an area where you’re unsure how to navigate back, don’t hesitate to call for help.

– Injured or Unable to Move: If your dog is injured and cannot walk, prioritize getting them assistance.

Carrying Rescue Straps

In the event that your dog is injured but you can still help them, carrying rescue straps can make all the difference.

How to choose straps:

Durability: Choose sturdy straps designed to support your dog’s weight.

Ease of Use: Familiarize yourself with how to properly use the straps to lift and support your dog without causing further injury.

Practice: If you anticipate hiking in rough areas, practice lifting your dog with the straps at home to ensure you’re prepared. If you are unable to lift your dog to carry them out of the hike you have planned, reconsider bringing your mountain dog for their safety.

Checking for Nail Breaks and Splits

Here at Mountain Dogs many hikers come in with dogs who have injured paws.  Musher’s Secret and boots can help protect your dog’s delicate paw pads and nails.  After a long hike, it’s essential to check your dog’s paws.

Inspect Nails: Look for any breaks or splits, as these can lead to pain and infection.

Look for Cuts or Blisters: Check the pads of their feet for any cuts or blisters that may have formed.

Regular Trimming: Keep your dog’s nails trimmed to prevent them from catching on rough surfaces during hikes.

When Should Dogs Wear Boots?

Boots can be a great addition to your dog’s hiking gear, but they’re not always necessary. Consider using them in the following situations:

Hot Pavement: If the ground is too hot for your bare feet or hands, it is likely too hot for your mountain dog.
Rough Terrain: If you’re hiking on rocky or abrasive trails, boots can protect against cuts and scrapes.
Cold Weather: In icy conditions, boots can keep your dog’s paws warm and protected from snow and ice.

Hiking with your dog can be an incredible experience, but safety should always come first. By preparing properly and being aware of potential hazards, you can ensure that every adventure with your mountain dog is safe and full of adventure. At Mountain Dogs, we’re here to help you make the most of your time in nature.

If your dog is not ready for hiking or does not like to, consider bringing them to Mountain Dogs in Leadville, Colorado for a fun filled day of playing with friends with a great view of the Sawatch Mountain Range.

Happy hiking from the Mountain Dogs crew!