At LOOP NOLA, we know that family hiking trips are a great way to bond. We’ve already written about ways to introduce your kid to hiking, but we know that lots of families want to bring their fur babies along as well. Once you’ve gotten your kiddo comfortable with hikes, here are some tips for bringing your doggo on the trail as well. Remember: before going on your first hike as a full family, update your hiker’s checklist to make sure you’ve got everything you need for the whole crew.  

Hiking is an amazing outdoor activity that allows you to enjoy the beauty of nature while getting a good workout. And if you're a dog owner, there's no reason why your furry friend can't join you on your hiking adventures! Hiking with your dog can be a great way to bond with them and provide them with much-needed exercise and stimulation. However, it's important to prepare properly and take certain precautions to ensure that both you and your dog have a safe and enjoyable time on the trail. Here are some tips for hiking with dogs.

8 Tips for hiking with dogs

Start Slowly

If your dog isn't used to hiking or other strenuous outdoor activities, it's important to start slowly and gradually build up their stamina. Just like humans, dogs need to train and build up their endurance over time. Start with short, easy hikes and gradually increase the length and difficulty of the hike. This will help your dog build up their strength and avoid injury.

Check the Trail Regulations

Before heading out on a hike with your dog, it's important to check the trail regulations to make sure that dogs are allowed. Some trails have specific rules and regulations when it comes to dogs, such as requiring them to be leashed at all times or only allowing dogs on certain sections of the trail. Some trails are entirely off limits to dogs. Make sure you're aware of any restrictions before you head out to avoid any issues.

Bring Plenty of Water

Just like humans, dogs need to stay hydrated while hiking. Make sure you bring plenty of water for your dog, especially if you're hiking in a hot or dry climate. You can bring a collapsible bowl or use a water bottle with a built-in bowl to make it easier for your dog to drink. It's also a good idea to take regular breaks to allow your dog to rest and drink water.

Pack Snacks

Hiking can be a strenuous activity for both you and your dog, so it's important to pack snacks to keep your energy levels up. You can bring treats for your dog as well as snacks for yourself. If you will be out for a long hike past their normal mealtime, bring some of their food along with you. Just make sure to pack them in airtight containers to avoid attracting wildlife.

Keep Your Dog on a Leash

Even if your dog is well-behaved and obedient, it's important to keep them on a leash while hiking. This will help prevent them from running off after wildlife or getting into dangerous situations. It's also a good idea to use a sturdy leash to give your dog some freedom to explore while still keeping them under control.

Clean Up After Your Dog

One of the most important principles of Leave No Trace is to leave the trail as you found it. This includes cleaning up after your dog. Make sure to bring poop bags and clean up after your dog to avoid leaving any waste on the trail. If you put the poop in a bag, you also need to take the bag out with you. It's also a good idea to bury the waste in a cat hole if you're in an area without trash cans.

Watch Out for Wildlife

While hiking, you may encounter wildlife. In Southeast Louisiana, this wildlife could include bigger creatures like coyotes or alligators, but it’s more likely to be smaller creatures like possums, raccoons, and squirrels. In either case, it's important to keep your dog under control and avoid letting them chase or approach any wildlife. This can be dangerous for both your dog and the wildlife. If you do encounter wildlife, make sure to give them plenty of space and back away slowly. If you are hiking out of state, check beforehand to see what the local wildlife is like.

Check Your Dog's Paws

Throughout your hike, it's important to check your dog's paws for any cuts, scratches, or debris. Just like getting blisters on human feet, it’s important to catch any minor paw injuries while they can still be easily treated. Hiking can be tough on your dog's paws, especially if the trail is rocky or has rough terrain. If you notice any cuts or scratches, clean them with antiseptic and cover them with a bandage or booties to protect them from further damage. If your dog’s paws start looking rough during the hike, go ahead and call it quits for the day and head back to the car. 

If you follow all of these steps before you go hiking with your dog, you’re likely to have a great time with your best friend along the trail. If you need some ideas for local hiking trails, check out the top 9 hiking trails near New Orleans.