The Ultimate Guide to Hiking With Your Dog
Exploring the beautiful British countryside is an exciting pastime. Whether you’re walking along one of the many coastal trails or visiting some of our stunning national parks, hiking opportunities are plentiful in the UK. If you’ve got a furry friend, hiking with dogs can make the experience all the more special.
Before enjoying dog hiking, however, it’s important to ensure you’re prepared with all the right gear and safety information. In this blog, we’ll cover everything from handy tips to essential items to make your journey stress-free for both you and your pup.
Need reliable gear for your next outing? Discover our premium collection of dog walking clothes and accessories at Philip Morris.
Why Hike With Your Dog?
For many people, hiking is more than just a form of exercise. Hiking is a brilliant outdoor activity that supports your mental health, helps to reduce stress and gives you a much-needed break. For many dog owners, spending time with their dog can have the same effects, so it makes sense to combine the two.
Hiking with your dog will get both you and your furry friend out in the open and exercising. Dogs can also experience adverse mental health, and exploring new and open environments can help bring new enrichment and excitement. If you’ve got an active dog breed, hiking can be a brilliant way to keep your dog mentally and physically stimulated.
Not only are there health benefits for both you and your pup, but long expeditions on hiking trails can prove a valuable bonding experience and an adventure made better with company.
Is Your Dog Able to Go Hiking?
Before you make the decision to bring your dog along on a hike, you need to carefully consider whether this is possible. Not every dog is suitable for hiking, and some dogs may need an adjustment period before committing to long distances.
Dog Breed
Factors like breed, age and health all play an important role in assessing if your dog is fit for hiking. Classic working breeds like Labradors and Border Collies, or dogs accustomed to outdoor climates like Huskies, will usually love long walks. These dog breeds can also handle the additional physical and mental stimulation that comes with hiking.
Puppies and Small Dogs
Smaller dogs, puppies or breeds with known respiratory issues like Pugs are not suited to hiking. Puppies, especially larger breeds, shouldn’t be taken on hikes until they are fully grown and adapted to walking. If you’re currently training your young dog and they are new to longer walks, it’s important to slowly increase walking distance and terrain changes into your daily walks. This will allow them to build up stamina and endurance before you consider hiking.
Senior Dogs
The same rules surrounding puppies and dogs with health issues also apply to old dogs. If you have a senior dog who struggles with longer distances, stick to your usual routes or opt for a scenic walk rather than a hike. You should also ensure your dog has a full health check before you take them on a hike, especially if they are old.
How Far Can You Hike With Your Dog?
There’s no definitive answer to this question, but there are different factors that should help give you a rough estimate. The fitness and age of your dog play an important role, as well as how used to long walks they are.
Most dogs can walk 20-30 minutes a day if they have good conditioningwhilst dogs in excellent health can tolerate a few hours of walking. If your dog is in top physical condition and used to long walks, you could embark on a hike of 5-10 miles.
If, however, your dog is less active or just getting used to hiking, it’s important to take things slow. Aim for a mile or so and assess your dog's health and behaviour to see if they’re comfortable.
Consider Your Terrain
It’s also important to consider the surface you’re hiking across. Walking 5 miles along a flat path is much easier than walking the same distance across rocky mountain terrain. It’s always best to consider your own fitness and the trail before you consider your dog. If a trail is tough for a human, it will most certainly be difficult for your dog.
Never set out without an exit strategy should you need one, and ensure you have stop-off points and ways to return if you or your dog encounter any trouble.
What to Pack for a Hiking Trip With Your Dog
Hiking with dogs can be an exciting adventure, but ensuring you have the right equipment is essential to the safety of both you and your dog.
Harness and Collar: It’s a Legal requirement for all dogs to wear a collar and ID tag when out in public. A dog collar is essential for identification should your dog get lost, and also indicates they have a loving owner at home.
Lead: Although you might be able to give your dog more free rein on hiking trails, it’s always important to ensure you have a lead. Many areas require dogs to be kept on leads, and if you’re walking long distances, try looking for hands-free dog leads to make things easier for you.
Water and Food: It’s important to keep you and your pup fuelled and hydrated throughout your hike. Bring plenty of water and a collapsible bowl for your dog. Also, bring along some snacks for yourself and treats for your dog, too.
You’ll also need to bring: Waste bags, a spare lead, first aid supplies, wipes or a towel.
If you want to know everything you need for your outing, check out our blog covering the full list of dog walking essentials.
Essential Attire for Hiking With Dogs
Before you embark on your trip, you need to ensure you have the right hiking gear for both you and your dog. You might not have considered that dog-specific hiking gear was a thing, but these items can help keep your dog safe when out exploring the wilderness.
Hiking Gear for Dogs
Dog Raincoat - A dog coat offers a layer of wind resistance for open or mountainous areas as well as protection from rain.
Dog Cooling Jacket - If you’re hiking in an area with little shade, you should take precautions to prevent your dog from overheating. A cooling jacket will help keep your pet's temperature comfortable when walking.
Dog shoes/boots - This type of shoe will support your dog's paws and protect them from cold or rocky terrain. While they don’t need to be worn at all times, if the weather takes a turn for the worse, a pair of dog shoes can help give your dog’s paws a rest on long walks.
Hiking Gear for Humans
Hiking boots - You should invest in a pair of specially designed dog walking bootsfor hiking with your dog. These will support your feet across uneven terrain and help to reduce fatigue when walking long distances.
Hiking Jacket - Just like your dog, you’ll also need a dog walking jacket that can resist rain and wind when you’re exploring high places with little protection.
Hiking Hat - Open spaces have little shade, which means reduced protection from UV rays. Even if it’s not a hot day, it’s still important to protect your head from UV rays with a dog walking hat.
Finding Dog-Friendly Trails in the UK
The UK is home to thousands of trails and hiking routes that are perfect for dogs. From national trails to hilltop hikes, you’ll find a wide range of locations across Britain to enjoy with your dog.
Seven Sisters Cliffs – South Downs, East Sussex
Enjoy a trail that offers stunning coastal views of the Seven Sisters Cliffs. There's plenty of grass, wide open space and fresh air for your dog to enjoy on this hike. When you’re finished and all tired out, you can also head to The Tiger Inn, a nearby dog-friendly pub, for some refreshments.
Lake District – Tarn Hows Circular Walk
If you’re looking for gorgeous views and a relaxing atmosphere, there’s no better place than the Lake District. This walk offers breathtaking lake views and is only a 2-mile loop, making it ideal for dogs just learning to hike. On warmer days, there’s plenty of opportunity for your pup to enjoy a swim too.
The New Forest – Lyndhurst to Brockenhurst Trail
If you’re used to hiking with dogs, this 5-mile trail is a scenic forest route full of stunning natural sites from grassy moorlands to quiet woodlands. Your dog can also enjoy a range of enrichment with the wildlife and even ponies nearby. Just be sure to keep your dog on a lead for safety.
Marilyn’s Meadow – Hereford, Herefordshire
This is a unique space for dog hiking in Hereford. Marilyn’s Meadow is a private, secure 5-acre field designed especially for dogs to enjoy walking, exercising and exploring. If you have dogs who are shy or uncertain with secluded, off-grid hiking trails, then this can be a safer environment for your pup.
How to Keep Your Dog Safe When Hiking
Although hiking with your dog can be a fun experience, it’s important to take the right steps to keep your pup safe when hiking.
If you’re heading off to remote areas, it’s essential to take regular water breaks. Even if your dog doesn’t seem thirsty, dogs can be prone to dehydration, so it’s important to offer them water regularly.
Always check the temperature and weather conditions in advance before you plan your hike.
Never hike in high heat or extreme cold, and always be aware of warning signs that your dog may be affected by the weather when on walks.
Ensure you pick known trails that are easy to follow and not too isolated.
Always stick to clear paths and avoid heavy shrubbery and brambles as these can damage your dog's paws.
Check your dog on every walk for scrapes, cuts, ticks or any signs of injury.
Alongside safety precautions, it’s also important to bear in mind general dog walking etiquette. This includes always cleaning up after your dog, even in remote areas. When walking along popular trails, keep your dog on a lead as many hikers may be uncomfortable with pets or have their own animals that are shy or scared to be approached.
Dog Hiking Aftercare Tips
Once your hike is over, the care doesn’t stop there! When you’re home, you’ll need to give your dog a full check to make sure they’re in good shape. Give them some fresh water and food, and then rub them down with a damp towel to remove any mud or debris.
If your walk was an extra muddy one, it might be shower time for your pup. Pay special attention to their paws and ensure there are no thorns, cuts and scrapes on their paw pads.
Both you and your dog will most likely be exhausted after your hike. Be sure to give your furry friend plenty of space and time to rest and keep an eye out for any limping or signs of injury over the next few days.
Ready For Your Dog Hiking Adventure?
Hiking with dogs can be an extremely fun and rewarding way to get out in nature. With the right preparation and gear, you and your dog can be ready for trekking across a range of terrains from sandy beaches to woodland trails.
To stay safe and comfortable on any outing, we have a range of dog walking clothes and dog accessories at Philip Morris. All of our essentials are handpicked from the best country clothing brands in the business and are designed to support you and your dog on years of adventures.
To explore our range, visit our shop in Hereford or browse our extensive selection online. If you’re looking for advice on hiking with dogs or the right outerwear for your walk, get in touch with our experts today!
Posted by Isobel
Isobel is a social media specialist and content writer at Philip Morris & Son, where she creates visual media to generate sales. With a strong passion for language and marketing, she aims to craft content that connects with our customers and enhances brand presence. Starting her career in the dynamic world of social media, Isobel has recently joined the company and is keen to expand her copywriting skills and deepen her understanding of social media marketing.
Outside of work, Isobel enjoys making the most of the Herefordshire countryside walking. She’s also a keen cook, although will never turn down the opportunity to go out for dinner instead.