{"id":9634,"date":"2021-04-16T07:30:46","date_gmt":"2021-04-16T13:30:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/?p=9634"},"modified":"2023-01-04T07:41:16","modified_gmt":"2023-01-04T14:41:16","slug":"dog-hiking-gear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/outwardhound.com\/furtropolis\/product\/dog-hiking-gear","title":{"rendered":"Springing Into Gear: Dog Hiking Gear for a Safe Trek"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Bye-bye winter blues. Spring is officially here! Even though Punxsutawney Phil might disagree. Springtime means one thing in many places: the hiking season has begun! It\u2019s time to spring into gear and ensure that you and your canine hiking companion have the dog hiking gear necessary for a safe adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you and your pup are headed to a national park, the woods in your neighborhood, backcountry, or a lake-side spot, drinking water isn\u2019t the only essential you need to take with you when hitting the hiking trails. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this post, we\u2019ll tackle everything on your outdoor adventure checklist from first aid kits to poop bags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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First thing’s first: Respect the rules, respect the environment.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Remember that when it comes to hiking with dogs, be respectful of state park laws. Check the rules ahead of time to find out if that park has dog-friendly trails, if your dog needs to remain leashed, as well as basic trail etiquette. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

National park websites will usually list what wild animals you could run into (remember: coyotes are not playmates for your dog) and where you can find water sources. Always make sure your dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve taken those preventative measures, it\u2019s time to go out and have some fun in nature! And don\u2019t forget to clean up dog poop! Respect the environment and be sure to leave no trace of your dog\u2019s waste or discarded food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Layer Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Getting an early start? If you\u2019re one of those hikers who like to get going before sunrise to beat the crowds, it\u2019s going to be chilly out there! Your furry friend will need a dog coat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You and your dog (especially small dogs with thin coats) will want light layers to keep you warm until the sun comes up and your heart rate gets going.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your best friend can help carry the load!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Why should you do all the heavy lifting when you can get a dog backpack for Fido? Hiking with your dog has a new meaning with the Outward Hound DayPak. This saddle bag works great for active dogs and their humans that love day hikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The breathable mesh within the backpack keeps dogs cool on sunny days. The high visibility green and blue color options look awesome and have the added bonus of allowing your dog to be easily spotted on the trail if they go off-leash. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Large expandable pockets on the dog pack help hold all the essentials so your dog can carry their own collapsible dog bowl<\/a> (bpa free), dog food, dog treats, and drinking water for hydration. D-rings for clipping on a dog leash attachment or carabiners also assist with leading or following while keeping a secure handle on your pup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With a doggie backpacking with you, a true adventure can begin! Just remember to keep Fido’s load balanced and the buckles adjusted for their size. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Bring the right pawtection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Going for a particularly long hike? Your dog\u2019s paws will need protection if they\u2019re going to spend all that time on rough terrain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider dog booties, like Ruffwear’s Grip Trex, that will protect their paw pads from hot asphalt, sharp rubble, or ice. If you don\u2019t have booties for paw protection, dog owners should add an effective paw balm to their first aid kit in case of a boo-boo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking of protection, bring a dog life jacket<\/a> along for your furry friend if there\u2019s a swimming hole at your destination. Depending on the depth of the water a lifejacket is an important safety consideration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to VetMD<\/a>, a dog-adapted safety vest is the best way to prevent drowning, which can happen to any dog regardless of size.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Dawson Swim Dog Life Jacket<\/h3>\n\t\t\t

The Outward Hound Dawson Dog Life Jacket is a high-performance dog flotation device for boating, water sports, the beach, the pool, and other water adventures with dogs. Designed with novice swimmers in mind, the neoprene side panels of this dog life vest will keep your dog safe by providing them with comfortable buoyancy and thermal insulation for chilly days on the water. A front neck float adds extra…<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

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