Hiking With Your Dog: Don't Forget These 5 Must-Haves!

With the cooler weather upon us, it's time to get prepared for hiking season with our dogs! Don't forget these 5 must-haves to ensure you and your dog have a great time on the trails.

1. Leash and Harness

Dogs are allowed to hike off leash in country parks in Hong Kong, but a good leash is always important for getting to the trail from your car, or for emergencies. Remember that the trails are shared with others so make sure your dog has a reliable recall and that you can call them away from other dogs or people if needed. Always leash your dog when you encounter wildlife.

Of course, hiking with your dog on leash is perfectly fine too! It is safer if your dog does not have a reliable recall yet, and lets you both enjoy the hike without worrying about getting separated from each other.

The Ruffwear Crag Leash is an adjustable leash that can be extended to 6 feet or shortened to 3.5 feet depending on your needs. Its swiveling Talon Clip is strong and secure, forming a tough and durable leash made from reflective Tubelok webbing to enhance visibility. It can even be adjusted to fasten around your waist so that you can have both hands free!

The High5Dogs CLIC Shoulder Leash is another convenient hands-free leash, and easy to use to tether your dog wherever you go. Its maximum length is 8 feet long, giving your dog lots of freedom to move and explore. Don’t forget to attach your poo bags to the accessory loop!

You can pair your leash with the Ruffwear Web Master Harness, a supportive, multi-use harness built for maneuvering and assisting dogs up and over obstacles. It is a great hiking harness and provides excellent support for your dog without hindering their range of movement.

You can also let your dog carry some of the trail necessities with the Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack! It’s a backpack with a harness suspension system to provide stability, comfort, and fit. Its saddlebag pockets are perfect for carrying snacks, water, and toys! Start off with a light load to help your dog get accustomed to the backpack, and they should never carry more than 25% of their body weight. Get ready for an adventure!

2. Water Bottle

It’s always important to bring enough water for your dog to make sure they don’t overheat.

The Highwave AutoDogMug is a leakproof bottle and cup to make drinking quick and easy! Just squeeze the bottle to fill the cup, and release to drain the excess water back into the bottle.

You can also choose the Dexas Travel Cup, which is collapsible to less than 2cm thick and convenient to carry with you. Clip it to your backpack or leash and stop for a drink whenever you need!

For highly active dogs or dogs who don’t like drinking water, add some Nulo Hydrate Water Enhancer to replenish and boost their energy, keeping them hydrated for more adventuring. They are available in a wide range of flavours, easily enticing dogs to drink and prevent heat exhaustion.

3. Flea & Tick Spray

Nature is beautiful but it also has parasites that can transmit diseases such as tick fever and heartworm.

In addition to your monthly Frontline flea and tick protection, use Vet's Best Flea & Tick Yard & Kennel Spray to keep insects and bugs from jumping onto your dog during hikes! This natural formula kills fleas, flea eggs, and ticks on contact and also repels mosquitoes. Make sure the only things you back from your hike are the good memories!

4. Antiseptic Spray

Running through the forest and crawling through bushes can result in some cuts and scratches on our furry friends.

The Positive Care Skin Healer and Protector Foam Spray is an antiseptic foam that is a great first aid essential on a hike. Its Goldshield technology does not contain alcohol so it is gentle on your dog’s skin while being able to kill 99.9% of germs. Soothe broken skin and provide a protective antiseptic coat over the wound.

5. Identification

Tags save lives! Always have a pet tag on your furry friend’s collar or harness containing your contact information, just in case you get separated. To improve visibility, add a Collar Light as well so that it’s easier to keep an eye on your dog at night or in poor weather conditions. The light is battery powered, water resistant, and can be set to glow or flash.

When choosing the right hiking trail for your dog, take into consideration their age and fitness level, as well as the time of day. On warm days, make sure the trail has some shade, and bring extra water! If you’re hiking alone, let someone know where you will be and how long you expect to be gone. Stay safe on the trails and enjoy your hikes!