LifecanbetoffWhen I first started hiking with my dog Toffee, I had visions of us exploring new places, scaling mountains together, and sharing a flask of tea and a snack at the summit. And while it has been every bit as wonderful as I imagined, I have learned a few things along the way.
Whether you’re new to hiking with your dog or just curious about how to make the most of your adventures, here are a few lessons I wish I’d known right from the beginning.
Not all trails are dog-friendly
It seems obvious now, but there have been occasions where I found myself halfway through a trail facing a tall stile, I need to lift Toffee carefully over, a field of livestock or a steep rocky descent. Whilst these are all navigable, they are a little more challenging when you have a dog with you.
Before heading out, do a bit of research. Look for walks that are specifically marked as dog friendly or read reviews to see what other people encountered whilst on the trail. I tend to avoid trails which talk about “scrambling” whilst Toffee is perfectly capable of doing this, me not so much!
Websites like AllTrails or local walking blogs often include info about livestock, gates, stiles, and whether off-lead walking is allowed.
A dog first aid kit is a game changer
I didn’t even think about this until Toffee cut her paws on a gravelly track when we undertook a 10-mile hike around the Elan Valley, and I had nothing with me except a handful of tissues and luckily a friend who lived locally to call upon to supply some antiseptic and bandages. Lesson learned!
These days, I never leave without a small dog-specific first aid kit. A few essentials to include:
- Antiseptic wipes or spray
- Bandages and gauze
- Tick remover
- Paw balm
- Tweezers
- Scissors
It doesn’t have to be huge – just enough to manage minor scrapes and keep your dog comfortable until you’re back home or can get to a vet. You can also get your hands on slings like the Non-Stop dogware rescue sling to help carry the dog should their injury be more serious and you’re a trek from the car.
Take plenty of water (for everyone)
Even on cooler days, dogs can overheat faster than we do – especially if they’re bounding up hills – or in Toffee’s case dragging me up hills and rolling around in the grass.
For every hike I never leave home without a collapsible water bowl and a bottle just for Toffee. You can get nifty dog-friendly water bottles with detachable bowls for food and drink, but they can be a bit bulky for longer hikes. Offer water regularly, even if they don’t ask for it – dogs aren’t always great at knowing when to stop and rest.
I am also often looking for walks where there are obvious streams or water sources, as a paddle is a great way to cool off.
My tip would be to consider the weight of your water container. I have been looking into a hiking backpack with water bladder set up so that I can carry a larger amount of water as well as a bowl for Toffee. Less bulky and less weight than some of the water bottles on the market.
Four legs doesn’t mean unlimited energy!
It’s tempting to assume your dog can hike all day – but every dog is different. Breed, age, and fitness level all play a part. Toffee is happy to walk for miles, but the longest hike we’ve done is 10 miles and I could sense she was getting tired by the end. If your dog is younger or older, you also want to be mindful of the impact it will have on their joints. Toffee is fed a joint supplement to help keep her joints healthy.
Start small and build up gradually to improve fitness levels -for everyone! Pay attention to signs of fatigue: slowing down, panting heavily, or simply lying down for a rest. And don’t forget – the way back counts too!
I always take plenty of treats and a “summit snack” to refuel. I also share my own snacks – I need to refuel too!
Bring more poo bags than you think you’ll need
You’d be surprised how many times I’ve run out of poo bags mid-hike (spoiler: once is too many). Toffee always seems to have an excitable poop so I always carry extra bags.
It’s not just about being considerate – dog mess can pose a real risk to wildlife and livestock. Always bag it up and carry it with you until you find a bin – don’t be a turd and throw it in the bushes! I now keep a roll of bags in every bag, just in case. Most places won’t have bins, so you could invest in something like a Dicky Bag so you’ve not got to carry the poop bag around with you – there is nothing worse!
Solo hiking challenges
I solo hike with Toffee a lot, and there’s a lot of things to consider here too. What do you do with the dog if you need to stop whilst you’re travelling, what happens if you need the loo, do I take her in the cubicle with me? If I fall and hurt myself, can I get back to the car whilst also taking Toffee? If she injured herself, can I carry her back?
Whilst the latter ones I wouldn’t ever want to have to consider, these are things you need to bear in mind when solo hiking.
Let people know where you’re going. I avoid walks that have no signal if I am going on a solo hike, I want the reassurance that I can contact someone if I get into trouble.
Final thoughts
Hiking with your dog is honestly one of life’s great joys. You get to explore new places, spend proper quality time together, and return home happily knackered (and if you’re anything like me and Toffee, probably a bit muddy). I’ve had a whole new world opened up to me since I started hiking with Toffee, and I honestly can’t wait to explore more. We’ve also made loads of new friends along the way.
Just a bit of prep – like packing a small first aid kit, carrying enough water, and checking the trail is dog-friendly – can turn a stressful walk into a brilliant one. You also want to keep in mind all the usual hiking preparations such as downloading the route beforehand, checking the weather and wearing the appropriate kit.
Have fun, stay safe, and enjoy that trail!
Got a favourite dog-friendly trail in the UK? Share it in the comments – we’re always on the lookout for new places to explore!
📸 Follow our hiking adventures on Instagram: @Life_can_be_toffee
Want more inspiration? Check out why I love travelling with my dog.
