Hiking with your dog: 8 essentials
Updated: August 15, 2024
Read time: 5 mins
4 Paws Team
By 4 Paws Team
Article Contents
Hiking with your dog

is all about adventure, fresh air, and plenty of wagging tails. To make sure everyone has the best experience—whether it’s you, your pup, or fellow hikers and their dogs—it’s important to have the right gear that keeps your dog safe and happy on the trails. If you’re planning a summer hike, don’t forget to check out our article on how to keep your dog cool and safe in summer.

At 4 Paws Avenue, we’ve hiked with our dogs all across Switzerland, from serene forest trails to challenging mountain summits. Here are our top picks for the best dog hiking gear to make your next outdoor adventure unforgettable.

Portable Water Bottle

Dogs have a limited ability to cool off, so it’s important to give them plenty of fresh, clean water during hikes. Opt for a lightweight, portable water bottle with a large trough to keep your pup hydrated on the go.

Foldable Food Bowl

If you’re planning a long adventure, we recommend taking a foldable travel food bowl from Ferribiella. It’s small, lightweight, and easily fits into a backpack.

Healthy Snacks

Everyone enjoys a pit stop with a mountain view, including our dogs. Choose snacks with healthy proteins to boost your dog’s energy during those big mile days. We love Edgard & Cooper’s special line of snacks for hiking and walking. We also recommend Genuina burgers, packed with quality meat and healthy veggies.

Sporty Harness

Just like us, dogs need the right gear for hiking. Picking the right harness is critical for your dog’s comfort. Be sure to check the size, ensure there’s enough space under the legs, and see if it includes a place for a tracker. We recommend the Curli Vest Harness for small dogs and the Curli Belka Comfort Harness for medium and large dogs.

 

GPS Tracker

If your dog tends to wander off or you want to keep tabs on their health and fitness, we recommend getting a GPS tracker that shows your dog’s activity in real-time. After testing a few, we found the Tractive GPS Pet Tracker and App to be the most user-friendly.

Paw Balm

Rough terrain and warm temperatures can cause bruises and burns on your dog’s paws. If you’re planning a long hike, apply a paw balm to soothe and protect your pup’s paws.

Wet Wipes

Let’s face it—your dog will get dirty. That’s part of the adventure! To keep your clothes, car, and floors clean, don’t forget to bring wet wipes. We like Talc Pet Wet Wipes – they’re nicely moist and smell great.

Reflective Raincoat

Our founders, Kate and Eugenia, once got caught in the rain with their dogs on top of a mountain. Without raincoats for their pups, they ended up sharing their own clothes with their freezing, wet dogs. Don’t be like them—prepare in advance with a reflective raincoat for your dog.