Hiking with your furry best friend can be an amazing adventure, but it’s important to keep them safe and comfortable, especially during hot summer months. Dogs are much more susceptible to heat exhaustion than humans, and if not taken care of properly, a fun hike can quickly turn into a dangerous situation.

Have you ever taken your dog for a walk on a hot day and noticed them panting heavily and looking tired? That’s their way of trying to cool themselves down. But, just like us, they can only handle so much heat before it becomes too much for their bodies to handle.

Heat exhaustion in dogs can manifest in symptoms such as excessive panting, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, even collapse or seizure. So, it’s crucial to be prepared and know how to keep your dog cool while hiking.

In this article, we’ll go over the essential tips and tricks for keeping your dog safe and comfortable on a hike, so you can enjoy the great outdoors with your furry friend without worrying about the heat. From preparing for the hike, to hydrating your dog, to providing shade and cooling methods, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!

Prepare Before You Hike

Before heading out on a hike with your furry best friend, it’s important to do a little bit of planning to make sure the experience is safe and enjoyable for both of you. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Check the weather forecast – This one’s a no-brainer. Before you go, take a look at the weather forecast and see what kind of temperatures you’ll be dealing with. If it’s going to be a scorcher, consider postponing the hike or finding a cooler trail with plenty of shade.
2. Choose the right time of day – Hiking during the hottest part of the day (usually between 10 AM and 4 PM) can be a recipe for disaster when it comes to keeping your dog cool. Opt for early morning or late evening hikes when the temperatures are a little bit milder.
3. Pick the right trail – Not all trails are created equal, especially when it comes to heat. Look for trails with plenty of shade and access to water, and avoid exposed trails with no relief from the sun.
4. Pack the essential items – It’s always a good idea to be prepared when hiking, and this is especially true when it comes to keeping your dog cool. Make sure you bring enough water for both you and your dog, as well as any cooling gear you might need, such as a cooling collar, bandana, or vest.

Hydrate Your Dog

One of the most important things you can do to keep your dog cool on a hike is to make sure they stay hydrated. Here are a few tips to help you keep your pup hydrated:

1. Bring plenty of water – This one’s a no-brainer. Make sure you bring enough water for both you and your dog. A good rule of thumb is to bring one litre of water per hour of hiking, per person (and dog!).
2. Offer water regularly – Don’t wait until your dog is thirsty to offer them water. Make sure you stop and offer water every 30 minutes or so, and encourage your dog to drink by offering it in a cup or water bottle.
3. Invest in a hydration pack for your dog – If you’re hiking in a remote area where water sources are limited, consider investing in a hydration pack for your dog. These packs are designed to allow your dog to drink on the go and come in a variety of sizes and styles to fit any breed.
4. Keep an eye out for signs of dehydration – Dehydration in dogs can manifest in symptoms such as excessive panting, dry nose and mouth, sunken eyes, and a decrease in energy. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to stop and give your dog water right away.

Ensure that your dog stays hydrated and cool on your hike. And as always make sure you’re drinking plenty of water too!

Keep Your Dog Cool

Providing shade and finding ways to cool down your dog are essential when it comes to keeping them comfortable on a hot hike. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

1. Look for shade – When you’re hiking, look for areas with plenty of shade, and take advantage of them whenever you can. This can be under trees, on the side of a cliff, or in any other areas that offer relief from the sun.
2. Provide a cooling mat or blanket – A portable cooling mat or blanket can be a lifesaver when it comes to keeping your dog cool on a hike. These products are designed to provide a cool and comfortable place for your dog to rest, and can be especially useful in areas with limited shade.
3. Use a cooling vest or bandana – A cooling vest or bandana is another great option for keeping your dog cool. These products are designed to absorb and hold water, which then slowly evaporates, helping to regulate your dog’s body temperature. Simply wet the vest or bandana before you go, and it’ll work to keep your dog cool throughout the hike.
4. Offer ice cubes – If your dog is overheating, offer them a few ice cubes to chew on. This will help cool them down and also provide a refreshing treat. Just make sure the ice cubes are small enough that your dog won’t choke on them.
5. Keeping your dog’s fur trimmed short can also help them stay cool on a hike, as longer fur can trap heat against their skin.

6. Dogs can also cool down by lying in a cool stream or dipping their paws in water.

By following these tips and finding ways to provide shade and cooling, you’ll help keep your dog comfortable and safe on a hot hike. And remember, if your dog ever seems to be struggling, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and take a break in a shady area.

Watch for Signs of Heat Exhaustion

Finally, it’s important to know when to call it a day and head back to the trailhead. Here are a few signs to look out for that indicate it’s time to end the hike:

1. Excessive panting – If your dog is panting heavily and can’t seem to catch their breath, it’s a good sign that they’re overheated and it’s time to take a break.
2. Loss of energy – If your dog is dragging their feet and seems to be losing energy, it’s a good sign that they’re struggling and it’s time to head back.
3. Signs of heat exhaustion – Heat exhaustion in dogs can manifest in symptoms such as excessive panting, vomiting, diarrhea, and a decreased ability to stand. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to stop and provide your dog with shade, water, and a chance to rest.
4. Changes in behaviour – If your dog starts to act differently on the hike, such as becoming more aggressive or seeming disoriented, it’s a good sign that something is wrong and it’s time to head back.

By paying attention to your dog’s body language and behaviour, you’ll be able to tell when it’s time to call it a day and head back to the trailhead. And, as always, if you have any concerns, it’s best to err on the side of caution and seek veterinary care.

Other Important Information

1. A dog’s paw pads can also be burned on hot pavement, so it’s important to check the ground temperature before letting your dog walk on it.
2. Dark-coloured dogs are at a higher risk of overheating because they absorb more heat from the sun.
3. Short-nosed breeds, such as bulldogs and pugs, are more susceptible to overheating because they have a harder time panting to regulate their body temperature.

4. On average, dogs have a higher normal body temperature than humans, typically ranging from 38.3 to 39.2 degrees Celsius.
5. Dogs are at higher risk for heat exhaustion when the humidity is high, as it makes it harder for them to cool down through panting.

So, there you have it! By following these tips and keeping your dog cool and hydrated, you’ll be able to have a fun and safe hike with your furry friend. Happy hiking!