Any responsible hiker who takes Fido into the woods needs to expand their packing list to include some essential items for their dog.
 FIRST OF ALL: Obedience Training: Before you even set foot on a trail, make sure Fido is trained, and can also be trusted to behave. Consider that you will most likely be faced with other hikers, other dogs, wildlife, and some strange scents and sights. If Fido can’t behave, leave him home. While this isn’t an "item," it’s still probably the most important thing your dog needs to have to be prepared for hiking.
- Doggy Backpack
- Canine First Aid Kit
- Food and Treats
- Water and Bowl
- Leash and Collar
- Insect Repellent
- ID Tags and Photo ID
- Outerwear
- Plastic Bags and Trowel
- Shelter
1. Doggy Backpack: If your dog weighs 20 pounds or more, then he can carry his own gear. Ensure that any pack you choose is reinforced in areas that might scrape against rocks, that they have reflective areas for early morning or night hiking, and that they are padded for a comfortable fit. Ideally, Fido’s pack will have adjustable straps to fit around the belly and chest, with padding beneath the buckles. Ensure that the pack has easy-to-access pockets for you to gets items in and out of during your hike. Consider a bright-colored pack, which will make your dog more visible if he gets lost or separated. If you do plan to have Fido carry a pack, ensure that the pack is light to start out and allow him to get used to the pack with a gradual increase in weight. A general rule of thumb is no more than 20% of his body weight. Also, be sure that Fido’s joints can handle the extra weight. If Fido favors his hips or has arthritis in a shoulder, he shouldn’t be carrying any kind of load. Puppies should not carry a pack as their bones are not fully formed, and carrying weight could cause damage. In some breeds, bone formation can take two years. Remember to pack only unbreakable items in Fido’s pack! And also remember, Fido might not like the pack when you first put it on, so don't make his first time wearing it the day of the hike.
2.  Canine First Aid Kit: Canine first aid kits very as widely as human ones do. Consider purchasing a ready-made kit, or make your own (or add some doggy items to your human kit to save on space). Some handy items to include are: Gauze pads and athletic tape in case of cuts, bismuth subsalicylate (such as Pepto) for tummy upsets, some bouillon cubes to encourage Fido to drink if he’s getting dehydrated, and triple antibiotic cream for dressing wounds that might be infected. You can find out more information about canine first aid kits under first Aid for Pooches.
3. Food and Treats: Keep Fido extra well fed on the trail since he will burn more calories than usual. Bring extra snacks in case you get lost, and have to spend the night in the woods. Just like you may need some quick energy and a pick-me-up, trail treats can serve the same purpose for Fido. If Fido can carry a pack, he can carry his own food and treats.
4. Water and Bowl: Don’t count on finding clean water along the trail. Pack enough for the entire day. A good rule of thumb is 3 liters of water for Fido on a day’s hike. To keep the water cool, freeze it the night before. As you hike, the water will gradually melt but will keep cool. Offer water to Fido regularly to keep him hydrated. Remember, Fido cannot cool off by sweating like you can. I cannot stress how important it is to bring plenty of water. Sometimes Fido will not want to drink enough water; in this situation, adding a very small amount of bullion to make a thinly flavored liquid can encourage him to drink. Fido can carry his water too; add one water bottle to each side of Fido’s pack to balance the weight. Although natural water sources may be plentiful on a hike (streams, rivers, lakes), the water may be contaminated with giardia (a protozoan parasite), harmful bacteria, or chemicals. In areas where giardia is a problem you should not allow Fido to drink from streams or lakes. There are numerous options available nowadays for Fido’s water dish in the wilderness. There are collapsible bowls, foldable bowls, and soft bowls, among others. Water’s not much good if you don’t have a way to offer it to Fido.
5. Leash and Collar (or Harness): Always carry one with you, even if it is not required. A situation may arise where harnessing your dog is the best possible (and safest) solution. Even if Fido is absolutely trained to voice command and heels without a leash, sometimes leashes are required by law. As a matter of fact, it’s a good idea to pack an extra leash and collar “just in case.” Consider a retractable leash, as it can easily store without tangling.
6. Insect Repellent: Just like people, Fido may be swarmed by bugs too. Remember that some animals have negative reactions to DEET-based repellents, so if you plan to use a product with DEET, dab a little on a patch of Fido’s fur to see if he reacts to it. Look for signs of sensitivity, like drowsiness, lethargy, or nausea. Remember to apply repellant only to areas where it cannot be licked off, like the shoulders, the back of the neck, and around the ears. Steer clear of the ears (including inner ears) themselves. The same places you’ll want to apply are the most logical places where mosquitoes will be looking for exposed skin, like the eyes, nose, and inner ears to bite.
7. ID Tags and Photo ID: Make sure Fido is properly identified should he become lost or separated from  you. He should be wearing one rabies tag and one tag with YOUR contact information. Take a moment to ensure that the ID is up to date. The s-hook-style attachments on collars for tags often fail. Use a small key ring to hold Fido’s tags instead. It’s also a good idea to microchip Fido. It’s also a good plan to keep a current, clear photo of your dog either on your person or in your vehicle. If your pet gets lost or separated, it will speed up the search efforts.
8. Outerwear: Take precautions to ensure that you are prepared for the weather. Fido has thin or short hair, outfit him in a dog sweater (come on now, I know what you’re thinking, but if Fido is shivering, he's either in pain or he's cold. Booties help protect Fido’s feet from rough ground or harsh vegetation. They can also be used to keep bandages secure if Fido damages his pads, or they can protect against snowballs between his toes which can melt, freeze, and cut. If there’s a lot of water on your route, it’s a good idea to make Fido put on a life vest. While dogs are naturally good swimmers, accidents do happen.
9. Plastic Bags and Trowel: Carry out your dog’s waste if the location requires it. On other trails, dig a hole and bury it (several inches deep, and at least 200 feet away from the trail and any water sources).
10. Shelter: This is just as important for your dog’s survival as yours so make sure the shelter you bring will work for both of you (such as a space blanket or a poncho). In a pinch, heavy trash bags can work as well.
Other things to consider:
- Waterproof Bags: Pack items in waterproof bags (like Ziploc bags). The bags will protect the items in the pack in case Fido decides to take a quick dip. The bags can also be used as extra garbage bags in a pinch.
- Bandanna: In a pinch a bandana will work great as a make shift muzzle, a first-aid item, a way to cool off an over heated dog, a collar or leash, a towel, etc.
- Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Treatment: Hiking in the woods gives Fido an opportunity to pick up fleas and ticks, ick!
- Emergency Vet: Take a few moments to research the closest emergency vets to your hiking area. Jot down the location and phone number, and keep it in your pack.
- Towel: A towel can be an upholstery saver when encountering wet or muddy trails! Keep one in the car at the very least.
- Vaccinations: Make sure that Fido is vaccinated, and be sure that you have proof of rabies.
- Medications: Even if you don’t plan to be gone long enough for Fido to need medication which he takes regularly, pack a few doses just in case you are delayed for some reason.
- Doggie Sunglasses: Doggles have 100% UV protection, and can protect Fido’s eyes from debris.
- Sunscreen: Especially helpful if Fido has a fair nose since they tend to burn easily. Ouch!
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