Summer Hiking Guidelines

Heat exhaustion or heat stroke can be very dangerous for pets, but unfortunately, many people don’t take this seriously, whether on or off the trail. That doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the outdoors with our furry friends—we just need to be mindful. As pet owners, it’s our responsibility to ensure their well-being.

During July and August, our trail adventures slow down quite a bit, and we often play it by ear from week to week. With Xena’s black fur, I need to pay extra attention to her during the summer. So, what are the key things to keep in mind when planning an outdoor activity with your pup?

When the forecast calls for a hot day (above 70 degrees), we take a break from hiking. On cooler days, here’s my checklist for keeping Xena safe on the trails:

1. Watch the time

Occasionally, we get lucky with an overcast day, but that’s not always the case here in Southern California. Even if it’s overcast in the morning, the skies usually clear up by 9-9:30 am, so we start early and aim to finish our hike by 10:30 at the latest.

2. Location Location Location

It’s not just about home buying—I’m always on the lookout for trails with shade and/or water (like streams, lakes, or rivers). Finding these spots is crucial where we live!

3. Protect yourself and your pup from the strong sun rays

There are other cooling vests and bandanas out there on the market. Check out the following leading brands of active dog outdoor gear: Ruffwear, Alcott, and Hurtta.

I’ve been using a Ruffwear Swamp Cooler vest for Xena for two years now. It’s showing a bit of wear but is still in great condition. I machine-wash it on a gentle cycle, and it’s ready for our next adventure. We use this vest year-round because Xena doesn’t handle heat well. I put it on her before she gets too hot, and it helps keep her from overheating quickly. Click here for my product review from last year.

A bandana is also a handy trail companion. I use a regular bandana, nothing fancy, that Xena wears around her neck while hiking. When her panting gets heavier, I wet it with cool water from my thermos and tie it loosely around her neck. During breaks, I wet it again and use it to cover her head and neck to help her cool down faster. She really likes it!

 4. Hydration, Hydration, Hydration

I can’t emphasize this enough: when we’re walking back to the car, I often see people just starting their hike with their dogs and carrying only a small bottle of water. That’s barely enough for one person, let alone both of you! Hydration is crucial at all times, not just in summer. For your body to operate at its best, it needs plenty of hydration. So, always make sure you and your furry friend have enough water for the entire hike!

As you already know I sometimes carry a mix of coconut water and regular water in my Camelbak. In summer, I add ice to keep it extra cool. I also bring along 32 oz. of cold water in my Hydro Flask, which keeps the water chilled for hours! I use it for drinking and to wet Xena’s bandana.

5. Pay close attention

Just like we have good days and not-so-good days, dogs have their own ups and downs too. Usually, Xena is excited and ready to explore when we hit the trail, but occasionally she can seem a bit sluggish for no apparent reason. On those not-so-perfect days, I don’t push her. We take extra breaks and only go as far as she feels up for it. Luckily, she’s not one to over-please and definitely lets me know when she’s not feeling her best. I love her for that—she’s got a real pup attitude and speaks her mind!

There’s a wealth of helpful information online, like this article on heatstroke and heat exhaustion in pets. If you’re not already familiar with it, I encourage you to take a moment to educate yourself. I’d love to hear about the precautions you take to keep your pet safe in the heat. Please feel free to share your tips and experiences!

 

Shop gear for your backcountry dog now at Ruffwear.com