At What Age Can a Puppy Go Hiking?

Hiking puppy

Hiking is a companion activity, it is completely normal to want to go along with a hiking buddy or companion. As we all know, dogs are good hiking companions and as established they enjoy hiking as well as humans do. 

As humans have babies, Dogs also have their own called puppies. Puppies can be very energetic and they are always looking for ways to burn that energy. Veterinary experts even suggest that puppies should be taken out for walks at least once a day because of their ferocious energy.

However, there is a big difference between walking and hiking and this article is focused on answering the question, at what age can a puppy go hiking? Is it even healthy for puppies to go hiking?

Well, let’s dig in and find out.

At What Age Can a Puppy Go Hiking?

400;”>Hiking with dogs is an amazing experience, there is no creature that can give you a flamboyant experience as dogs will do while hiking. In fact, hiking with dogs is said to be therapeutic in nature. 

There is a huge debate, however, among dog owners and expert vets about how old your puppy should be before taking it on a hiking adventure.

Hiking is one of the best ways to get outdoors and experience the great outdoors. And many hikers will always want to go with their dogs. But for a long time, I was unsure about whether or not my puppy was ready for such an adventure. So I decided to do some research and find out when your puppy would be ready to go on a hike.

Hiking is an excellent way to get exercise and spend time in the great outdoors. Your puppy can join you on hikes from about six months old to about a year old. It is important to know it isn’t only the puppy’s age that is a determinant in deciding when it can go on a hike, breed and sizes matter also As he grows, he’ll become stronger and better able to keep up with you. You’ll also be able to go on longer and more difficult hikes as he gets older.

When it comes to exercising our dogs, most of us simply stick to the same old routine — a short walk around the block or a quick game of fetch in the backyard. But our canine companions deserve so much more than a sedentary lifestyle. In fact, hiking is an excellent way to get our dogs in shape and provide them with a ton of mental stimulation. And the best part is that regardless of the breed or age of your puppy, you can take them hiking!

Hiking is a great exercise for both humans and dogs. It’s a fantastic way to get exercise without being confined to a gym, and it’s a great way to explore the great outdoors. But before dogs can go on their first hike, they must be old enough to handle the exertion. Most dogs can begin hiking when they are about four months old, although smaller breeds may be ready at six months.

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What To Know Before Going For Your Puppy’s First Hike

Puppies are mini versions of dogs, even though they are more restless than grown dogs. They are still way more fragile than dogs. You always need to have in mind as a pet owner that your puppy is fragile and they are more susceptible to dangers than dogs. The most common danger that puppies encounter is injuries to their footpad.

Puppies need time to build their footpad before hiking. However, there are dog boots and ointments you can use to protect your puppy’s paw. There are certain things you should always take along for your puppy before taking it on a hiking adventure.

There are steps and procedures you need to follow in preparing for your puppy’s first hike.

Here is the preparation necessary before taking your puppy hiking:

  • Make sure your puppy is vaccinated: Every puppy should be up to necessary and right vaccination before going hiking. The vaccination prevents them from parasites and viruses that they may likely contact while hiking. Vaccination doesn’t have age restrictions. You may also contact your veterinarian for proper guidance.
  • Socialize your puppy: your puppy is most likely to meet with new and strange people while hiking, especially if you are going on popular trails. It is important to teach your puppy how to socialize with people and other dogs in a controlled area before taking it on to hike. Teach your puppy how to calmly greet other people as opposed to jumping and barking at them.
  • Teach your puppy basic commands: Your puppy has to know basic commands like, ‘come’ ‘stay’ ‘drop it’ ‘sit’ and so on.
  • Put them on a leash: Putting them on a leash teaches them how to walk beside you. It also instils good manners in them.

What Are The Gear to Bring Along While Hiking With Your Puppy?

You may need to supply your puppy with protective equipment depending on the terrain. Here are our top three suggestions for your puppy’s first hike.

  • Booties: As previously said, paw pad injuries are common, especially in young puppies who are still developing calluses, so protect them with their hiking booties to avoid catastrophic injury! Allow them to try them on at home or on a typical walk before taking them trekking. This will allow your puppy to become accustomed to them, or it will allow you to determine whether they are the right size and comfort for your dog.
  • Harness: If you don’t have a comfortable harness at home, acquiring one for your puppy’s first hike is a terrific idea! Many travel harnesses include extra loops for attaching a pouch, leash, and collapsible travel bowls for your puppy’s food and water. Some harnesses also contain luminous stripes to ensure that your puppy is visible to other hikers and isn’t mistaken for a wild animal.
  • Dog Pack: Finally, a day pack for your puppy is a great option so that he or she can travel with their own belongings! Measure your puppy to choose one that is the right size and weight for them. A pack will guarantee that your puppy has enough food, drink, a toy, poop bags (to keep the trails clean!) and some emergency items in case of an emergency. Keep this bag light when they’re young so they can get used to it, then add more goods once they’re older and more mature.

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How Far Is Too Far To Walk a Puppy?

Humans are the only mammals that can walk long distances without getting tired, dogs like many mammals are not strong for a rigorous and long hiking adventure. Puppies, on the other hand, are very fragile, even though they are often restless, they are not suited for a long walk.

Any walk longer than an hour is detrimental to the puppy’s health. On the safe side, the average time a puppy can walk is thirty minutes.

It all comes down to the puppy’s health and you can also contact your veterinary doctor for proper guidance.

How Often Should I Walk My Puppy?

At a young age, it is important to build your dog’s strength and endurance. In doing so, there is also a limit to which you can build their strength. Too much of it and it affects their health, too little of it and no impact is made.

To get the right effect and impact on their strength, you can take them for a thirty-minute walk every day. This not only strengthens them but also improves their mental strength.

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Conclusion

Taking your puppy with you while hiking is a fun activity, but make sure you follow the right steps and procedures so as to protect your puppies’ health as well as yours.

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Written by Jane Miller

I'm Nomadic Jane, a digital nomad and travel blogger. Since 2009, I've been traveling the world and exploring cultures through my travel blog.