When hiking in low light conditions, it’s always a good idea to have some reflective gear or lighting. There are lots of options to choose from when it comes to reflective gear – such as harnesses, collars, leashes, backpacks, vests, booties and more. An alternative to reflective gear is actual lighting. These include light-up collars, attachable lamps (like headlamps but for your dog’s collar or harness), and more.
Pro Tip: Bring extra batteries or a portable charger and cord in case your dog’s light-up gear needs a charge.
Warming Gear
Unless your dog is a cold weather breed, they’ll likely benefit from layers for cold hikes – just like humans do. Fortunately, there are lots of insulating clothing options out there. If you’ll be trekking through snow, rain or other wet conditions, opt for waterproof options like coats, vests and warming booties. Otherwise, you can go with sweaters or snoods.
Pro Tip: Want to find out what temperature is too cold for your dog? Read our article here to find out.
Cooling Gear
Along the same lines, cooling gear can be extremely useful for the warmer months. Keeping your dog cool helps prevent overheating, which can be really dangerous. There are many options, from vests and hats to collars and bandanas to mats and fans. These are just a few effective ways to keep your dog safe in the heat.
Pro Tip: Want to find out what temperature is too hot for your dog? Read our article here to find out.
GPS Tracking Collar
Hiking can take you deep into the wilderness. For extra security against losing your dog, opt for a GPS tracking collar. How they work depends on whether they are health trackers, location only trackers or radio frequency trackers. The most popular are health trackers, which monitor both heart rate and location. They typically use Wi-Fi and sync with your phone via an app, so you’ll want to make sure it’s waterproof if your dog likes to swim or splash around in the water. Location only trackers are easy to understand and among the safest to use, since they work through a SIM card sewed into the collar that sends out location information when prompted. The least common are trackers that use radio frequency, though they are the most accurate when it comes to pinpointing your dog’s location. No matter which type or brand you choose, they will give you an extra level of security in terms of tracking your dog.
Pro Tip: Carry a photo fo your dog on you in case of separation.