Hiking with your dog is one of the most beautiful experiences of summer. The shared exercise, nature, your dog's nose working with every step of the path... But a mountain outing without proper preparation can become a serious problem, especially in summer, when the heat adds to the physical demands.
These are the keys to making every trail safe, comfortable and memorable.
Can any dog go hiking in summer?
Not all dogs are equally prepared for long or demanding routes. Before planning an outing, consider:
- Physical condition: a sedentary dog cannot suddenly do 15 km. Train progressively.
- Breed: brachycephalic breeds (Bulldog, Pug) have serious limitations in heat and physical effort. Nordic breeds also struggle in summer.
- Age: puppies under 1 year old and senior dogs need shorter, gentler routes.
- Health status: joint, cardiac or respiratory problems may contraindicate hiking in the heat.
Route planning
Choose the right route
For summer, prioritise mountain routes above 1,000 metres (cooler temperatures), with tree shade and access to water (springs, streams). Coastal and valley routes are much hotter.
Timing: the most important factor
Always set off before 9am. If the route is long, consider very early starts or late afternoon departures. Avoid the 12pm to 5pm slot, especially in summer. A timing mistake can turn a pleasant trail into an emergency.
Essential equipment for hiking with a dog
- Water: at least 0.5 litres per hour of activity for a 10 kg dog. More in the heat. A collapsible bowl is essential.
- Comfortable hiking harness: better than a collar, distributes weight more evenly and is safer on uneven terrain.
- Retractable or medium-length lead: to give freedom without losing control.
- Parasite treatment up to date: the mountains in summer are tick territory.
- Basic canine first aid kit: dressings, tick tweezers, saline solution, elastic bandage.
- High-energy snacks or treats: to motivate during tough moments.
- Microchip and ID tag: in case the dog gets lost in an unfamiliar environment.
Hydration on the trail: how and when
Don't wait for your dog to ask for water. Offer water every 20–30 minutes of walking, even if they don't appear thirsty. Dogs don't always signal thirst clearly and can become dehydrated before they show it.
If there are springs or streams along the route, allow them to drink — mountain water is generally safe — though it's always better to bring your own. Avoid stagnant puddles.
The most common first aid situations on the trail
Cuts on the paw pads
Sharp stones, branches or uneven terrain can cut the paw pads. Clean the wound with saline solution, apply a dressing and bandage if it bleeds. If the cut is deep or the dog can't bear weight on the paw, stop the hike.
Ticks
On arriving home, check the dog's entire body, especially between the toes, in the armpits, behind the ears and around the neck. Remove ticks with special tweezers by turning slowly, without crushing them.
Heatstroke on the trail
If your dog shows very intense panting, excessive drooling, red gums or loss of coordination: stop immediately, find shade, wet their body with cool (not icy) water and call the nearest vet. Don't wait for them to recover on their own if symptoms are severe.
Nutrition for hiking dogs
Active dogs in summer need a diet that supports energy expenditure and promotes muscle recovery. High-quality proteins and essential fatty acids are the key nutrients. At OnlyFresh you will find options from brands such as Harper and Bone, Amanova and TrovetPlus with top-quality natural ingredients, ideal for accompanying your dog's summer adventures.
