You’re planning an outdoor excursion with your dog, and like any responsible pet owner, you don’t want to push their limits. You look at some hikes, and while they seem promising, you’re unsure of whether they’re too strenuous for your dog. How long is too long for a dog to walk?
Generally, a healthy dog can walk anywhere from five to 10 miles. Certain factors, including their age and activity level, can inform how long they can join you while hiking.
Most Dogs Can Hike At Least Five Miles
A healthy adult dog without any underlying medical conditions can easily join you on a moderately long hike. If you have a senior dog, you may elect shorter hikes with smooth, paved trails, as this will help them hike longer. It’s also less pressure on their joints. If you recently brought home a puppy, you may think that the longer the hike, the better.
Yet, this isn’t true. Too much stress could strain a puppy’s growing body, leading to joint and bone problems in adulthood. Err on the side of caution and only take your puppy for hikes no longer than two miles until they’re fully grown. What’s more, keep the hikes to about once a week.
How long it takes your dog to reach adulthood depends on their breed. Gentle giant Irish Wolfhounds aren’t considered fully grown until they’re two years old. Smaller dogs, like Maltese, are considered adult-sized at eight months.
Some Dogs Aren’t Suited for Long Hikes
If you’re planning an adventure with your dog, keep in mind that their breed plays a large role in their stamina. For example, high-energy dog breeds, like Australian Shepherds and Border Collies, were bred for herding. So, they can easily hike 10 miles—outlasting even their owners! Other dog breeds, particularly flat-faced dogs, aren’t suited for hiking. A French Bulldog would likely get tired within 20 minutes of beginning the hike—and because of their facial structure, they’re prone to overheating.
The good news is that with proper conditioning, many dog breeds can overcome their limitations and happily hike for miles. To accomplish this, start by taking your dog for short hikes, offering lots of water and praise along the way. You want to create a positive experience! Also, with each additional hike, walk for a bit longer. This will build your dog’s stamina, shed excess weight, and encourage muscle growth.
With Practice, Three-Legged Dogs Make Good Hiking Companions
You may have heard of “tripod dogs.” These are dogs that have three legs instead of four, usually due to a traumatic injury or congenital defect. Because dogs are so adaptable, tripod dogs can live happy lives with regular activity levels. What’s more, with training, these dogs can also enjoy four- to five-mile hikes.
If you have a tripod dog, start slow when taking them for hikes. They need time to learn where to place their paws on uneven terrain and navigate rocky areas. With some patience and exercise, a tripod dog will bound down the trail just like any other canine!
Senior Dogs Benefit More from Strolls Than Hikes
If you’ve noticed that your senior dog is slowing down, it might be time to switch from hikes to strolls. A leisurely walk through your neighborhood will offer the same enjoyment and stimulation as a days-long hike down a mountain. Remember: while you’re admiring the view, dogs are enjoying the scents. For the maximum enjoyment of your senior dog, go for a “sniffy walk” rather than a hike. They’ll likely spend hours smelling everything, all while traveling less than a few blocks!
Hiking with Your Dog: What to Know
Hiking with your dog is a great way to strengthen your bond and offer much-needed exercise. Still, even if you plan to keep your hike short, there are some things you should know about outdoor excursions with your pet:
Bring Plenty of Water
Keeping your dog hydrated promotes good cardiovascular function while hiking. This allows them to cover more ground and retain energy for longer periods. REI notes that as a good rule of thumb, your dog needs one ounce of water per pound a day. So, if you’re bringing your 50-pound Labrador Retriever, they’ll need 50 ounces of water, about a liter and a half. The key words here are “a day.” So, if you’re going on a five-mile hike, your dog likely won’t need this much. However, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when adventuring outdoors. Keeping your dog hydrated prevents dehydration and other life-threatening ailments!
Don’t Let Your Dog Drink from Natural Sources
Even if you’re standing on the bank of a crystal-clear lake, you shouldn’t let your dog drink from it. Freshwater bodies can be full of parasites (such as flatworms) that can transmit serious diseases to dogs. The water could also contain toxic chemicals from industrial runoff. We said it once, and we’ll say it again: bring water for your dog on hikes!
Going Off-Leash Isn’t Wise
There are many things out of your control on a hike, even if you’ve trekked it dozens of times. For example, you could encounter a bear or a coyote that could pose a threat. Weather conditions can also change quickly, prompting you to make a quick exit.
To keep you and your dog safe, keep them on a leash. Even if your dog has amazing recall, you want to be in total control if something happens. You don’t want a day in the forest to turn into a night looking for your lost dog!
