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Saturday, September 27, 2025

Climbing With Canines – 7 Necessities For Desert Trails


Woman and dog walking on a pet friendly trail in the desert

 

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Bailey and I spend numerous time climbing. And, after spending most of my life within the Midwest, visiting the desert comes with a certain quantity of hysteria. The desert instructions respect. And desert climbing with canine means it’s good to take precautions to remain protected.

When my seek for suggestions and sources got here up empty, Bailey turned my guinea pig. Collectively we developed this information to the gear wanted for desert climbing with canine. Hopefully it makes your journey planning simpler!

Necessities For Desert Climbing With Canines

Bailey thinks the one gear she wants is her ball! However once you’re climbing the desert, there are a couple of different stuff you’ll have to pack.

Playful airedale terrier dog with ball in mouth

 

Desert Canine Important #1: Water

This in all probability sounds apparent, however once you’re climbing with canine within the desert it’s good to pack water. A LOT of water. I alway carry some water for Bailey after we’re climbing. However, being a canine, she generally dietary supplements my faucet water with samples from streams, lakes, and puddles.

While you’re climbing the the desert with canine, water is unreliable. A stream that was flowing final week could possibly be completely dry as we speak. So it’s important to take all of the water you and your canine will want throughout your hike.

You’ll be able to both carry the water on your and your canine, or let her carry her personal drinks with a Ruffwear hydration canine backpack.

Choosing the Right Cooling Vest for Your Dog | GoPetFriendly.com

Giving your canine an environment friendly option to drink additionally helps cut back the quantity of water one in every of you has to hold. My outdated canine, Duke, would solely drink out of a bowl, so no matter he didn’t end was wasted.

Bailey and I’ve developed an superior system, however it took some follow! Once in a while, I ask Bailey if she desires water. If she does, she faces me and sits down. Then I squirt water into her mouth from a water bottle.

Because it’s not pure for canine to drink like this, they may sputter a bit till they get the grasp of it. Simply go sluggish and solely give small drinks every time.

Utilizing a collapsible water bottle works properly. The hot button is the pop-top, which permits me to create a “consuming fountain” for Bailey. In fact, any water bottle will do, however these roll up for simple storage.

 

Desert Canine Important #2: Canine Boots

In Chicago, Bailey had canine boots for the occasional hike within the snow and to guard her paws from the salty winter streets. However within the desert, her boots by no means go away my backpack.

Since canine regulate their physique temperature via their paw pads, boots aren’t one thing Bailey wears consistently whereas we hike. That might trigger her to overheat. As a substitute, I think about them emergency tools — carried in case of an damage, if the bottom turns into scorching, or after we encounter uncomfortable path surfaces.

READ MORE ⇒ Which Canine Boots Are Greatest For Your Canine?

In the event you’re climbing with a canine on scorching sand, like we did at Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park, canine boots an absolute necessity. We just like the Extremely Paws Rugged Canine Boots for his or her 2nd velcro strap, which actually retains the boots in place. However there are numerous nice canine boot choices to select from.

DO MORE ⇒  Suggestions For Visiting Nice Sand Dunes Nationwide Park with Pets

Brindle dog sitting beside the sign for Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado

 

Desert Canine Important #3: Sit Pad

On longer hikes, you’re prone to cease and take a couple of breaks. I all the time carry a small sit-pad for myself – it’s a smaller model of my Therma-Relaxation sleeping pad. And, after watching Bailey wrestle to discover a place to relaxation, I made a decision to throw one in for her, too.

This may increasingly look like overkill, however the desert is plagued by rock shards, prickly brush, and cactus needles. In the event you’re trying ahead to a leisurely lunch alongside the path, convey one thing comfy on your canine to lie down on. It’s a small funding to make everybody’s day extra pleasurable.

 

Desert Canine Important #4: Nice-Tooth Comb

This was a brand-new addition to my climbing gear – a particular requirement for desert climbing with canine. A fine-tooth comb lets you take away cactus spines, goathead thorns, and sand burrs out of your canine’s paws or fur rapidly and simply. And, as an added bonus, they don’t find yourself caught in your fingers! It’s properly well worth the two-dollar funding.

Desert Canine Important #5: Tweezers

For cactus spines too small for the comb to catch, splinters, and even bee stingers, a easy pair to tweezers can save the day.

A enjoyable truth I’ve realized (the arduous manner) is that, even when your canine isn’t bothered, you will get poked by spikes hitching a experience of their fur or hanging on the leash!

READ MORE ⇒  What To Do If Your Canine Will get Stung By A Scorpion

A dog hiking a pet friendly desert trail and enjoying the view of the red rock mountains in the distance

 

Desert Canine Important #6: First-Help Tape

Carrying first help equipment when your climbing within the desert with canine goes with out saying. However most don’t include first-aid tape for pets. That is simply as vital as carrying Band-Aids for your self. And you possibly can order it on-line, or choose it up at any pet retailer. 

The tape is self-adhesive and received’t persist with pores and skin or fur. So that you received’t trigger your pet extra ache whereas wrapping or unwrapping their damage. The tape is stretchy, so make sure you apply it as loosely as attainable to keep away from slicing off the circulation. And get your pet the suitable medical consideration as quickly as attainable.

READ MORE ⇒  Make A DIY Pet First Help Package

Hiking with dogs on a pet friendly trail in the desert. This dog is sitting under a Saguaro cactus.

Desert Canine Important #7: Benadryl

Soiled canine secret: Bailey likes to eat bees! Significantly, when issues begin buzzing round, it’s like she’s half frog. She’s even caught a couple of. And, up to now, she hasn’t had a foul response. However similar to in people, your pet’s allergic reactions can begin at any level of their life. Including Benadryl to our first help equipment was vital for us each.

At your subsequent vet go to, ask your canine’s physician whether or not they suggest giving your pet Benadryl for an allergic response. In the event that they approve, verify the correct dosage. Then put a be aware with that info in your first help equipment together with the treatment, so that you’ll have it helpful. (Benadryl dosage for canine is far greater than for people, so it’s vital to understand how a lot to manage.)

READ MORE ⇒  Evaluate The Prime Canine Backpacks

Hiking Essentials

 

Bonus Tip: Rattlesnakes!

Although they’ll do their finest to keep away from you and your canine, it’s attainable to have a rattlesnake encounter once you’re climbing with canine within the desert. For these of you planning to spend so much of time on desert trails, or in case your canine hikes off-leash, think about vaccinating them for rattlesnake bites.

Having your canine vaccinated provides you with extra time to get them to a veterinarian if they’re bitten. Opinions range, so speak along with your veterinarian to find out what’s finest on your canine.

Western diamondback rattlesnake

We hope that once you’re planning to go climbing with canine you discover this info useful. In case you have another desert climbing suggestions, please share them within the feedback under!

Go to our Amazon retailer to find out about extra merchandise we depend on to make touring with pets simpler, safer, and extra enjoyable!

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