The First 12 Hours After a Hike Matter More Than the Hike Itself You just finished a long hike with your dog. They are tired, happy, and maybe a little sore. You drive home, put out a bowl of water, and let them crash on the couch. That is where most owners stop — and … Read more
Bear Country Is Dog Country — Know the Risks If you hike with your dog in the western US, you are hiking in bear country. Black bears range across 40 states, and grizzly populations are growing in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Washington. Most bear encounters end without incident. But a dog changes the equation. Dogs … Read more
Why 1 in 3 Dogs Will Get Lost on a Trail at Some Point According to a survey by the American Kennel Club, one in three dog owners have had their dog get lost or go missing during an outdoor activity. On trails, it usually happens fast — a deer bolts across the path, your … Read more
Rain Hiking With Your Dog: Worth It If You Prepare Right Most dog owners cancel their hike when it rains. That is a mistake. Rain hiking with your dog can be one of the best experiences you share — fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and dogs generally love the sensory change. But without the right gear, … Read more
Your Dog Burns 3x More Calories on a Trail Than on a Walk A 2-hour hike over uneven terrain burns roughly the same energy for your dog as a 6-hour neighborhood walk. Yet most owners bring the same single water bottle and maybe a treat pouch. Underfueling your dog on the trail leads to bonking … Read more
Why Unrestrained Dogs Are Dangerous in a Car An unrestrained dog in a car is a projectile. In a 30 mph crash, a 50-pound dog hits the windshield — or you — with 1,500 pounds of force. That kills the dog, and it injures or kills whoever is in the front seat. Yet most dog … Read more
Expert Reviewed · Last updated June 23, 2026 · This article is regularly updated with the latest information and recommendations. Why a Good Headlamp Matters Whether you are setting up camp after sunset, navigating a predawn trailhead, or fixing a flat on a dark roadside, a reliable headlamp is the one piece of gear you … Read more
Expert Reviewed · Last updated June 23, 2026 · This article is regularly updated with the latest information and recommendations. Why Your Dog Actually Needs Boots (No, It’s Not Just for Looks) If you’ve ever watched your dog do the “hot pavement hop” in summer or refuse to walk because their paws are packed with … Read more
Most Dogs Are Not Natural Swimmers The myth that all dogs instinctively know how to swim is dangerous. While many dogs will paddle when placed in water, that is not the same as swimming safely. Short-nosed breeds like pugs and bulldogs can barely keep their heads above water. Even strong swimming breeds like Labs can … Read more
Expert Reviewed · Last updated June 23, 2026 · This article is regularly updated with the latest information and recommendations. Why June Is the Worst Month for Ticks on Your Dog If you hike with your dog, June through August is peak tick season in most of the United States. Ticks climb to the tips … Read more