Gear and practices that keep your dog safe outdoors and at home, from bear-country food storage to visibility on dark walks and first-aid kits built for trail use.
Is Your Puppy Ready for the Trail? Taking your puppy on their first hike is a milestone moment — the kind of memory that makes you reach for your phone camera a dozen times. But before you lace up your boots and clip on a leash, there are some practical things to sort out. Puppies … Read more
Hiking with Senior Dogs: Trail Adaptations for Older Dogs Last updated: June 2026 | By GearHound My dog turned twelve last spring, and for the first time, I noticed her hesitating at the trailhead instead of bolting up the path. She still wanted to go. The enthusiasm was there. But her body was telling her … Read more
Dog Life Jackets for Swimming Season: What Actually Works Last updated: June 2026 | By GearHound Most dogs can swim instinctively, but cold water, currents, fatigue, and panic can turn a fun swim into a dangerous situation fast. A good life jacket gives your dog buoyancy when they need it and a handle for you … Read more
Why Human Bug Spray Is Dangerous for Dogs DEET — the active ingredient in most human insect repellents — is toxic to dogs. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, seizures, and in severe cases, neurological damage. If you”ve been spraying yourself with Off! or Repel and then petting your dog, you”re transferring it to their … Read more
Why Your Dog Needs Their Own Tent on the Trail If you’ve ever camped with a dog, you know the struggle. They hog the sleeping bag, track mud into your tent, and somehow always end up sleeping on your pillow. A dedicated dog tent solves all of that — and gives your pup a safe, … Read more
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
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
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
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
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