Taking Oliver hiking! What do I need?

[akaryendy]

We are planning to visit Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountain National Park in about two months. Of course we are taking Oliver. We haven't vacationed by ourselves since we got him. He will be 2 weeks shy from being 1 year old then, and he weighs about 6 to 6.5 lbs. It will be his first time hiking in the wilderness!

Now we are not in very good shape anyway so there won't be any strenuous hiking, mostly easy to moderate 2, 3 mile max hikes to vistas or waterfalls. Oliver goes on a roughly 1.5 mile walk (round trip) with me 2, 3 times a week, but we live in Fl so of course there is no elevation and the sidewalk is way easier compared to hiking trails. Oliver is a very friendly and good dog. He never chases wildlife (aka birds, squirrels, ducks in our neighborhood) and well-socialized (has tons of friends at dog park). Of course he is still a puppy so he's curious and hyper.

Now my questions are :

Do you take your Yorkies hiking? I know people tend to take bigger dogs.

Any suggestions regarding doggie gear and which brand? (Hiking boots for example)

Should I let him sniff stuffs on the side of the path? (in case there's something poisonous?)

Should I be worried about him being cold? It's in september.

I'm also looking for a carrier that would strap him onto me like how people carry their baby in front of their chest, just in case he's tired and refuses to walk. Anyone knows one that's good and comfortable to use for Oliver and his human momma?


I also will appreciate any advice and tips from those who have done it or live in the area!!!!

[rubymoon2072]

http://www.amazon.com/Kyjen-2510-Carrier-Adjustabl...
I just ordered this for Lola as she doesn't walk on a leash and I like to take Cedric N Keylo on short hikes near my home. I haven't gotten it yet but from the reviews a med was best as she is 5.5 pounds and I want her to have enough space. I would bring him a sweater if you have one just incase it is a cool. Boot or his feet would depend on the terrain. if it is grassy/dirt type regular terrain I would say you might not need them. I would be sure to have a travel water bowl and fresh water for him....you know the basic stuff. I am sure others will chime in cause I have missed a lot I'm sure.

[Wylie's Mom]

For carriers, check out Celltei - The Design House for Pets and Their Family Too! - they have some awesome convertible pet carriers that can be used either as hand-carry or as "packs" in the front or on your back.

For boots, def go to Alldogboots.com: Dog Boots, Shoes & Booties For Your Pet - she is a member here and has the best selection.

When we used to take Wylie hiking, we always brought along a collapsible water dish and water.

[Magnus]

Originally Posted by rubymoon2072

Amazon.com : Kyjen 2510 Front Carrier Pet Carrier Adjustable Drawstring Padded Dog Carrier, Medium, Black : Pet Carrier Backpacks : Pet Supplies

I just ordered this for Lola as she doesn't walk on a leash and I like to take Cedric N Keylo on short hikes near my home. I haven't gotten it yet but from the reviews a med was best as she is 5.5 pounds and I want her to have enough space. I would bring him a sweater if you have one just incase it is a cool. Boot or his feet would depend on the terrain. if it is grassy/dirt type regular terrain I would say you might not need them. I would be sure to have a travel water bowl and fresh water for him....you know the basic stuff. I am sure others will chime in cause I have missed a lot I'm sure.

I have the one Rubymoon showed. Zoey is about 5.5 lbs and she absolutely loves being in there when she doesn't want to walk.

Other than the basics (like water, snacks, etc), I think it'd be a good idea to take some first aid meds like ointments for cuts and such. Perhaps few wipes in a ziplock bag.

This being his first hike, just make sure you know what plants are poisonous to him. Also, I don't know how bad ticks/fleas are down there but I'd suggest you search him before getting back into your car.

[jadabug]

I live at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains,and unless the rules have changed pets are not allowed on the trails in the National Park. The rangers will give you a big fine if they catch you unless the laws have changed in recent years. We have also had a lot of bear activity lately and some trails are closed due to that.
There are lots of things you can do in our area to include your baby and it is beautiful right now also. I hope you have lots of fun.

[jadabug]

Originally Posted by Magnus

I have the one Rubymoon showed. Zoey is about 5.5 lbs and she absolutely loves being in there when she doesn't want to walk.

Other than the basics (like water, snacks, etc), I think it'd be a good idea to take some first aid meds like ointments for cuts and such. Perhaps few wipes in a ziplock bag.

This being his first hike, just make sure you know what plants are poisonous to him. Also, I don't know how bad ticks/fleas are down there but I'd suggest you search him before getting back into your car.

Ticks and fleas are horrible here this year.

[akaryendy]

Originally Posted by jadabug

I live at the foothills of the Smoky Mountains,and unless the rules have changed pets are not allowed on the trails in the National Park. The rangers will give you a big fine if they catch you unless the laws have changed in recent years. We have also had a lot of bear activity lately and some trails are closed due to that.

Yes thanks for the tip. I did some research and it's really unfortunate there is only 2 trails that allow dogs. I'm intended to take him to the one close to Gatlinburg. The park does not allow dogs on most hiking trails but does let them on camping sites. Now I don't have experience with this but bear tend to attack? I heard they actually run from you?

Also, you think flea and ticks situation will get better by September? I have no clue if they are less active when it's cool down like bugs and mosquitoes lol it's hot down here all year round.

Originally Posted by Magnus

This being his first hike, just make sure you know what plants are poisonous to him.

I am worried about that because I don't think I can even recognize these plants in the wild randomly to even know not to let him come near.

[Maximo]

How fun! Here is a thread with a couple of photos from a member who took their Yorkie hiking in the Shenandoah.

http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/tra...henandoah.html

Cold weather would be easy to deal with. My bigger concern would be heat. September can still be very hot. A person in one of my dog groups on Facebook lost a German Shepherd to heat exhaustion while hiking. Be cautious.

[akaryendy]

Originally Posted by rubymoon2072

Amazon.com : Kyjen 2510 Front Carrier Pet Carrier Adjustable Drawstring Padded Dog Carrier, Medium, Black : Pet Carrier Backpacks : Pet Supplies

I just ordered this for Lola as she doesn't walk on a leash and I like to take Cedric N Keylo on short hikes near my home. I haven't gotten it yet but from the reviews a med was best as she is 5.5 pounds and I want her to have enough space. I would bring him a sweater if you have one just incase it is a cool. Boot or his feet would depend on the terrain. if it is grassy/dirt type regular terrain I would say you might not need them

I was looking at something similar so it's great you recommend it. Will you let me know when you get it if it's great?
I'll get him a jacket for the trip. He does not have any clothes lol. Don't know if it makes me bad owner but i believe in letting dogs be dogs. By the way how cold can a Yorkie endure? Just curious, I don't want to put a jacket on him and make him hot when he doesn't need it.
Also the boots, I wish I can find a shoes store so he can try it on. Even if the trails is not too rocky and rough, I'm afraid his paws get burn on hot paved path? Is this a real concern?

[Britster]

Jackson goes hiking all the time with me. He is a bigger boy, at 17lbs or so, but any healthy dog no matter the size can go hiking. I know 6lb Papillons and 4lb Chihuahuas that go with their owners all the time. And like you said, it doesn't sound like what you're doing is going to be super strenuous anyway.

I usually carry a backpack with a portable water bowl (I like the popware ones, pupperware, or something?), a big bottle of water, some treats, an extra leash, I usually bring a regular 6ft and a retractable in case I want him to have a little more room. Poop bags.

Ummmm, I think that's about it for us, unless I am missing something. We don't do booties or anything. He climbs on rocks, etc, and never has issue, but we've never gone to an extremely rocky place either yet.

Cold in September? I doubt it. We've been hiking in the dead of winter when it was like 25 degrees F one day and I had a jacket on Jackson but he seemed to get warm, so I ended up taking it off. When you're moving a lot, and walking at a decent pace, he seems to stay warm enough, and he's cut short all year round.

[gemy]

I take a first aid kit with me,, which includes for sure vet wrap, and a saline wash solution, Benadryl etc.

I also take water and a water bowl, and treats/food. A whistle as well.

An extra collar and lead just in case.

If you are camping out in Sept - well at least here you need to be prepared for very cool to cold nights - so a sweater for your doggie might be advisable.

Heat exhaustion can happen and relatively quickly as well. I pulled over just today to the side of the road, because I saw a dog on a lead who was obviously over-heated - the two girls had no clue. I exited my car, I always travel with water and a water bowl, and said I think your dog needs to rest in the shade and needs some water. May I give him some?

So he lapped up the water, and I said stay here for at least 15 minutes let him drink and keep him in the shade.

Know where the nearest vet is, just in case.

I don't know about over the chest carriers I have never used one.

[jadabug]

Originally Posted by akaryendy

Yes thanks for the tip. I did some research and it's really unfortunate there is only 2 trails that allow dogs. I'm intended to take him to the one close to Gatlinburg. The park does not allow dogs on most hiking trails but does let them on camping sites. Now I don't have experience with this but bear tend to attack? I heard they actually run from you?

Also, you think flea and ticks situation will get better by September? I have no clue if they are less active when it's cool down like bugs and mosquitoes lol it's hot down here all year round.



I am worried about that because I don't think I can even recognize these plants in the wild randomly to even know not to let him come near.

Fleas and ticks will be the same here in September. They normally don't die down until after the first frost which is usually late October. As to the question about the black bear.....I don't think they normally attack but they will if provoked. I think they are normally just foraging for food.

[shelbysmom]

this is the backpack that I love. very comfortable to carry and roomy for the dog. the photo shows how it transforms to a little tent where they can safely rest while you take a break.Amazon
my pup adjusted to these boots very quickly, perfect for protecting paws for little dogs.

Size Chart | Pawz Dog Boots

I always bring benadryl in case of bee sting. I wear a whistle which could help scare off wildlife if necessary. I keep Ali close to me on a leash so I can see if she tries to eat (or roll in) anything weird.

Have fun!

[akaryendy]

Maximo Thanks for the link. I went over there to ask for some advice. They also went to Blue Ridge parkway so maybe they can give me some tips.

Britster haha you know how it is, us from Florida wear boots and jackets when it's in the 70 especially in the mountain it can get 10-20 degree colder so I don't know if Oliver fur is enough to keep him warm.

The extra leash is a great idea. I didn't think of that.

gemy Yes I will make sure to keep him hydrated. We visited Savannah GA in June and it was HOT. The poor thing got so hot his tongue was out and he couldn't open his eyes but he just kept charging. I had to pull him under the shade all the time and take a water break. The cool mountain weather in Sept will definitely a better than that I think.

jadabug that's good to know about the fleas and black bears. We'll take precaution! Thanks for the tip.

shelbysmom the backpack is perfect but I was looking at something for the front coz i will most likely already be carrying a backpack of my own. Also it would be great if it can be folded so I can put it away when not used. I will look into the boots, most likely not gonna use them but to have just in case. Thanks!