For many dog people, autumn is the best time of year for hiking. The heat is over, the forests are glowing with colour and dogs have noticeably more energy than in summer. At the same time, a few things change: the days get shorter, the ground is often wet and cold, and it is hunting season in the woods. If you take that into account when packing, you get more out of the day. We have put together our packing list for autumn hikes with a dog, including the things our Vico would not want to be without after a few tours.
Before the tour: assess the route and your dog realistically
The best packing list is of little use if the tour does not suit your dog. Check the length, elevation gain and terrain beforehand. Many Swiss hiking trails include sections with stairs, ladders or metal grating that become a problem for small or older dogs. Such spots are usually marked on hiking maps and in route planning portals.
In autumn, hunting season comes on top of that. In many cantons and municipalities, special rules for dogs then apply in forests and wildlife protection areas. Watch for signs along the trail and put your dog on the lead if in doubt. That protects the wildlife and your dog, because a dog chasing a deer is out of sight in no time. Plan for dusk as well: in October it is already dark by around 6 pm, in November even earlier. You should be back in daylight, or you need lights for yourself and your dog.
The packing list for your dog
These things come with us on every autumn hike:
- Water and a collapsible bowl: Dogs drink a lot on the go even in cool weather. Some fountains are already switched off in autumn, and not every stream is clean. Be generous and offer water every 30 to 60 minutes.
- Food and treats in portions: A small snack for longer tours, plus treats for recall near wildlife. Best kept in a resealable bag so nothing crumbles in your rucksack.
- Poo bags: More than you think. There are rarely Robidog stations on hiking trails, so carry full bags with you until the next bin.
- Lead, harness, dog tag: A normal lead for villages and protected areas. A well-fitting harness lets you secure your dog on steep sections. Do not forget an address or phone number on the tag or collar.
- Towel: Wet grass, mud and puddles are part of autumn. An absorbent towel makes the journey home in the car or on public transport much more pleasant.
- Warmth for breaks: Short-haired, small and older dogs cool down quickly during breaks, especially when their coat is wet. A light jacket or a blanket to lie on helps.
- Small first-aid kit: Self-adhesive bandage, wound disinfectant, tick tweezers and your vet's phone number. Ticks are active well into November, more on that in our article Ticks in autumn.
- Visibility: A light-up tag or a reflective element on the collar, in case it gets later than planned.
You will find more practical companions for the road, from water bottles to car seat mats, in our Travel accessories collection.
When small dogs get tired: pack a carrier
Our Vico is a Dachshund with short legs and a big appetite for hiking. On long flights of stairs, ladders or the last few kilometres of a tour, he is still glad to be carried. That is why the WuffCargo travel backpack comes with us. Your dog sits in it on your back, the front paws are allowed to poke out at the top, and the breathable mesh panels give him enough air. The side pockets hold treats and poo bags, and the adjustable straps spread the weight across both shoulders.
Getting the right size matters. The WuffCargo comes in four sizes, from S for dogs weighing 1 to 4 kg to XL for dogs weighing 12 to 15 kg, each in red, grey, black and blue, from CHF 49.95. Measure your dog's back length before buying and compare it with the size chart on the product page. If the backpack is too tight, your dog gets restless; if it is too loose, he slides around as you walk. Practise getting in and out a few times at home with treats before the first tour. And a note on our own behalf: the backpack is a help for tricky sections and tired legs, not a substitute for walking. Exercise remains the best thing your dog can get on the trail.
Everything within reach: the walking bag as a hip bag
Anyone who has ever rummaged through a rucksack for poo bags with the lead in one hand and an eye on the dog knows why a hip bag is worth its weight in gold on the trail. The SilkeN dog walking bag is made of water-repellent nylon and has two front pockets for treats, a side pocket for poo bags and D-rings for clipping on a dog whistle or keys. The three large compartments have room for your phone and wallet. The bag comes with a 140 cm strap and can be worn as a belt bag, over the shoulder or on your own belt. It measures around 21 x 13 x 6 cm and is available in beige, brown, black, blue and red, for CHF 69.00. On our forest walks Vico has already tested it as a pillow and given it his approval.
After the hike
Once you are home, a quick check is worthwhile. Inspect the paws for cracks, thorns and small stones between the pads. Check your dog for ticks, especially on the head, ears, neck and armpits. Dry the coat well and give your dog a rest before feeding. If your dog is lame after the tour, unusually tired or does not want to eat, a call to the vet is the right course of action.
Frequently asked questions
Can my dog run free everywhere in autumn?
No. During hunting season and in wildlife protection areas, many cantons and municipalities impose restrictions, and the rules vary by region. Observe the signs along the trail and, in forest areas with wildlife, put your dog on the lead if in doubt. A dog should only run free where it is permitted and where he comes back reliably when called.
How much water do I need for my dog on a hike?
That depends on size, exertion and weather. As a guide: for a small dog on a half-day tour we pack at least half a litre just for him, and correspondingly more for large dogs. Offer small amounts regularly rather than a lot at once. If the bottle is empty before the tour is over, it was not enough.
From what age can a young dog come hiking?
Puppies and young dogs should not do long tours with a lot of elevation gain, because their bones and joints are still growing. Short, flat walks in new surroundings, on the other hand, are valuable. When your dog is ready for longer hikes depends on breed and development. If in doubt, ask your vet.
