Tips for Hiking with Dogs
1. Consider Your Dog’s Physical Condition
If you’re not sure how your dog will do on a hike, start with long walks in your neighborhood and slowly build up his endurance. When he’s ready, take short hikes and then gradually add distance.
If your dog is older or has physical disabilities, choose trails that will accommodate a dog stroller or wheelchair. It’s a little more work, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
2. Follow the Rules
Whenever you use an online resource to locate pet friendly hikes, it’s important to verify the rules before you go. Policies regarding pets change frequently, so call, confirm on the park’s website, or ask when you arrive where dogs can go and whether leashes are required. Then abide by the trail rules! 
Many places have stopped allowing dogs on the trails after complaints about off-leash incidents. If the regulations in one place don’t suit you, find another place to hike.
3. Prepare for Weather & Terrain
Reading reviews of any trails you’re considering will help you prepare for the terrain. And checking the forecast will allow you to consider the weather. When traveling, don’t underestimate how differences in elevation, humidity, and sun strength will affect you and your dog.
Spring and summer hiking means sun and bugs, so pack sunscreen and insect repellant formulated for dogs. Breeds with short coats may appreciate an outer layer if you’re hiking in wet or cold conditions, and dog boots might be necessary if you’re hiking in snow or rough terrain.
4. Carry Plenty of Water
When I was running the rule was to drink before you got thirsty. The same applies to your dog. So, you’ll need to take plenty of water for you both.
Be careful about allowing your dog to drink from streams or lakes. These water sources can contain gnarly parasites that will give your dog severe gastrointestinal issues or worse. Insisting he only drink water you’ve brought along could save you a trip to the vet.
5. Allow Your Dog to Share the Load
Rather than carrying all the water yourself, get your dog a backpack and let him haul his own! Acclimate your dog to the pack by starting with little weight and short walks. When you start hiking, be sure to adjust the pack contents and straps as needed to keep the weight balanced.

Most dogs can safely carry up to a third of their weight, so be careful not to overload them. Buster loved his backpack, and we appreciated him for packing his and Ty’s water and a light collapsible bowl.
6. Carry A First Aid Kit
A human first aid kit will have most of the supplies you and your dog will likely need for any cuts, bruises, and abrasions. Consider adding compression tape or booties to wrap injured paws. And include an antihistamine after talking to your vet about the proper dosage, in case you or your dog gets bit or stung and has an allergic reaction. 
Be sure that you know what’s in your kit and how to use it. When someone is howling in pain is not the best time to search the kit or read the directions!
7. Check Your Dog’s ID 
Before you head out, make sure your dog’s ID tag is properly secured to a collar that won’t slip off. The tag should have your cell phone number and any other information that someone might need if they find your dog.
If you know you’ll be leaving cell coverage behind, be prepared with a plan to find your lost dog in a cell phone dead zone.
8. Take Extra Care During Hunting Season
Extra precautions are necessary when hiking during any hunting season. A bright or reflective dog vest and bear bells will help keep your pup from being mistaken as a target. You’ll also want to wear something bright that will help you stand out from the natural environment.
During hunting season, it’s also a good idea to keep your dog on leash – even in areas where he’s allowed off-leash. This will help him avoid confrontations with any hunting dogs that might be in the area.
9. Leaves Of Three, Let It Be
Dogs are susceptible to plant-based toxins just like people. And they can pass the oily substance from poison ivy or poison oak to you on their fur. Take a moment to be sure that you can identify the toxic plants common to the area you’ll be hiking.
10. Be Aware Of Wildlife 
Your dogs will hear, smell, and sense things before you. If you’re hiking with your dogs and they start barking, they could be warning you about a potential threat in the vicinity. Make yourself aware of what kinds of wildlife you could encounter on your hike, and learn how to avoid confrontations.
If you’re hiking in bear country, fit your dog with bear bells and carry a can of bear spray. And anytime you’re entering an area where bear sightings are possible, always keep your dog in sight and stay alert!
11. Let Someone Know Where You’re Going
Stuff happens! If for some reason you were unable to get back and needed assistance, having a relative, friend, neighbor, or park ranger know where you are and when you expected to return is a big help. Printing this information on a simple note card with relevant contact numbers is helpful.
Carry a copy of the trail map or take a photo of the map at the trailhead and take the park phone number with you during your hike. If you end up lost on a trail, you’ll be glad you did! Calling the ranger for directions might save you from spending a night under the stars.
An app like Runkeeper, which tracks exactly where you’ve hiked, can also be helpful. If at any point you need to backtrack, it will show where you are and the route you’ve covered. Take a mini portable battery along to recharge your phone, too! 
12. No One Should Be Able To Tell You Went Hiking With Your Dogs
All trash and dog waste should be bagged, carried out, and disposed of properly. Don’t leave any evidence that you and your dog were on the trail's
13. Check For Ticks After Hiking 
Ticks can cause severe medical problems such as Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever – both of which can be contracted by dogs and humans. Talk to your vet about an appropriate prevention program if you’re traveling to a place where ticks are common. And be sure to examine yourself and your dog after hiking in wooded areas where ticks are found.

Content barrowed from Go Pet Friendly

​When a dog’s internal body temperature goes above a normal temperature of 101.5 Fahrenheit (F), this is a fever and is called hyperthermia. When the body temperature is above 105F, the dog may be suffering from heatstroke.
Dogs have only a couple of ways to cool off: blood vessel expansion and panting. When dogs pant, they evaporate moisture from their tongues, nasal passages, and the lining of their lungs, and this cools them down as air passes over the moist tissue. They also cool off via vasodilation. Blood vessels, especially in the ears and face, expand – bringing overheated blood closer to the surface to cool down.
The bottom surfaces of paws can sweat, but not enough to make a difference. “Heatstroke usually occurs when high ambient temperature overcomes the dog’s ability to dissipate heat. The degree of damage is determined by how high a body temperature is reached and how long the animal is exposed,” says Dr. Jerry Klein, AKC chief veterinary officer.

Heatstroke in dogs is life threatening and can also result in very serious complications. There are early signs of heatstroke that you can be alert to that may help you remedy the condition before things get too serious.
Early signs of heatstroke include: heavy panting and rapid breathing, excessive drooling, dry mucous membranes, bright red gums and tongue, skin hot to the touch, and a higher heart rate. Affected dogs become hyperactive and may have difficulty maintaining balance.
As exposure to excessive heat goes on, the dog’s condition worsens and includes signs of shock: pale mucous membranes with white or blue gums, very rapid heart rate, and a drop in blood pressure. The dog hyperventilates, and dehydration becomes more severe. Pupils dilate, the pulse becomes more irregular, and the dog has muscle tremors; he may become lethargic and unwilling to move; urinate or defecate uncontrollably; collapse and become comatose.

Heatstroke generally occurs during the hottest part of the year, especially when it is humid. Contributing factors include:

• Breed: Heatstroke can be seen in all breeds, but may be more likely in longhaired and brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds.
• Age: Very young dogs, as well as older dogs are more susceptible.
• Physical fitness: Dogs that are out of shape are vulnerable when they exert a great deal of energy in excessively hot surroundings.
• Weight: Overweight and obese dogs are more likely to suffer.
• Medical disorders: Hypothyroidism, cardiac disease, and laryngeal paralysis also contribute to heatstroke.
• Environment: The most common cause of heatstroke in dogs is confinement in a closed automobile. The ambient temperature inside a closed car can become dangerously high in a matter of minutes, and the results can be fatal. Other causes of heatstroke can include being confined in an exercise pen without fresh water in direct sunlight and dogs left in cages for an extended period of time with cage driers on them unchecked.
• Water: Restricted access and not drinking enough water causes overheating.
• Acclimation: Sudden change to a warmer climate can cause heat stress.

How to Treat HeatstrokeHeatstroke therapy involves immediately trying to lower the dog’s body temperature. If you notice signs of heatstroke in your dog, it’s critical to stop any activity and help your dog cool down by:

• Walking or carrying the dog to a well ventilated, cool area.
• Spraying or sponging the dog with cool (not cold) or tepid water especially on the underside. Do not immerse the animal in cold water.
• Using a fan to blow cool air on him.

If you have a rectal thermometer, you should take your dog’s temperature. According to Dr. John Hamil, DVM, if the temperature is less than 105F, you should still consider this an emergency and immediately take your dog to your veterinarian.  If the temperature is higher than 105F, try to cool the dog down, and after a few minutes retake the temperature. Don’t reduce the temperature below 103F, because the temperature may descend to critical levels.
Immediately take your dog to your veterinarian as soon as the temperature reaches 103F or if you are unable to reduce the temperature significantly. Severely affected dogs require fluids, medication, support, and oxygen. Complications may not occur immediately, so it’s important to let your veterinarian determine the type of follow-up treatment required.

Immediate action and correct treatment is so important because it can mean the difference between a swift and complete recovery and long-term complications. Some veterinarians also advise that once a dog has experienced heatstroke, it is more likely to reoccur.
Our dogs live to please us, and if we ask them to jog or hike or play catch, they’ll do it with enthusiasm – even on the hottest days. So it’s up to you to keep the weather in mind and limit the time your dog exercises when the temperature soars. Choose cooler times of day for play or training sessions. Always provide plenty of cool fresh water, shade, and frequent rest periods when it’s hot. And never leave your dog in the car – he may miss you, but he’ll be better off waiting for you at home.

1. Hang the loop of the Bells on the inside doorknob of the door that your dog typically exits the house. Choose wisely as you do not want to move the bells after training has started.
2. Every time you take your pup/dog outside to potty, state a simple command phrase, I use "Go Potty" or "Outside". All members of your household should be consistent and use the same wording and actions with your pup/dog.
3. After stating your command phrase, immediately ring your Bells in front of the dog.
4. After ringing the bells and saying your command, allow your dog to go outside. When they have done their "Business" reward them with verbal praise and a pat or stroke. DO THIS EACH TIME YOUR DOG IS TO GO OUTSIDE AS CONSISTENCY IS KEY!
Training Tip: I suggest that you not use potty time to play with your dog outside so they don't associate ring time with playtime. You can always take your pup outside to play at other times when you choose to. The pup/dog will eventually associate ringing the bells with going and the praise they receive from their favorite person, you, is reward enough!
I certainly hope this helps someone out, as I have successfully trained several puppies to use the doggie door bells. Below is a link to the Poochie-Bells on Amazon.