Chihuahuas are spunky little dogs that love to be favored and loved. If your chihuahua is anything like mine, then it looks to you for guidance and attention almost 24 hours per day!
Chihuahuas will go along with almost anything that their owner or primary caretaker does. If you eat, they want to eat. If you take a nap, they take a nap. They are basically little clones of the person they admire most.
This quality in chihuahuas is great for people who enjoy being outdoors because it means that their furry friend will likely enjoy doing outdoor activities, too.
They will do anything to be near you, right?
One outdoor activity that is great for chihuahuas and their owners is hiking! While it may sound silly to think of a tiny 5-pound dog going on an adventurous hike. You will be surprised at how great of a companion a chihuahua can be while hiking!
Before you shake your head in disbelief, let’s take a look at why chihuahuas can make a great hiking companion!
Do Chihuahuas Like Being Outdoors?
If you have a chihuahua, then you know they are a very particular breed of dog. They love being outdoors, but only if you are outside with them.
If you leave your chihuahua outside and shut the door, chances are they will be pawing at the door to come inside within moments of realizing that you are gone.
My chihuahua will literally sit and look at me until I let her inside or go back outside with her. She is my biggest drama queen when it comes to being left alone. And that really goes for anywhere, not just outside. I can’t even leave the room without her following me!
So, it is safe to say that if you love being outdoors, your chihuahua will likely enjoy being out there with you.
Do Chihuahua Like Hiking?
Chihuahuas enjoy physical activity and like to run and play around. A healthy chihuahua will enjoy going on a hike, but for a limited amount of time. Chihuahuas are a small breed of dog and have physical limitations compared to larger breeds. But, this doesn’t stop them from going on short hikes.
The best part about hiking with a chihuahua is that they are so small that they are a breeze to carry around. If you are equipped with a doggy backpack
you can easily take your chihuahua on the longest of hikes!
Can Chihuahuas Hike In All Types Of Weather?
Chihuahuas are native to Mexico. Mexico is known for being hot, hot, hot! Because chihuahuas were bred in a hot place, they do best in hotter weather.
But, just because they can handle the heat, this does not mean that they can’t become overheated. Always provide your chihuahua with plenty of water during any outside time including walks, hikes, and play.
If your chihuahua begins to pant, has difficulty breathing, has a severely dry nose, rapid pulse, or becomes dizzy be sure to provide them with water as soon as possible. These are all signs of heat exhaustion and can be fatal if they are left untreated.
Other ways to help cool off a chihuahua with heat exhaustion are to remove them from the heat, put them in front of a fan, and wipe their paws and face with cool (not cold) water.
If these treatments do not help, take your chihuahua to the vet immediately to have them checked out.
Now if you plan on hiking with your chihuahua during the cooler months, you will need to prepare a little more for this type of outing. Since chihuahuas generally do better in warmer climates and during summer months, winter hikes may not bring out the best in their performance.
Chihuahuas will not be able to hike for long periods of time when the weather dips below the 50-degree mark. If you insist on hiking with your chihuahua when it is brisk, you will 100% have to prepare your chi and yourself for the hike.
First, buy your chihuahua some booties to protect their paws, a coat, and a hat to help keep them warm. They will need these items to keep them from shivering the whole time.
Next, get a doggie backpack. Since chihuahuas shouldn’t hike for extended amounts of time when it is too cold, it will benefit both of you to have the option to carry your chi part of the time.
Chihuahuas are so light that adding the extra few pounds won’t make the hike unbearable for you, and it allows your chi to still enjoy being with you.
How Long Can Chihuahuas Hike Before Tiring Out?
As we read above, chihuahuas can hike alongside you for a longer amount of time when the weather is warmer. During summer months and warm days, your chihuahua can easily hike for 30 to 45 minutes at a time.
But, when the weather is colder their ability to hike longer amounts of time decreases to about 10 minutes at a time.
Things To Remember When Hiking With A Chihuahua
Always go hiking with your chihuahua only if you are properly prepared for anything that may pop up! And only allow your chihuahua to hike alongside you if they are healthy enough to do so.
Keep your chihuahua on a leash at all times. Chihuahuas are small – large birds or other animals can easily drag them away or prey on them. Keep them safely by your side with a leash and a properly fitted collar.
Poor weather conditions, a bad fall, or possibly a night out in the woods can all become a reality when going on a long hike. Because anything can happen, you always want to be as prepared as you can be to keep you and your chihuahua safe.
Always make sure your chihuahua has an ID tag with your name, address, and contact information for your veterinarian. Double-check that the ID tag is properly secured and can be easily read.
Also, always bring a first aid kit that contains gauze, hydrogen peroxide, bandages, antibiotic cream, and an emergency flare. You never know when you or your chi may fall or get into something that causes injury.
Finally, always bring ample amounts of water and a small amount of food for your chihuahua. If either of you experiences low blood sugar, or dreadfully, get lost and must spend the night in the woods, you know that you will have enough to get by through the night. Food is energy and you will need a lot of it.
Related: –> What to Pack When Hiking With Your Dog
My Final Thoughts
If you are a chihuahua parent, then you understand the amount of love they give. You know that they just want to be near you at all times and will do almost anything to stay by your side.
That being said, a chihuahua makes a great hiking companion whether they are physically hiking alongside you or being carried on your body. They will help keep you company and give you a reason to smile when doing something adorable.