How To Hike With A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Curious and cheerful, Cavaliers enjoy outdoor activities but there are some important considerations to keep in mind with this breed.

A healthy Cavalier King Charles Spaniel ages 1 through about 7 years should tolerate an easy hike well. Generally speaking, a distance of up to 4-5 miles (6.5 – 8 km) is appropriate, as long as it is not hot outside and the dog is used to some exercise.

Cavaliers’ energy levels vary from mellow to very active. A moderate amount of exercise is typically sufficient for dogs of this breed. A long walk or a fun game in a park daily would probably satisfy a Cavalier’s need for regular exercise. Your dog will, however, enjoy a nice hike now and then.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE BREED TO CONSIDER

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have flat noses, which reduces their ability to tolerate intense exercise.

The features that could make breathing harder for these dogs are the following:

Narrow nostrils impair air circulation and any congestion exacerbates the problem

A narrow trachea makes panting less efficient
The long palate leads to respiratory problems
Pouches of laryngeal tissue often obstruct the airway and sometimes even require surgical intervention

The brachycephalic airway syndrome is not as pronounced in Cavaliers as in some other flat-faced breeds but it still affects these dogs’ ability to breathe, regulate temperature, and, therefore, tolerate activity.

Heat Intolerance

Generally, 86 °F (30°C) is the maximum ambient temperature Cavaliers can tolerate well. However, running or hiking on such a warm day could be challenging for these dogs.

If you would like to take your furry friend on a hike, choose a day not warmer than 70°F (21°C), and even then watch your pup closely for signs of dehydration and overheating.

Hip Dysplasia And Joint Problems

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels have a predisposition for joint problems and hip dysplasia, so health screening for those issues is important.

Many dogs of this breed are also prone to excessive weight gain, which is a common problem for household pets in general. Obesity is an issue on its own, of course, because it affects the dog’s overall health and tolerance to physical activity. It is also detrimental to an animal’s joints and hips in particular, especially if they are not properly developed, to begin with.

Cavaliers can and should be physically active but when it comes to hiking, steep hills are challenging for these animals and hard on their joints. Flat landscapes are more suitable for hiking with dogs of this breed.

Consider Individual Characteristics: Age, Health Status, And Overall Fitness

Old dogs and puppies should not go on hikes. A nice relaxing walk is a great alternative.

Young dogs up to about 1.5 years old have joints that are growing and changing rapidly, which makes them particularly vulnerable to injury. They are also less tolerant of weather extremes and become fatigued and dehydrated very easily.
A dog of advanced age, understandably, could have several limitations but there is no upper limit for an age that is appropriate for hiking or running. It depends on the dog. Observe your pet’s behavior, watch for any signs of discomfort, and let that determine if hiking is a good way to exercise for your dog.

If your pet suffers from respiratory issues related to brachycephalic syndrome or has bad joints, hiking might not be a good activity for the dog.

A dog that normally does not get much exercise could also struggle with hiking. Active animals do much better due to being conditioned for more challenging activities.

HOW TO MAKE HIKING COMFORTABLE FOR YOUR CAVALIER

Condition Your Dog

Avoid starting with a long and strenuous hiking trail. Start with an easy, short hike. Doing so will help your dog build up strength and stamina and allow you to notice any limitations.

If the dog looks energetic and happy after hiking, then the hike is not too much for your pet. Looking a little tired is okay but if your dog is panting heavily and appears exhausted, let him or her rest, offer some water, and consider choosing an easier trail next time.

As with most things, an individual dog may have characteristics that are not typical for the breed in general. You know your dog best, and you should always evaluate how your pet responds to any new activity or changes.

Avoid Hiking In Hot Weather

A significant factor and a safety concern for Cavalier King Charles spaniels is their intolerance of hot weather. Always take precautions on a warm day, even if your pup is not engaging in too much physical activity.

When you do take your dog on a hike, a day not warmer than 70°F (21°C) would be ideal. A shaded trail could be a good option on a warm day.

You could use a cooling vest or a casual cooling collar to keep your Cavalier comfortable on hot days. It is important to check the size chart provided by the seller if you considering purchasing a cooling vest for the dog.

Prioritize Safety On The Trail

Your Cavalier needs close supervision on the trail.

The dog should stay on a leash at all times unless off-leash is allowed on the trail and you trust your pup to stay safe.
Protect your dog from ticks and other insects with a repellent. Repellant sprays or drops can be equally effective.
Does your Cavalier know to not eat wild plants and not to drink from an unknown source? The dog needs to be appropriately trained and obedient for his or her safety on the trail or keep your pet close to you all the time.

Teach Commands, Practice Commands In Various Situations

Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel needs to be able to respond to at least a few basic commands.

Dogs of this breed are good at learning new skills and commands but they get easily distracted when outdoors. They are, in fact, infamous for getting lost outdoors. Some Cavaliers do not respond as well to commands when they are outside, in an unfamiliar environment.

Practice commands in a variety of situations, including when it is noisy or crowded outdoors.

Practice commands when you are at a distance from your pet, too.
If the dog does not respond in different situations reliably, keep him or her on a leash on the trail

WHAT TO BRING ON A HIKE

Plenty Of Water

Some dog owners and avid hikers forget how essential it is to consider the availability of water on the trail. Some hikes may have water fountains. Unless you know that that is the case, you will need to bring enough water for the dog (and yourself, of course). Dogs can become dehydrated and overheated extremely quickly, especially in summer.

A dog needs about an ounce of water per pound (or about 60 mL per kilo) on an average day. So, a Cavalier with a weight of 15 pounds (roughly 7 kilos) might need about 15 oz (close to half a liter) of water daily. The estimate does not account for an increased need for hydration due to being physically active while hiking.

Provide a generous estimate of how much water your dog might need on a hike.

Supplies You Might Need

Other items you might need on the trail:

A light collapsible water bottle for dogs
Snacks
Protective doggy boots or paw wax to prevent burns and other injuries to the paws.

A cooling collar or cooling vest
A towel to clean up anything your dog might get into
A doggy first aid kit is a good idea, especially if you are camping with your pet or planning to go on longer hikes

The number of items to bring along should be kept to a minimum. What you need will depend on where you are going and how long your hike is. Some trails might even have recycling buckets along the way, while others may have no amenities nearby at all.

Pick Dog-Friendly Trails

Here in the Pacific Northwest, most trails are dog-friendly but it is not the case everywhere. Do some research before making the trip to make the trail of your interest does allow dogs.