Dog Backpacks: When They Help and When They Hurt
Dog backpacks are often unnecessary and easy to misuse. Most dogs should carry little to no weight, and many are better off carrying nothing at all. Age, structure, conditioning, terrain, and pack fit matter more than body weight percentages. When in doubt, the safest choice is to leave the pack at home.
- Most dogs should not carry more than 5–10% of their body weight, and many dogs should carry nothing, especially if they are young, senior, or not well conditioned.
- Age, body structure, fitness level, terrain, distance, and pack stability determine risk far more than a simple percentage rule.
- Poor pack fit, uneven loads, steep descents, and uneven footing increase strain on joints, shoulders, and the spine.
- A dog should never be used to offload human gear or justify longer or harder hikes. If the dog does not clearly benefit, the pack is unnecessary.
