Too young to hike?

[Shianne Mack]

I love to hike and I wanted to know if my puppy can come along with me? He is almost 4 months old and I take him on 30-45 minute walks twice a day. He keeps up with me and I always make sure he has enough Water when we go. I want to go on a little more strenuous hike with him ( it is about 4 miles or so.. A little up hill with little rocks) and I was wondering if he would be okay to go? If 4 months too young?

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

It sounds long to me for a four month old and a lot of climbing and stress on the joints isn't good until a dog's skeletal growth is complete or nearly complete.  Better to take it slow and have a hiking buddy for a long time.

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Four miles seems like a lot for a puppy this young, but to be sure I'd just call the vet and ask.

[Gracie, Jade, & Barkley]

I would work up to it so that your pup would get used to the terrain.