How To Hike With Your Dog Safely

With a little preparation, hiking with your dog can be a fun activity for both you and your furry friend. Those long walks give the two of you a chance to bond, explore the great outdoors, and get some much-needed exercise and mental stimulation.

But before you and your pet hit the trail, make sure you have everything you’ll need for a dog-friendly hike. Safety is the most important part of any activity, and that includes knowing what to bring and how to stay safe when the two of you head out for a hike.

These tips for hiking with dogs will help you make sure you and your pup will be safe the next time you lace up your hiking boots.

Before Your Hike

Before heading out for a hike with your dog, there are a few preparatory measures you must take.

Research Dog-Friendly Hikes

Don’t drive to the trailhead without researching the hike first. Dogs aren’t allowed in all areas, and even certain dog-friendly trails might not be a good fit for your pup.

Consider your dog’s breed, age, and overall health before embarking on a hike. Some dogs are natural athletes and can handle longer and more challenging trails, while others may be more suited for shorter, low-impact hikes.

Watch out for parts of the path that may be unsafe, like extended afternoon sun exposure during hot summer months or steep rock scrambles that could be slippery after a rain. An app like AllTrails can help you plan for a hike that fits your dog’s abilities.

Keep Your Dog Protected

Make sure your dog is microchipped and wearing ID tags with your contact information. In the unfortunate event that they get lost, having proper identification greatly increases the chances of a safe return.

Additionally, ensure your dog is up to date on vaccinations and their heartworm and flea and tick prevention. And talk with your vet about protecting your pet against other common outdoor risks, like Lyme disease.

Pack the Right Dog Hiking Products

Aside from your own sturdy footwear, water, and snacks, hiking with your dog means adding a few other essentials to your packing list. Make sure you have the following items that can help ensure your dog’s comfort and safety on the trail:

• Water and bowl: Bring a collapsible water bowl and enough fresh water to keep your dog hydrated throughout the hike. Longer distances will require more water, so plan accordingly.

• Leash and harness: A sturdy leash and harness will keep your pup from wandering—especially if their nose catches a scent and leads them off-trail.

• Food and treats: If you’re heading out for a long hike or plan to camp overnight, portion out enough dog food and bring that along, too. You may also want to bring treats to encourage them to pay attention and stay close.

• Poop bags: These are important for properly disposing your dog’s waste.

• First-aid kit: A basic first aid kit is handy in case of any minor injuries.

During the Hike

When your preparations are done, you still need to be vigilant and care for your dog during your hike.

Know What Your Dog Can Handle

While hiking, keep an eye on your pooch for signs of overexertion or exhaustion. These include excessive panting, struggling to keep up, and a lack of interest in continuing the hike. If your dog shows any of these signs, it’s time to take a break or turn back.

Be Cautious of the Heat

Hiking during hot weather can pose a significant risk to your dog’s health. Be extremely cautious on hot days not to overexert your pup.

Plan your activities during the cooler parts of the day or opt for shaded trails if you’ll be outdoors during the midday heat. Dogs are more susceptible to heatstroke than humans, so if you’re hot, they’re very hot.

Signs of heat exhaustion include:

• Excessive panting

• Drooling

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Red gums

• Fast heart rate

• Weakness

• Collapse

If your dog shows any of these symptoms on your hike, move them to a cool or shaded area, dampen a towel with cool water and place it on your dog’s body or mist them with water to help them cool down, and call your vet ASAP.

Your dog’s breed, activity level, and age are also risk factors for heatstroke. Older dogs or brachycephalic breeds like Boxers, Bulldogs, and Pugs are at a higher risk of overheating.

To help prevent dehydration and overheating, regular breaks to rest are a must, and be sure to provide ample shade and water. 

If your dog enjoys water, swimming or wading in shallow, safe water can be an excellent way for them to cool down. Always check the water safety of public swimming holes before bringing your dog.

Other dog hiking gear that can help keep your dog cool include cooling vests specifically designed for dogs to help lower their body temperature during outdoor activities.

Keep Your Dog on a Leash

While your dog may love the freedom to explore off-leash, always keep them tethered during hikes. This ensures their safety, and it’s also a requirement on most public hiking trails.

Wildlife encounters or unexpected hazards like cliffs or steep edges can quickly escalate into dangerous situations for an off-leash dog. Keeping your dog leashed allows you to have better control and prevents them from getting lost or injured.

Protect Your Dog’s Paws

Your dog’s paws can be susceptible to injuries from rough terrain, sharp objects, and extreme temperatures. Some pet parents opt to protect their pup’s paws with dog booties or paw wax. These create a barrier against hot surfaces, sharp rocks, and potential irritants.

Introduce your dog to paw protection at home before the hike so they can get used to it ahead of time.

Know Your Dog’s Behavior and Limitations

Each dog is different, so be aware of your dog’s behavior and limitations. Some dogs may be uncomfortable with heights, water crossings, or even other dogs or animals you may encounter on the trail. Approach such situations carefully and help your dog feel safe and confident.

After Your Hike

Whether you and your buddy walked one mile in the woods or 20, your post-hike recovery includes some important steps.

Ensure your pooch has plenty of fresh water to rehydrate and check their skin and fur for parasites like fleas or ticks.

• Hydrate

• Check for ticks

• Wipe their paws and remove any seeds or burrs

• Rest up!

Hiking with your dog is an incredibly rewarding experience that creates lasting memories. However, while the vistas can be great, your pup’s safety should always be your top priority.

Before heading out for a hike, check with your vet, especially if your pooch is overweight, elderly, or has any health conditions. They may have specific advice for your dog, based on their health history.