Hiking Safety Tips for Dogs
Do your dog's ears perk up at the mention of the word "walk"? Although your furry friend may be an eager hiking companion, hitting the trails comes with a few risks. Following these safety tips will make hiking a positive experience for you and your pet.
Don't Skimp on Water
Dehydration can ruin a hike whether it happens to you or your dog. By the time obvious signs of dehydration occur, such as excessive panting, sunken eyes, vomiting, dry nose or skin that doesn't immediately snap back when lifted, your dog may be too dehydrated to continue hiking. Extreme dehydration is an emergency and may require an immediate trip to the veterinarian.
Make sure you bring enough water for both you and your pet. Every time you stop for a water break, give your dog at least 8 ounces of water. Use your pet's usual water dish or buy a collapsible dish that takes up less space in your backpack.
While it may be tempting to let your dog drink from streams and ponds, these water sources may contain bacteria, parasites, or toxic substances.
Stop for water breaks every 30 to 60 minutes. More frequent breaks may be needed for older dogs or for any dog during hot or humid conditions.
Make Sure Your Pet Is Ready for a Hike
Evaluating your dog's fitness level is essential before starting a long hike. Your dog may struggle to keep up with you if it's usually sedentary, overweight, struggles with joint issues, or doesn't have the stamina for a long walk. Older dogs, puppies and dogs with health issues may become tired after just an hour or two of hiking.
If your dog has never hiked, start slowly with a 30- or 60-minute hike. Gradually increase the length, distance, or intensity of the hikes based on your dog's fitness level.
Use a Leash
Hiking may seem like the perfect time to let your dog roam free, but experts suggest keeping your pet on a leash. The National Park Service recommends using a 6-foot-long leash during hikes.
Leashes may be required in some parks and offer several benefits, including:
- Control. Leashes allow you to pull your pet away from aggressive dogs or wild animals.
- Courtesy. Other hikers may not share your love of pets. A leash keeps your dog at your side while other hikers pass.
- Safety. Without a leash, your dog can disappear into the woods in just a few seconds. Leashes prevent your pet from becoming lost and may reduce the risk of injury. A leashed pet can't venture into a unsafe area on its own.
- Comfort. Curious unleashed pets may find off-trail areas tempting, despite the pitfalls, including thorny plants, sharp rocks, or poison ivy. Although pets don't usually get poison ivy, you can develop the itchy rash if your dog comes in contact with the plant, and you then touch its fur, according to the American Academy of Dermatology
Bring a First Aid Kit
Add these items to your pet first aid kit:
- Non-Stick Bandages
- Non-Stick Tape
- Gauze Roll
- Disposable Gloves
- Muzzle
- Digital Thermometer
- Saline Solution
- Styptic Powder
- Antibiotic Ointment
- Cold Pack
- Splint
- List of Emergency Numbers (Veterinarian's Office, 24-Hour Veterinary Hospital Near Your Hiking Location, Poison Control, etc.)
ID Your Pet
Identification tags are helpful even if your dog has been microchipped. While most veterinary offices and humane societies have microchip scanners, other hikers or local residents who may find a lost dog will need to rely on the information on an ID tag.
Pack Extra Dog Food
You never know what will happen when you hit the trail. A downpour or an inaccurate trail map may mean your hike becomes much longer than expected. Bring some extra dog food in case the hike takes longer than expected.
Protect Your Pet's Feet
An injured paw or torn nail can make hiking an unpleasant experience for your dog. Take PetMD's advice and use boots or paw wax to protect your dog from rocks, rocky terrain, and hot surfaces.
Is your dog ready for your next hike? Get in touch with our office if you have a concern about your dog's health or would like to schedule an appointment with the veterinarian.
Sources:
American Kennel Club: Hiking With Dogs: Tips for Hitting the Trail, 1/29/2026
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/tips-for-hiking-with-your-dog/
American Hiking Society: Hiking with Dogs
https://americanhiking.org/hiking-with-dogs/
National Park Service: Hiking with Pets
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/trails/hiking-with-pets.htm
PetMD: How To Hike With Your Dog Safely, 6/19/2025
https://www.petmd.com/dog/general-health/how-to-hike-with-your-dog-safely
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine: Heatstroke: A Medical Emergency
American Academy of Dermatology: Poison Ivy, Oak, and Sumac: Who Gets a Rash, And Is It Contagious?
https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/itchy-skin/poison-ivy/who-gets-contagious
