Safety Tips for Hiking with Your Dog

This post contains affiliate links. If you shop using my affiliate links, I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my content!

One of the most enjoyable ways to bond with your dog is hiking. I haven’t hiked in a while and to be honest, my dogs and I could use a little more of it!

*Hiking together is one of Ginsburg’s and my favorite activities!*

It offers visual enrichment for you, scent enrichment for your dog, and of course physical exercise!

It’s even an emotional workout. Have you ever felt a sense of confidence and accomplishment when you reach the top of a mountain? It’s a great exercise in practicing resilience and self esteem. It’s no wonder that hiking together is a bonding activity for you and your dog.

But hiking can be a risky activity. Luckily, you can mitigate that risk by taking precautions and preparing yourself and your dog.

Research the Trail

The best hiking safety tip I have is to research the trail. Being prepared for weather conditions, trail conditions, and suitability for dogs can help you avoid dangerous situations.

Things to research include:

Whether a trail is dog friendly: The AllTrails app allows you to filter hikes by whether they are dog friendly or not. (I have AllTrails Pro for added safety benefits!) Double check this information on the website of the park service who manages the trail.
Pet regulations: Many trails require dogs to be on a physical leash, but some are off leash. Some impose fines if you leave your dog poop behind. Be aware of regulations around pet use of the trail.
Weather conditions: Make sure you check the forecast in the area before leaving for your hike. No hike is worth driving through dangerous driving conditions or risking getting lost in inclement weather. Know what type of weather conditions you’re comfortable hiking in. Personally, I won’t hike if it’s more than a light snow or if there’s a significant risk of thunderstorms.

Dog Safety Precautions

*Starsky wore his* *Ruffwear Web Master* *harness for almost every hike because the handle provides extra safety if you need to grab ahold of your dog.*

Having the proper gear for your dog can help keep your dog safe in case of emergency.

Identification tags: Your dog should have identification on them at all times! Any number of accidents could occur, including becoming lost and unable to find you, chasing a wild animal, or pulling the leash out of your hand. One way to keep them safe is for them to have at least one tag with identification and current contact information on them. I like hand stamped tags best because the information cannot rub off of them. Oh, and get them microchipped and keep that information up to date too!
First Aid Kit for dogs: Most of us know we should bring a first aid kit along for ourselves, but we also should have a first aid kit for our dogs! Of course the best practice is to keep it in your hiking pack, but at the very least, you should have it in car at the trailhead.
Harness with a handle: Let me tell you a story. My senior dog, Starsky, and I were hiking in the early morning with a few friends. We were attempting a 13er, or a mountain with a peak above 13,000 feet in elevation. A couple hundred yards from the trailhead, Starsky lost his footing while taking a drink and fell into a very cold stream. It didn’t matter that it was summer; mountain streams are cold. His muscles seized up and he couldn’t move. We had to drag him out by his collar. It would have been a lot safer to pull him out with a handled harness, so he wore one while hiking from then on. My favorite is the Ruffwear Web Master harness.
Extra water and a portable water bowl: When hiking in the winter, your dog may be able to rely on snow to stay hydrated (if they are snow eaters like mine!), but in the summer, make sure the trail has water crossings your dog can drink from, or better yet, bring a portable water bowl or combo water bowl/water bottle and extra water. Hydration is crucial for us too, so bring enough for you and your dog!
Healthy snacks: You know how you like to refuel on a long hike? So does your dog! Your dog’s kibble is a good option, or opt for something tastier and tailored for active dogs like Ruff Bar.
Paw protection: If you’re hiking in the winter or in the summer, your dog might need protection from the elements. Dogs’ paw pads can get burned easily from summer hiking temperatures, or very cold in the winter snow. And they can tear them all year long, which is very painful. Using paw wax like Musher’s Secret can help keep your dog’s paws protected from cold and snow. Dog booties come in handy all year long and protect against heat, cold, and things that could tear their pads.
Regular vet care: One of the best safety tips for hiking with your dog is to stay on top of your dog’s vet care! Keep their vaccines up to date, get a yearly exam, and make sure you talk to your vet about any concerns you might have.

Dog Training for Safety

One of the ways you can stay safe while hiking with your dog is to train them ahead of time! Many useful life skills will help your dog at home and on the trail.

Recall: Especially if you are hiking with your dog off leash, my best hiking safety tip is to teach your dog a reliable recall. You might come up on another dog, or you might need to call them quickly to keep them safe from a surprise encounter with a wild animal. Work on recall training consistently to make sure your dog will come whenever you need them too!
Leash manners: If you are hiking with your dog on leash, you will have a more enjoyable and safer hike if your dog has polite leash manners. Your dog should know how to walk with slack in the leash and without pulling you down. I particularly like long leashes to give my dogs more freedom to sniff while also having the safety of a leash. But the same manners apply: no pulling on the long line because I don’t want to end up face first on the ground!

Trail Etiquette

Observing the generally recognized trail etiquette can help keep you and your dog safe while on a hike.

Recall your dog when someone else is coming. You never know who might be afraid of dogs, or whether another approaching dog is friendly.
Pull off to the side of the trail. To keep yourself and others safe and comfortable while hiking, you and your dog should stop and sit off to the side of the trail to allow other hiking groups to pass. The person without the dog has the right of way!
Pick up your dog’s poop. Pooping may be a natural process, but dog poop is not natural to outdoor ecosystems. Particularly on sensitive trails, please please please pick up and carry out your dog’s poop. I buy poop bags by the hundreds and stash rolls of them everywhere so I’m rarely caught without a clean up bag.
Stay away from wildlife. Even the most mundane wildlife may spook your dog. Be aware of the wildlife present in the area you’re hiking, and give them their space if you see them. Your dog should not be harassing wildlife. Not only is it unpleasant for the wildlife, but it can also be dangerous for your dog if the wildlife kicks, gores, or attacks your dog.

*Ginsburg has always loved hiking, even as a puppy! Of course, she only came along on easier trails when she was that young.*

In conclusion, there are lots of safety risks and concerns while hiking, especially while hiking with your dog! But safe and happy hiking can be one of the best bonding activities for you and your pup.

Have any additional safety tips? Comment on this post with your hiking safety tips! And if you’ve found this content valuable, please share it with a friend!

Frequently Asked Questions About Hiking with Dogs

What are the most common risks in hiking?

Some of the most common risks when hiking are getting lost, fatigue and dehydration, hypothermia and heatstroke, accidents and injuries, bites, scratches, and toxic plants.

Is it safe to hike alone?

Sure! Just take extra care to be sure you are prepared for a safe hike, and always tell someone where you are going and what time to expect you back.

Is a <number> mile hike too much for my dog?

It depends on your individual dog’s fitness! Keep in mind considerations like your dog’s age, size, and sensitivity to heat or cold. Always consult your vet with any concerns.