Thinking of going hiking with your dog? Hiking is a great opportunity to bond with your dog, see breathtaking views, and have fun. In this Sploot Vets guide, we talk about safety tips, what to bring, and other helpful information when hiking with a dog.
Overview:
- It is best to choose easy trails when hiking with a dog, especially for beginners.
- It is important to have a leash that is suitable for hiking; this helps keep your dog safe.
- We recommend getting your dog’s vaccines and preventives up to date before going on a hike.
I. Is Hiking Good for a Dog?
Generally, hiking is good for dogs, providing both physical exercise and mental stimulation. Most dogs love exploring, experiencing new sights and smells along the way. However, it is important to remember that each dog is different. Factors like age, weight, overall physical condition, vaccination status, and so on need to be carefully considered before hiking.
To find out if hiking will be beneficial for your dog’s individual needs, we recommend consulting a trusted veterinarian. In most cases, dogs who have never hiked before may need to be gradually conditioned before hiking; a veterinarian can prescribe exercises for this.
II. Safety Tips When Hiking with Your Dog
1. Choose an Easy Trail When Starting Out
When hiking with a dog, we always recommend starting with easy trails. More conditioned, larger dogs may be able to handle moderate-difficulty hiking trails, but it’s always safest to start with easy trails, especially for beginner dogs and dogs that haven’t hiked in a while.
Easy trails can typically be completed within an hour or less with a flat or nearly flat path. They can either be out-and-back trails or loop trails.
→ Learn more – 9 Best Dog-Friendly Hikes Near Denver
2. Take Note of Seasonal Factors
It’s important to remember that hiking trails change depending on the season. Here are some examples
a. Hiking with a Dog During Spring
Spring trails come alive with blooming wildflowers and greenery, but they may also be muddy, slippery, or partially flooded due to thawing snow.
Dog Safety Note: Watch for ticks and ensure your dog stays out of fast-moving streams.
b. Hiking with a Dog During Summer
During summer, trails are usually dry, clear, and fully accessible, making it the most popular season for hiking. Be mindful of heat, sun exposure, and bugs, especially in open or wooded areas.
Dog Safety Note: Hike early or on cooler days to reduce the risk of overheating and dehydration in dogs. Make sure to carry plenty of water, and be mindful of hot surfaces to avoid burnt paws in dogs.
c. Hiking with a Dog During Fall
Crisp air and colorful foliage make fall a scenic and comfortable time to hike. However, trails may be covered with fallen leaves, which can hide hazards like rocks and roots.
Dog Safety Note: Keep an eye out for hidden sharp objects under leaves and monitor for ticks, which can remain active. In addition, acorns are toxic to dogs.
d. Hiking with a Dog During Winter
Winter hikes tend to be less crowded and have fewer bugs due to the cold weather. However, many trails are snow-covered or icy during this season, requiring proper footwear and possibly snowshoes or crampons. Some routes may be closed or unsafe due to unsafe conditions.
Dog Safety Note: Use paw protection to prevent frostbite or cuts from ice; short-haired breeds may also need a coat. Dogs may also need high-energy treats during winter because they burn a lot more calories in cold weather. Learn more from our guide: Safety Tips for Hiking With a Dog in Winter [Complete Guide]
3. Look at Park Advisories
Look at park advisories and recent reviews before hiking with your dog. This helps you stay informed about current trail conditions, closures, weather hazards, and wildlife activity. It also provides you with information from other hikers about issues like fallen trees, flooding, bugs, or unexpected trail changes.
4. Plan Your Breaks
While hiking with a dog, pet parents may wonder when they would need to stop for water and snack breaks. Here is a general guideline:
- Water breaks – offer your dog water every 15 to 20 minutes; this helps prevent dehydration, especially during summer.
- Snack breaks – for easy trails (less than 1 hour), most dogs won’t need snacks along the way, as long as they’ve already had a full meal. For longer trails, dogs may need a few high-energy treats to maintain their stamina and blood sugar.
5. Visit Your Vet Before Making Hiking Plans
Visiting a vet before hiking with your dog allows you to get insights about your dog’s physical condition, whether or not they are fit to hike, and for how long they can safely hike.
Veterinarians can also give guidance on recommended dog vaccinations, tick and flea preventatives, and heartworm preventatives for dogs, which are all important to have before hiking. Lastly, your vet can check if your dog’s microchip is still active and updated.
6. Download Maps & Information About Your Trail
Download or print out your trail’s map before setting out. Make sure to also be familiar with trail markers so you can confidently follow the route and avoid getting lost, especially in areas with poor cell service or unmarked junctions
7. Be Prepared for Emergencies
Emergencies can happen during a hike, so it’s always best to be prepared. Here are a few helpful tips:
- Carry a basic dog first aid kit with items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers for splinters.
- Share your hiking plan with someone and check cell service availability in case you need to call for help. You can also consider carrying a personal locator beacon (PLB), especially for hikes that are outside of cell service availability.
- Know the signs of overheating and dehydration in dogs; both of these can progress into heatstroke. At the first sign of overheating, move your dog to a cool, shaded spot, offer some water, and stop the activity. It would be safest to turn back and end the hike. Heatstroke is a serious medical emergency that can progress rapidly. At the first sign of trouble, seek immediate veterinary care.
Note: Sploot veterinarian Dr. Amy Casali also reminds pet parents: “Some breeds—such as French Bulldogs, Pugs, Bulldogs, and Boxers—are more prone to heatstroke, even on seemingly 'cooler' days. The risk of heatstroke in these breeds can begin at temperatures as low as 70°F..”
III. Hiking with a Dog Essentials: What to Bring
If you will go hiking with your dog, don’t forget to bring the following:
- Water and collapsible bowl – we recommend bringing at least 8 ounces of water per hour of hiking for your dog. Bring more for larger dogs.
- Dog treats and snacks – this is especially recommended for longer hikes (more than one hour) or if the drive home is more than 20 minutes.
- Waste bags – always bring more waste bags than you’ll need
- Paw protection – consider training your dog to wear ‘booties’ or dog shoes. You can also use paw wax or paw balm. If you’re considering using booties, let your dog practice wearing them in advance, as most dogs take time to get used to them.
- A towel for your dog – this will help dry your dog in case of rain or clean them up after running into muddy terrain
- A rescue sling for dogs – this is a lightweight support system that allows pet parents to carry exhausted or injured dogs more easily. These are especially important to have for longer hikes. According to Sploot veterinarian Dr. Casali, most Search and Rescue teams recommend the Fido Pro Airlift Sling, an easy-to-use rescue sling for dogs that distributes weight evenly.
IV. What is the Best Leash for Hiking with Dogs?
It is recommended to keep your dog on a leash while hiking. This helps keep them close and under control, preventing them from coming into contact with any harmful items and wildlife. The best leash for hiking has the following features:
- Full body harness with a belly strap – the belly strap can help you securely lift or pull your dog to safety if needed. Some harnesses also come with a harness
- Adjustable straps – these help create a secure fit around your dog
- Durable materials – A hiking leash should be made from strong, tear-resistant materials like nylon or reinforced webbing. This ensures it can handle rugged trails, weather, and unexpected pulls without snapping or fraying.
- Reflective accents for visibility – in case of emergencies or accidental separation, this can help you find your dog more easily
- Restricted length – A leash length of 4–6 feet keeps your dog close and under control, especially on narrow paths or near wildlife.
V. How Do I Protect My Dog’s Paws While Hiking?
To protect your dog’s paws while hiking, use dog booties or apply paw wax or paw balm, especially on hot, rocky, icy, or rough terrain. It is important to note, however, that dog booties or shoes provide more protection than paw wax, because the former creates a physical barrier.
In addition, check your dog’s paws regularly during the hike for cuts, irritation, or debris. After the hike, clean their paws and inspect them again to catch any issues early.
Sploot Vets: Your All-in-One Vet for Every Adventure
Ready to go hiking with your dog? We’re here to help you ensure that your dog is in optimal shape for hiking! We can also recommend vaccines and other preventatives for your dog’s safety. If you have any questions, we’re here for you.
Sploot Veterinary Care offers all-in-one veterinary care, encompassing primary, urgent, or emergency vet services. Visit any one of our Fear Free vet clinics in Colorado Springs, Denver, and Chicago, offering next-level, Fear Free vet care that you can count on 365 days a year, including holidays!
Book an appointment online or call us for urgent concerns. Till next time, we’re with you every pounce of the way!
