- Dr. Simone Meyer
- May 5
- 6 min read
Are you planning hiking adventures with your dog? Many dogs love accompanying their human family members on hiking trips. This outdoor activity with your dog can be an excellent way to bond with your pet. If you’re looking for a fun way for your pet to get some exercise, dog hiking is a great activity!
However, hiking may also bring some potential risks and dangers to your pet. By brushing up on these possible problems beforehand, you can make sure your dog is safe and secure. In the article below, you’ll find information about six of the most common dangers your dog may encounter on a hiking trail, as well as what to do about them before you ever leave home.
If your dog is in need of emergency vet care or urgent care, call or bring them in to your nearest VEG ER for Pets. We're open 24/7 to help provide immediate care for your dog.
How to choose a dog-friendly hiking trail
Planning ahead is one of the most important parts of safe hiking with dogs.
Look for trails that are:
Dog-friendly: Check park rules and leash laws.
Appropriate difficulty: Avoid steep or rocky trails if your dog isn’t conditioned for them.
Shaded when possible: This reduces the risk of overheating.
Near water sources: Bring plenty of water regardless, but access to water can help keep dogs cool.
Always research the trail ahead of time so you know what terrain, wildlife, and weather conditions to expect.
Dog hiking checklist: what to pack
Before heading out on a hike with your dog, make sure you have these essentials:
Fresh water (bring more than you think you’ll need)
Collapsible dog bowl for easy hydration breaks
Leash and dog hiking harness for control and safety on the trail
ID tags or GPS tracker in case your dog gets separated
Dog treats or food for longer hikes
Poop bags for easy clean up
Pet first-aid kit for minor injuries like cuts or paw irritation
Tick prevention to protect against tick-borne diseases
Protective dog booties if the terrain is rocky, hot, or icy
Packing these items can help prevent common problems when hiking with dogs, from dehydration to paw injuries.
6 common dog hiking risks
Now that you know what to bring, let's discuss what you should look out for while on the trail. A little awareness of potential dog hiking danger can prevent big problems down the road. If you need help, VEG animal hospitals are always open and ready to help!
Beware of other animals
When hiking, you and your dog may come into contact with wild animals. Although most wild animals are avoidant, there’s always a chance your pet may encounter an animal that wants to pick a fight—or wants to defend itself. When this happens, your dog is at risk of being scratched or bitten by that wild animal.
Most trails will require dogs to be leashed, but if you are in an off-leash area it is important that your dog has a reliable recall so you can be sure they will return to you if there is another animal in the area.
For dogs that pull or are easily distracted by wildlife, a properly fitted dog hiking harness can offer extra safety on the trail. Harnesses with handles also let you assist your dog over obstacles or control them in crowded areas.
If your dog is injured by a wild animal, leave the trail right away and take him to the nearest emergency vet for a full checkup. Before you leave for your hike, be sure your dog is up to date on their rabies vaccination as well.
Watch for dog heat stroke when hiking
If you and your pet go hiking together when it is very warm out, there is an increased risk for your dog to suffer heat stroke.
Pushing your dog to be too active in very hot and humid weather can cause this serious problem. Let your dog rest in the shade often, and provide plenty of clean cool water for both of you. Avoid going on dog hiking trips during the middle of the day when it is hottest outside.
Signs of heatstroke in dogs include:
weakness or collapse
If you are worried that your dog may be too hot, wet their fur down immediately with cool (not cold) water and get them to an emergency vet hospital right away.
Venomous insect bites and stings and snake bites
Insects and snakes may be present on hiking trails, and they may be venomous.
If your dog gets bitten by an insect, keep a very close eye on them. If you notice signs of an allergic reaction, such as significant swelling at the bite location, swelling of the face or snout, difficulty breathing, or restlessness, then they should see a veterinarian asap.
If your dog gets bitten by a snake, leave the trail immediately and seek emergency veterinary care.
Falls and other injuries during dog hiking
Hiking with dogs poses a risk for falls, broken bones, and other types of acute injuries for both you and your dog. Staying on marked trails can significantly reduce this risk, but there is still a possibility of your dog falling and getting hurt, especially on more strenuous trails.
Map out your trail ahead of time so you know where you’re going, and do not stray from the marked paths. Don’t let your dog off-leash in areas with steep falls, cliffs, or very overly rocky terrain, and be prepared to leave your hike early if your dog is injured.
If your dog does get injured, be cautious when handling them as they may be painful and could react unexpectedly. Carrying a first aid kit that has a cloth muzzle in it that fits your dog so you can safely move them as well as an emergency blanket that can be used as a sling or for warmth, if needed, is important.
Ticks and tickborne illnesses
Another potential problem for dogs on hiking trails is tickborne illness. Ticks carry many types of diseases, and a bite from one of these infected ticks can cause disease to spread to your dog as well.
Lyme disease is one of the most serious tickborne illnesses that can affect your dog on a hike. In some regions, Lyme disease is extremely prominent, and your vet will likely recommend the Lyme disease vaccine for your pet. Be sure to talk to your vet about topical tick preventatives or tick collars that can be used while hiking, and avoid walking in dense brush areas if possible.
Additionally, make sure you check your dog for ticks every evening after you’ve been hiking. Carefully remove any ticks immediately upon spotting them and ensure that you remove the entire head. If you are not confident in at-home tick removal, please have your pet seen by your primary care vet.
Exposure to toxic plants and contaminated water
Dogs like to scavenge in the wilderness, so they could consume a toxic plant while you’re out on a hike.
Learn how to recognize toxic plants in your hiking location so you can keep your dog away from them—and so you can avoid them, too! In general, all types of mushrooms and berries should be avoided. If you know your dog frequently eats plants they find on hikes, consider altering your plans for your pet’s safety.
It is also important to avoid letting them drink from any standing water which can harbor infectious diseases. Best practice is to only allow them to drink water that you bring for them on the hike. You may also want to discuss the leptospirosis vaccine with your primary care veterinarian.
Signs your dog should stop hiking
Even experienced hiking dogs can become tired or overheated.
Watch for warning signs such as:
slowing down or refusing to walk
If your dog seems unwell during a hike, stop immediately and seek immediate veterinary care if symptoms continue.
VEG animal hospital is open 24 hours, including weekends and holidays
If you have any other questions about your dog’s safety on hiking trips, talk to your primary care vet for more information. Speak with your vet about any issues with hiking with your dog in your area that may require specific vaccinations or other preparation before you go.
When taking a dog hiking trip, know where the closest VEG emergency vet is should you encounter an emergency situation. At VEG, we have emergency vet clinics all over the country with teams who are equipped to handle any emergency case that comes through our doors. When you call us, you’ll speak directly with an emergency veterinarian and your pet will always receive the care they need.
