LIFESTYLE

5 tips for hiking safely with your dog

Hiking can be a great way to boost physical and mental health for both you and your dog. Since trails can vary in intensity, a hiking experience is different from walking in your neighbourhood. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or about to start your first trail, follow these tips to keep your dog comfortable and safe.

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1. Know your Dog’s Fitness Level

The ideal hike for your dog depends on your dog’s fitness level and any health conditions they may have. Start by evaluating your dog’s specific needs along with your veterinarian, by answering questions like:

Is this my dog’s first hike?
Is my dog a growing puppy, an adult, or a senior?
Does my dog have health conditions that could affect their hiking ability, such as arthritis, obesity, respiratory conditions, hormonal conditions, or environmental allergies?
Is my dog up-to-date on vaccinations, such as rabies and leptospirosis?
Is my dog on parasite prevention?

Speaking with your veterinarian is often the best way to determine which kind of trail may be appropriate for your individual dog.

2. Choose a Trail that suits your dog’s abilities

By investigating route options, you can find a trail that matches your dog’s stamina, without pushing them past their limits. Many trail maps give details about a trail’s intensity, length, and terrain. If your dog is new to hiking, consider starting with low-intensity trails, until they gradually build the stamina for a higher level of difficulty.

Choosing trails based on your dog’s health and fitness status can help reduce potential risks on the trail. For example, trails with large rocks, steep inclines, or obstacles that require jumping¹ may not be ideal for senior dogs with arthritis, since high-impact exercise can place extra strain on their joints.²

Although dogs are allowed on many hiking trails, it’s best to check regulations in advance.

3. Be prepared

Carry a backpack with supplies for both you and your dog. Helpful items include:

Water
Portable water bowl
First-aid kit
Tick-removal tweezers³
Dog treats

Poop-bags
Towel or blanket
Flashlight or headlamp
Snacks for yourself
Map or GPS

4. Practice Hiking Etiquette

Practicing proper hiking etiquette helps everyone safely enjoy the trails. To help preserve natural areas, many hikers follow a “leave no trace” approach by cleaning up garbage, removing pet waste, and staying on marked trails.

While many dogs enjoy being off-leash, keeping them leashed with secure ID tags can help protect them. Here’s how leashes can help:

May reduce the risk of ingesting harmful items
May lower the risk of encounters with dangerous wildlife, like coyotes or bears
Help keeps your dog on marked trails, which are typically maintained, and may reduce injuries from hidden hazards or rough terrain
Prevent your dog from getting lost
Shows consideration to other hikers who may feel uncomfortable around dogs

5. After the hike

When you finish hiking, check your dog for health concerns before heading home. Inspect for any injuries, like limping or wounds on the skin or paw pads.

Search your dog’s skin for ticks, which can be extremely small and latch on to any part of the skin, though they are often found between the toes, armpits, or under the ears. If you find a tick, contact a nearby veterinary clinic for information on how to remove it⁴, or to have it safely removed.

With the right preparation and awareness of your dog’s needs, hiking can be a safe and enjoyable experience for both of you.

References

American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Osteoarthritis in Dogs. https://www.acvs.org/small-animal/osteoarthritis-in-dogs/
Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Osteoarthritis. Riney Canine Health Center. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/riney-canine-health-center/canine-health-topics/osteoarthritis
Merck Veterinary Manual. Ticks of Dogs. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/dog-owners/skin-disorders-of-dogs/ticks-of-dogs
Veterinary Information Network (VIN). Ticks and tick-borne disease information for pet owners. Veterinary Partner. https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952474&sx=315717844&n=1

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