Dog Hiking Tips: 6 Dangers and How to Avoid Them

So, you want to go on a hike with your dog? Great! Many dogs love accompanying their humans on hiking trips. Hiking is an excellent way to bond with your dog—though it can also pose potential risks and dangers to your pet. 

In our veterinary emergency rooms, we see plenty of cases where a great hiking day collides with trouble. So whether you’re a skilled hiker or just want to find new ways to enjoy the outdoors with your dog, we’ve got helpful tips to help keep your adventurous pup safe. Let’s go!

COMMON HIKING HAZARDS DOG PARENTS SHOULD KNOW

At VEG (Veterinary Emergency Group), we treat all kinds of pets. But we’ll keep this a dog-focused blog, since it’s likely that’s the pet you’re taking with you on your hiking trip—unless you have a really adventurous cat! Here, our emergency vet reveals six of the most common dangers your dog could encounter on hiking trails and what to do about them.

1. BITES AND SCRATCHES FROM OTHER ANIMALS

Although most wild animals along the trail will seek to avoid entanglements, there’s always a chance your pet may encounter an animal that feels the need to fight or defend itself. If this happens, your dog is at risk of being scratched or bitten by a wild animal.

What to do if your dog is attacked by a wild animal

If your dog is injured by a wild animal, leave the trail right away and take him to the nearest VEG or emergency vet. An ER-trained veterinarian will triage your dog immediately at VEG.

Know before you go hiking with your dog

Most trails require dogs to be leashed, but if you are in an off-leash area, it is important that your dog has a “reliable recall,” that is, your daring doggie will be sure to return to you when called if there is another animal in the area. Also, be sure your dog is up to date on their Rabies vaccination as well.

2. HEATSTROKE

Hiking in hot weather brings an increased risk for dog heatstroke. Remember, what’s tolerable to you may not be to your dog. If you do go out and you realize the weather is getting hotter, give your dog frequent rests in the shade, and provide plenty of clean, cool water.

How to Avoid Heat Stroke?

Some advice to keep your dog safe:

• Avoid going on dog hiking trips in the middle of the day when it is hottest
• Keep an eye out for excessive panting or drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea
• If you are worried that your dog may be too hot, wet their fur down with cool (not cold) water and get them to your nearest VEG emergency vet clinic

3. DOG GETS BIT BY VENOMOUS INSECT, SNAKE, BEE, OR WASP

If your dog gets bitten by an insect, bee, or wasp, keep a very close eye on them. Get to our VEG emergency vet clinic asap if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, such as:

• Significant swelling at the bite location, face, or snout
• Difficulty breathing
• Restlessness

What if your dog gets a snake bite?

If your dog gets bitten by a snake, leave the trail immediately and seek emergency veterinary care. Do not bring the snake into the ER! You can take a picture instead or simply describe the snake to our vet.

4. FALLS AND OTHER ACUTE INJURIES

Dog hiking poses a risk for falls, broken bones, and other types of injuries for your dog. Staying on marked trails can significantly reduce this risk, and always bring a pet first-aid kit with you.

How to avoid falls on the trail

Map out your trail ahead of time so you know where you’re going; do not stray from the marked paths. Don’t let your dog off-leash in areas with steep falls, cliffs, or rocky terrain.

What to do if your dog gets hurt on a hiking trail?

Carefully handle your dog; dogs in pain can react unexpectedly, like nipping or biting. Call VEG and let us know you’re coming in; this could save precious time.

5. TICKS AND TICK-BORNE ILLNESSES

Ticks carry many types of diseases, and a bite on a hiking trail from an infected tick can cause disease to spread to your dog as well. Lyme disease is one of the most serious tick-borne illnesses that can affect your dog. Talk to your GP vet about topical tick preventatives or tick collars that can be used while hiking.

Tick prevention measures for dogs

Be sure to check your dog for ticks after hiking. Remove any ticks and ensure you’ve removed the entire head. If you’re not confident with at-home tick removal, get to a GP vet or a VEG veterinarian, if after hours.

6. EXPOSURE TO TOXIC PLANTS AND INFECTIOUS AGENTS

Dogs like to scavenge in the wilderness so it’s easy for them to consume a toxic plant on a hike if you’re not watching.

How to avoid toxicity

• Learn about toxic plants that are common to your hiking location so you can keep away from them
• Avoid all mushrooms and berries to be on the safe side!
• Don’t let your pet drink from standing water, which can harbor infectious diseases
• Discuss the leptospirosis vaccine with your veterinarian, which helps protect against infections.

PREPARE FOR YOUR NEXT DOG HIKING TRIP

Now that you know some of the dangers for your dog on the trail, you can be more prepared before you hike together. Not sure whether your dog is a hiking hound? Consult with your GP vet, who can examine your dog to determine if your pet has any limitations for hiking.

The final prep work for a dog hiking trip is to know where the closest VEG emergency vet is in case of an emergency situation. At VEG, we have 24-hour locations 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. Come in and see a vet right away, and stay with your dog the whole time. Safe and happy hiking!