Blog: How to Ensure Your Dog is Safe During Hikes and Outdoor Adventures

Whether you’re an avid hiker or prefer short nature walks, exploring the great outdoors with your dog is a rewarding experience for both of you. With the right preparation, you can turn your adventures into safe and enjoyable outings. Let’s explore essential safety tips to help you and your dog make the most of your time on the trails.

The importance of dog safety on outdoor adventures

While hiking is a fantastic way to bond with your dog and enjoy nature, it’s important to be prepared for the challenges the wilderness may present. Potential risks like wildlife encounters, tricky terrain, getting lost, dehydration, or even extreme weather conditions can arise. By taking the right precautions and prioritizing your dog’s well-being, you can tackle these challenges confidently and ensure a positive experience for both of you.

Essential gear for your dog’s outdoor adventures

Making sure your dog is equipped with the right gear is as important as packing your own essentials, and this will go a long way in keeping your dog safe.

• Dog harness/leash. A properly fitted, durable, and comfortable harness and leash are fundamental for keeping your dog safe during your hike, maintaining control, and preventing accidents. 
• Portable water bowl and water. Staying hydrated is just as crucial for your dog as it is for you. Be sure to pack a water bowl and plenty of fresh water to ensure your dog stays hydrated. Collapsible water bowls are a lightweight and convenient option. 
• Up-to-date microchip information. Microchips serve as a permanent form of identification and can help reunite you with your pet if they go missing. Before you leave, make sure your contact information is up-to-date in the online microchip registry. 
• A dog GPS tracking device. When it comes to outdoor adventures, one of the most crucial pieces of equipment to keep your dog safe is a reliable dog GPS tracker. PetLinkGPS is a small device that attaches to your dog’s regular collar and provides live-location tracking on your mobile, so you’ll always know where your dog is, even if they wander off. Plus, you can set up virtual geofences to ensure you receive an alert notification on your smartphone if they stray outside the boundary. 

Training your dog for outdoor adventures

It’s often recommended that people check with their doctors before embarking on new physical fitness routines, so it’s important to do the same for your dog. Check with your veterinarian to ensure that your dog is physically fit enough to go on outdoor hikes. Certain breeds of dogs are better suited for strenuous physical activity than others, and some dogs require more caution, like elderly dogs, puppies, or brachycephalic breeds. 

Training for recall and basic commands

Having a well-trained dog makes hiking the trails much less stressful and much safer. Teaching your dog basic commands, like “come,” “stay,” and “leave it” is crucial for their safety. Hiking is a popular activity among many dog owners, so you’ll also want to socialize your dog with other dogs and humans so that they remain calm when encountering others on the trails. 

Building physical endurance gradually

If you want your dog to become a canine athlete who can conquer long, rugged, mountainous trails, you’ll need to build their endurance gradually. Start by going on short, easy walks, and then gradually increase the distance and difficulty. Allow your dog plenty of rest between walking sessions and monitor them closely for any signs of fatigue, like excessive panting or lagging behind. 

Preparing for outdoor adventures

If you’re interested in doing advanced activities with your dog, like swimming, rock climbing, and mountain hiking, it’s important to gradually teach and familiarize your dog with these activities. For water activities, always start in shallow, calm water and ensure your dog wears a life jacket. For activities with rocky and mountainous terrain, practice the skills on easy terrain first and gradually increase the difficulty before tackling mountains. It’s important to ensure your dog has the skills and confidence to navigate in these different types of environments. 

Keeping your dog safe on the trail

Once you’re on the trail with your dog, you’ll need to be prepared and vigilant about your surroundings at all times. 

• Leash safety and reliable recall. Even dogs with a reliable recall can become distracted when off-leash if wildlife runs out in front of them. Wildlife, and even other hikers with dogs, can be unpredictable, so keeping your dog on a leash ensures that they are safe and secure at all times. If you feel your standard 6’ leash doesn’t give your dog enough room to explore, consider opting for a 15-30’ long line; this keeps them safe while giving them plenty of space to roam. Plus, remember many places have strict leash laws that require your pet to stay on a leash at all times. Be sure to research the trails you’re going to so you can make sure you’re adequately prepared. 
• Protect their paws. Rocky terrain can be hard on a dog’s paws. Check their paw pads regularly for cuts, irritation, or any foreign objects, like a thorn. Consider dog booties to protect against sharp rocks and extreme temperatures. If your dog isn’t comfortable in booties, there are also thick, wax salves you can put on your dog’s paw pads to provide a thin layer of protection. 
• Be aware of hazards. As relaxing as a nice nature walk can be, the great outdoors comes with its fair share of hazards. Stay alert for wildlife, poisonous plants, sharp rocks, ticks, and even sudden weather changes. Make sure to always check your dog thoroughly during and after hikes for ticks, and try to avoid letting your dog wander too far away from you into vegetation. If you’re hiking in an area prone to wildlife sightings, make sure you are well-versed in how to respond or behave in case you have a wildlife encounter. Having a simple tick-removing tool on hand is useful and makes removing ticks that much easier. It also ensures you remove the head of the tick, which can sometimes stay embedded in the dog’s skin and become infected.

Preventing dehydration and overheating

Heat-related issues can quickly turn into an emergency, and some dogs are more prone to heat-related issues than others. Dogs with dark fur and brachycephalic breeds have an especially difficult time maintaining a proper temperature. Monitor your dog closely for signs of overheating, like excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, or uncoordinated movements. 

When you’re planning your hikes, plan to hike during the coolest part of the day and avoid hiking during peak heat hours. It’s also important to take regular water breaks and offer your dog water, even if they don’t seem thirsty. Taking regular breaks to rest in shaded areas can also help keep them cool. 

Caring for your dog after a hike

The fun doesn’t stop when you’re done with your hike! Once you get home, you’ll want to check your dog over to make sure they’re in good shape before you let them relax. 

Thoroughly check for any ticks or burrs and remove them. You’ll also want to check for any cuts, scrapes, or injuries. Check over their whole body, including their paws and ears. If your dog went swimming or was in dense vegetation, consider brushing them to remove dirt and debris or bathing them before they hop onto the couch to snooze.

Once you’ve checked over your dog, offer plenty of water and allow them time to rest and relax in a comfortable spot. Continue monitoring them to make sure they don’t show signs of illness or injury in the days after your outdoor adventure. Caring for your dog after your hike ensures that they can recover fully so they’ll be ready to go on other adventures!

Hiking with dogs is a fun and rewarding experience that not only provides quality time together to strengthen your bond but is also a great way to be active. To make the most of your outdoor adventures, it’s important to prioritize pet safety outdoors so you can minimize risks and maximize your enjoyment. From equipping your dog with the right gear, like a GPS tracker for dogs, to training and conditioning, and staying alert to potential hazards, you’re sure to feel safe and prepared so you can confidently maximize the joy of exploring the great outdoors with your beloved companion.