Tips for Hiking with Your Dog

Fall is a great time for hiking in our beautiful Northwest wilderness, and many dogs enjoy hiking and backpacking along with their owners. Below are the ASPCA’s expert tips to ensure your dog’s safety as you explore the great outdoors:

Pack a Leash

With so many nooks and crannies to explore on the trail, it’s best to opt for a non-extending leash to avoid potential tangles with branches and brambles.

Bring IDs, Please!

Always make sure that your current contact information, including your cell phone number, is attached to your dog’s collar or harness.
Photo of Fang Fang & Hunter at Lake Twenty Two by Ting L.

Check Your Records

You never know what you might encounter on a hike through the woods. Before you set out on your journey, make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date.

Give Pests the Boot

Tick prevention is essential when tromping through the great outdoors. Ask your vet about appropriate parasite prevention.

Leave No Trace

Scoop up after your dog when she goes to the bathroom as you would on a stroll through your neighborhood.

Stay Hydrated

Don’t forget to bring enough water for yourself and your dog. It’s best to avoid letting your dog drink from nature’s water fountains, as puddles, lakes and streams can be home to nasty parasites and toxins that could be harmful to your furry friends.

For more tips about keeping your pet safe in the wilderness, feel free to download the ASPCA’s printable Hiking Safety Tips Guide [PDF] to carry with you on the trail.