Hiking with your dog: a guide to safe trails

by Shopify API October 17, 2026

There are few better plans than a mountain trail with your dog. Exercise, fresh air, bonding... but also risks you should keep under control. Hiking with your dog is not improvised: it is prepared.

This guide brings together everything you need to make your next adventure safe and enjoyable.

Physical preparation: start slowly

Don't go from the sofa to a 15 km trail. Like any athlete, your dog needs progressive conditioning.

🚶 Start with longer walks than usual and gradually increase distance and elevation.
🧗 Before the hike, make sure your dog is in good physical shape and up to date with vaccines and deworming.
🩺 If your dog is brachycephalic (Bulldog, Pug, Boxer) or has breathing problems, consult your vet: their risk of heatstroke during exercise is higher (AVMA).
📏 Choose trails suited to their age, size and level: a growing puppy shouldn't tackle big climbs.

Basic training before you set off

A dog that obeys is a safe dog in the mountains. The AKC recommends working on these skills before hitting the trail:

🦮 Walking on a loose leash (essential on narrow paths).
👀 "Watch me" to regain their attention when distractions appear.
🚫 "Leave it" so they don't eat or touch anything dangerous (mushrooms, leftovers, animals).
📢 A reliable recall ("here"), in case they go off-leash on some stretch (only where allowed and safe).

The essential gear

🎒 A sturdy harness and a comfortable leash (a harness is better than a collar so you don't press on the neck when they pull).
💧 Plenty of water + a collapsible bowl: your dog will drink more than you think. Offer water often.
🍖 High-energy snacks and their food if the trail is long.
🩹 First-aid kit: tick tweezers, pet-safe antiseptic, self-adhesive bandages and scissors.
🐾 Paw pad protection if the terrain is stony or rocky.
💩 Waste bags: leave no trace, always pick up (AKC).
🆔 Identification: collar with tag and an up-to-date microchip.

Rules and parks: check before you go

Don't assume your dog is welcome everywhere. The AKC warns clearly: many national parks and protected areas have restrictions for dogs on trails.

📋 Check the rules of the park or natural area before you set off.
🔍 Confirm whether the dog must be on a leash at all times or whether there are areas where off-leash is allowed.
⛔ Respect areas where dogs are not admitted: protecting wildlife and plants is protecting the place you love so much.

Safety on the trail: heat, paw pads and ticks

☀️ Heat and paw pads

Asphalt, sand or rock can be much hotter than the ambient air. According to the AAHA, the surface can reach up to 40–60 degrees hotter than the air temperature, with a risk of burns to the paw pads.
🖐️ Back-of-the-hand test: if you can't keep your hand on the ground for a few seconds, it's too hot for your dog (the AVMA recommends avoiding hot surfaces that can burn paw pads).
🚫 Avoid the middle of the day and look for shade and water regularly.
👀 Watch for signs of heatstroke: excessive panting, thick saliva, staggering or very red gums. If in doubt, stop, find shade, wet your dog and contact a vet.

🕷️ Ticks and parasites

The trail is tick habitat, and they can transmit diseases to both dogs and people.

🐜 Keep your dog up to date with the parasite treatment recommended by your vet (year-round use, according to the CAPC).
🔍 Check your dog daily (and especially when you get back from the trail): ears, neck, armpits, groin and between the toes (CDC).
🪱 If you find a tick, remove it as soon as possible with fine-tipped tweezers, pulling firmly without twisting (CDC).
🚶 Keeping your dog on a leash and on the trail reduces contact with tall vegetation where ticks live (CAPC).

Trail etiquette: getting along with others and with the environment

🐕 Leash on busy stretches and when you meet other hikers, cyclists or dogs.
↔️ Give way and keep your dog close to you when people come by.
💩 Pick up the waste and carry it to a bin.
🦌 Don't let them chase wildlife or leave the trail: you're protecting the ecosystem and your own dog.
📢 Respect people who don't like dogs: not everyone feels comfortable; courtesy opens doors.

Conclusion

Hiking with your dog can become your favourite activity of the year. It only needs planning, the right gear and common sense: know the rules, protect their paw pads, watch the heat and check for ticks when you get back. That way, every trail will be an incredible memory.

Ready to set off? At dogstar.club you'll find more activity and care guides to enjoy every adventure in complete safety. 🐾

📎 Sources:

American Kennel Club — Hiking With Your Dog: Expert Safety, Training, and Gear Tips: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/tips-for-hiking-with-your-dog/
American Kennel Club — How to Train Your Dog to Hike With You: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/travel/train-your-dog-to-hike/
American Kennel Club — Backpack With Your Canine Partner: https://www.akc.org/canine-partners/great-way-to-get-outside-get-moving-backpack-with-your-canine-partner/
AVMA — Warm weather pet safety: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/warm-weather-pet-safety
AVMA — Walking or running with your dog: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/walking-your-pet
AAHA — Heat safety warnings for veterinary teams and pet owners: https://www.aaha.org/trends-magazine/publications/heat-safety-warnings-for-veterinary-teams-and-pet-owners/
CAPC — Ticks: https://capcvet.org/guidelines/ticks/
CAPC — Lyme Disease: https://capcvet.org/guidelines/lyme-disease/
CDC — Preventing Ticks on Pets: https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/prevention/preventing-ticks-on-pets.html