At Fitdog, we believe that daily activities and socialization helps your dog become the best they can be. We offer three unique programs to help you the most of your dog’s time, when your not there.
fitdog home
  • Asset 4 fitdog club
    • Services
    • Pricing
    • Assessment
    • Login
  • Asset 5 fitdog sports
    • Classes
    • Leaders
    • Sign Up
    • Login
  • Asset 3 fitdog training
    • Programs
    • Trainers
    • Get started
About
Blog: Off the Leash
Questions? Let’s Talk!
contact@fitdog.com (310) 828 - 3647
Follow us on Social Media:
Login to Club
Login to Sports
  • Club
  • Sports
  • Training
  • About
  • Blog
(310) 828 - 3647

5 dangers to avoid when hiking with your dog

What to expect and how to prepare for an adventure hike

Collapse
More from

Off The Leash:

Dog Parks: Harmful or Helpful?
December 12, 2022
Your Complete Guide to The Most Dog-Friendly National Parks
July 01, 2022
The Best Dog-Friendly Airlines and Their Pet Policies
June 09, 2022
How to stop your dog from digging
May 17, 2022
Five tips to follow when bringing a new pet home
November 04, 2021
Beginner’s Guide to Lure Coursing
November 03, 2021
Deadly Disease: Why Lepto Should be a Core Vaccine
July 21, 2021
Guide to Common Dog Diseases & Parasites
July 26, 2021
The 7 Best Podcasts for Dog Lovers
May 27, 2021
Avoid These Grooming Mistakes With Your Doodle
April 17, 2021
5 Benefits of Teaching Your Dog How to Swim
April 09, 2021
5 tips to re-socializing your dog after the pandemic
February 26, 2021
5 Animal Non-Profits to Donate to This Holiday Season
December 18, 2020
7 Dog-Friendly Thanksgiving Foods
November 26, 2020
10 Best Dog Photography Tips
October 27, 2020
Importance of Developmental Based Dog Training
October 21, 2020
Complete guide to treating dog allergies
September 15, 2020
Overweight Dogs: COVID-19 Made My Dog Fat!
August 19, 2020
Best Pet Tech Products 2020
August 15, 2020
Best Backyard Activities for your Dog
July 30, 2020
Foxtails in dogs: A hidden danger on your hiking trail
July 23, 2020
7 Tips to Teach Your Dog How to Swim
July 15, 2020
How to modify your home for an elderly pet
July 09, 2020
Frozen Dog Treats for Summer: 4 Pupsicle Recipes to Treat your Dog
July 03, 2020
Dog scared of fireworks? Prepare your dog for 4th of July fireworks before …
June 26, 2022
Stop your puppy from biting with stuffables
June 17, 2020
Socializing Your Dog After COVID-19
June 14, 2020
Dog-Friendly Camping: 8 Pet Friendly Campgrounds in California
June 09, 2020
7 Best Easy DIY Dog Treat Recipes
May 26, 2020
Train and Play Philosophy
May 18, 2020
Puppy Socialization: Why your dog needs it
January 25, 2021
Angela Brittain
Angela Brittain
March 24, 2022

Trail hiking is not only an exciting outdoor activity, but it is also an opportunity for dogs to socialize in an open setting and explore new environments. In Southern California, the mountains are right around the corner, so many people may think that they can head out without being fully prepared. Make no mistake that just because you can see the Hollywood sign, doesn’t mean that you won’t run into danger when hiking with your dog.

We send our teams out five days a week for Adventure Hikes. This year, we’ve noticed ticks appearing earlier than usual. Additionally, with more and more coyote sightings being reported, you’ll want to take extra precautions for your furry friend.

Use these following tips to make the experience the best as possible for you and your dog!

Avoid these dangers when hiking with your dog

Before you hit the trails with your pup, consider these 5 things your dog might encounter and how to be best prepared.

Heat

Living in Southern California, we’re used to the warm weather for 8 months of the year. However, in the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees in the sun and dogs don’t regulate body temperature as well as humans. Overheating can lead to heatstroke and potentially death (yes, we said it, your dog can die from heatstroke). To keep your pup cool, bring lots of water, stay in the shade, take breaks as needed and use a cooling vest (like this one from Ruff Wear). If your dog

Bikers

Mountain biking is a popular weekend sport and some trails have more bikers than others. If you notice bikers flying down the trail, always yield and move to the side of the trail. A simple sit-stay with a treat will quickly teach your dog to move over when bikers approach.  However, if your dog is not responding to you or moving quickly enough to avoid an accident, it’s best to put them on a leash to physically move them aside, then practice the sit-stay on-leash. The last thing you want is for your dog to be tangled up with a pack of bikers. 

Other dogs

You may be hiking on a dog-friendly trail, but remember that not all dogs are friendly.  If your dog is off-leash, they should always be by your side when other dogs approach. Always ask the other owner if their dog is friendly before allowing your dog to engage. This is particularly true for dogs that are being hiked on-leash on an off-leash trail. Remember, just because your dog is friendly, doesn’t mean other dogs are friendly. Protect your dog from dog bites and altercations by being cautious. 

Wildlife

Hiking happens in nature and nature is full of the unexpected (well for us city slickers).  Common animals in the Santa Monica mountains include rabbits, coyotes, quail, rattlesnakes, and mountain lions.

If you notice a coyote or mountain lion eyeing your smaller pup or targeting your larger dog, it’s best to turn around and head home (and also pick up your small dog). Stay clear of rattlesnakes by keeping your dog from wandering off the trail. If you’re super proactive, you can sign up for rattlesnake avoidance training.

Then there is the matter of bugs and plants that your dog will encounter. Your dog should be on flea medication and keep from venturing into grassy areas to avoid fleas and ticks. Foxtails always find a way to snag your dog’s fur. Dogs may have allergic reactions to certain pollens and grasses on the trail as well.

We recommend a full body check after the hike to get rid of any foxtails or ticks, note any scratches or cuts that need attending to, and then wipe down paws to remove pollen and debris.

Related Article: A Dog Owner’s Guide to Ticks

Trail conditions

In our experience, the SoCal trails are kept in fairly good condition. However, your dog’s paws may get worn out from grass, sticks, and rocky terrain if it’s not something they’re used to. In addition, high temperatures may make rocks and gravel too hot for your pups paw pads.

Using a simple wax such as Musher’s Secret can help prevent paw irritation and burning. If further reinforcement is required, companies such as Ruffwear and Kurgo sell socks and booties.

Hiking makes for happier dogs!

With a little preparedness, your dog will be able to safely enjoy the trails and be a happier pup for it. 

Don’t have time to take your dog out hiking during the week? Fitdog has you covered. Sign up for our Fitdog Sports classes online and have access to hikes, beach outings, agility and more. 

Fitdog Los Angeles dog hiking daycare sports and training

This post was originally from July 28, 2018, and updated on March 24, 2022. 

Categories:
  • Hiking
  • Safety
What’s next?
Fruits Dogs Can & Can’t Eat

We love fruit and know it’s good for us, but is fruit good for our pups too? Some fruits are safe and even beneficial to dogs to help them digest and receive nutrients they wouldn’t otherwise. Just remember...

read more
More from Off The Leash:
Dog Parks: Harmful or Helpful?
December 12, 2022
Your Complete Guide to The Most Dog-Friendly National Parks
July 01, 2022
The Best Dog-Friendly Airlines and Their Pet Policies
June 09, 2022
More Fitdog
Fitdog Home
FAQ
Contact
Fitdog Club
  • Services
  • Pricing
  • Join the Club
Fitdog Sports
  • Classes
  • Leaders
  • Sign Up
Fitdog Training
  • Programs
  • Trainers
  • Get Started
Blog
  • Off The Leash
  • Resources
  • About
  • Become a Trainer
  • Employment Opportunities
contact@fitdog.com
(310) 828 - 3647
1712 21st Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Privacy Policy Terms and Conditions
© 2018 Fitdog. All Rights Reserved.
Designed and Developed by