Hiking and camping with dogs: The ultimate guide to safety, gear, and etiquette

There is nothing quite like the sound of paws hitting the trail or the sight of a dog curled up by a campfire after a long day of exploring. Hiking and camping with dogs can strengthen your bond in ways a walk around the block never will. However, the wilderness is unpredictable.

As someone who has spent years navigating backcountry trails with four-legged companions—including full-time RVing since 2020—I’ve learned that a successful trip isn’t just about the destination; it’s about the preparation. This guide will walk you through everything from physical conditioning to the “hidden” dangers of the trail to ensure your next adventure is safe and memorable.

Is your dog ready for the trail?

This is the MOST important question to ask yourself. Before you pack your bags, you need to honestly assess if your dog is physically and mentally prepared for the trek.

• Age and development: Puppies shouldn’t do strenuous hikes until their growth plates have fully closed (usually around 12–18 months). Similarly, senior dogs may need shorter, flatter routes to protect their joints.
• Breed-specific limitations: Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Boxers or Pugs struggle with heat regulation. Double-coated breeds like Huskies may overheat in summer, while short-haired dogs may need layers for mountain cold.
• The “test hike”: Never make a 10-mile trek your dog’s first outing. Start with a 2-mile local trail to see how they handle uneven terrain and distractions.

6 common dangers when hiking with dogs

Nature is beautiful, but it requires a “safety first” mindset. Here is what I keep on my radar at all times:

1. Wildlife encounters

Whether it’s a curious squirrel or a defensive black bear, wildlife is the biggest wildcard. A dog’s instinct to “chase” can lead them into dangerous territory.

Pro-tip: Use a sturdy 6-foot leash. Retractable leashes are prone to snapping and give you less control in an emergency. Also, in many places (like National Parks), a leash law is enforced and often cannot exceed six feet. I actually made my own leashes before I started RVing full-time in 2020 and quickly learned that my custom lengths were too long for many park regulations!

2. Heat exhaustion and dehydration

Dogs don’t sweat like we do; they pant to cool down. By the time a dog stops walking, they are often already in the danger zone.

• Watch for: Dark red gums, thick saliva, and a “flattened” tongue.
• Prevention: Hike during the “golden hours” (dawn or dusk) and offer water every 30–45 minutes, even if they don’t seem thirsty.

3. Toxic plants and unsafe water

Leptospirosis and Giardia are common in stagnant ponds. While the water looks refreshing, it can lead to severe illness.

• Prevention: Always carry enough filtered water for both you and your dog. Discourage “puddling” along the trail.

4. Paw injuries and rough terrain

Sharp shale, hot sand, or hidden thorns can end a trip quickly.

• Pro-tip: I always carry musher’s secret (a breathable wax) for paw protection, or high-quality booties if we are crossing jagged rock fields.

5. Parasites and “hitchhikers”

Ticks are more than a nuisance; they carry Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

• Checkpoints: At every break, do a quick “hand-over-body” check, focusing on the ears, armpits, and between the toes.

6. The “hidden” danger: THC and human waste

This is a growing concern that many owners underestimate. Dogs are scavengers and are often attracted to the scent of human feces left unburied near trails or campsites. If that person has recently ingested cannabis (edibles or high-potency products), the THC remains psychoactive in the waste. Lady Midnight gave me a scare a couple of years ago after eating human poop at a campsite.

• The risk: Because dogs have significantly more cannabinoid receptors than humans, ingesting even a small amount of THC-laced waste can lead to marijuana toxicosis.
• Symptoms to watch for: A “drunken” or wobbly gait (ataxia), dilated pupils, tremors, and most characteristically, urinary incontinence (dribbling urine). Lady Midnight literally fell forward down my steps. It was pretty horrific to watch.
• Prevention: Keep your dog on a short leash in high-traffic camping areas and master a rock-solid “Leave It” command.

Essential trail etiquette and Leave No Trace

To keep trails dog-friendly, we must be responsible visitors. Following Leave No Trace principles is essential.

• The “Poop Tube” method: Don’t be the hiker who leaves a plastic bag on the side of the trail to “grab later.” Use a dedicated airtight container (like a PVC pipe or specialized dry bag) to pack out waste.
• Yielding: When encountering other hikers or horses, step off the trail and keep your dog in a “sit-stay.” Not everyone is comfortable with dogs, and yielding shows respect for the community.

Tips for camping overnight with your dog

Camping introduces new variables: cold nights, strange noises, and the temptation of “people food” by the fire.

The essential dog hiking gear checklist

Don’t overpack, but don’t skip the essentials. Here is my go-to list:

1. Safety: A canine-specific first-aid kit (including a tick key and vet wrap).
2. Hydration: A collapsible bowl and at least 1 liter of extra water.
3. Nutrition: High-calorie treats to sustain their energy levels.
4. Identification: A collar with tags plus a microchip with updated contact info.
5. Emergency: A “rescue sling” or harness—could you carry your 60lb+ dog 5 miles if they broke a leg?

Read, “Emergency first aid for dogs that you should know” to learn more about first aid.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

• How much extra food should I bring? For high-intensity hiking, increase their calorie intake by roughly 10% to 25%.
• Can my dog sleep in my sleeping bag? It’s cozy, but they might tear the delicate fabric with their claws. A dedicated dog sleeping bag or wool blanket is usually better.
• What if we see a bear? Keep your dog close, make noise, and back away slowly. Never let your dog “chase” the bear away.

Final thoughts: Making memories safely

Hiking and camping with your dog is about the shared joy of discovery. By planning for the risks and respecting the environment, you ensure that these trips remain a highlight of your dog’s life.

Appendix

Canine first-aid checklist: Trail editionCanine first-aid checklist: Trail edition

1. Essential supplies to pack

• Self-adhering bandage (Vet Wrap): Sticks to itself, not to fur.
• Sterile gauze pads: For cleaning and covering wounds.
• Antiseptic wipes or spray: (Non-stinging) to disinfect cuts.
• Tick key or fine-tip tweezers: To remove parasites correctly.
• Styptic powder: To stop bleeding from a torn nail.
• Saline solution: To flush debris out of eyes or wounds.
• Digital thermometer: (Normal dog temp is $101.0^\circ\text{F}$ to $102.5^\circ\text{F}$).
• Benadryl (Diphenhydramine): For bee stings or allergic reactions (Consult your vet for the correct dosage for your dog’s weight before use).

2. Immediate action steps for common injuries

Paw cuts or torn pads

1. Clean: Flush with saline or clean water.
2. Disinfect: Apply antiseptic.
3. Cover: Apply gauze and wrap firmly (but not too tight) with Vet Wrap.
4. Protect: Put a dog bootie over the bandage to keep it dry while hiking out.

Heat stroke

1. Stop immediately: Move to shade.
2. Cool down: Apply cool (not ice cold) water to the belly, armpits, and paw pads.
3. Airflow: Fan the dog vigorously.
4. Hydrate: Offer small sips of water, but do not force-feed it.

Embedded tick removal

1. Grasp: Use a tick key or tweezers as close to the skin as possible.
2. Pull: Use steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk.
3. Clean: Disinfect the bite area and wash your hands.

3. Emergency vitals & info

• Veterinarian Name/Phone: ________________________
• Emergency Vet (Nearest to trail): ________________________
• Dog’s Weight: _________ lbs
• Medication/Allergies: ________________________

Pro-tip: If your dog is too injured to walk and you don’t have a rescue sling, you can create a temporary “stretcher” using a large unzipped sleeping bag or a sturdy jacket with the sleeves turned inside out and poles threaded through them.