Fall Hiking Safety Tips for Pet Owners

Fall is one of the best times of year to explore the outdoors with your pet. Cool, crisp air makes exercise more enjoyable, pests like mosquitoes and ticks are less active (though not gone entirely), and the landscapes are bursting with color. For dogs especially, hitting the trail means new smells, sights, and sounds—an adventure you can both enjoy together.

But fall hiking isn’t without risk. Shorter daylight hours, unpredictable weather, and seasonal hazards like hunting season and wildlife activity can quickly turn a fun day into a stressful one. The good news is, with a little preparation, you and your pet can stay safe while soaking up everything the season has to offer.

Here are the top safety tips every pet owner should know before planning a fall hike.

Check the Weather Before You Go

Fall weather can change in an instant. One minute the sun is shining, and the next a cold front rolls in with wind, rain, or even unexpected early snow. Mountain areas in particular are prone to sudden shifts in temperature.

Always check the forecast before heading out (NOAA 2023). If storms, high winds, or freezing conditions are predicted, it’s best to reschedule. Small, elderly, or short-haired dogs are especially at risk in cold, damp conditions (American Veterinary Medical Association, AVMA). As a rule of thumb, avoid hikes below 40°F with wind chill.

Pack for Safety and Comfort

Bringing the right gear makes a huge difference for both of you. Essential supplies include:

For You

• Trail map, compass, or GPS
• Plenty of water and snacks
• Layered clothing and a weatherproof jacket
• Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries
• First-aid kit
• Fully charged phone and portable charger
• Sturdy boots or hiking shoes

For Your Pet

• Leash and secure harness
• ID tags and updated microchip info (American Kennel Club, AKC 2019)
• Waste bags for cleanup
• Collapsible water and food bowls
• Pet-safe snacks or treats
• Dog coat or sweater for warmth
• Paw balm or booties for rough terrain (ASPCA 2022)

Preparedness can prevent minor inconveniences from becoming emergencies.

Stay on Designated Trails

Fallen leaves may look pretty, but they hide hazards like uneven ground, rocks, holes, or even snakes (National Park Service, NPS 2022). Keep your dog leashed and on marked trails both for their safety and to help preserve wildlife. In many parks, leashes are legally required. A leash also prevents pets from chasing squirrels, deer, or porcupines—encounters that can result in bites or quills.

Be Aware of Hunting Season

Fall coincides with hunting season in many areas. Typically running September through November, this is an important hazard to plan around. Protect yourself and your dog by wearing bright neon or blaze orange vests (U.S. Forest Service, 2023). Avoid dawn and dusk hikes when hunters are most active, and check your local area’s hunting regulations before heading out.

Bring More Water Than You Think

Even when temperatures are cool, you and your dog can become dehydrated—and cool, dry air speeds moisture loss through breathing. Pets should drink clean, fresh water, not from puddles or streams, which may contain parasites like giardia (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC 2020). Bring more water than you expect to need, especially if your outing goes longer than planned.

Watch for Cold Weather Risks

Dogs can get hypothermia and frostbite just like humans. Puppies, senior dogs, and short-coated breeds are especially vulnerable (Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, 2021). Watch for signs your pet is too cold:

• Shivering or trembling
• Whining, slowing down, or reluctance to walk
• Lifting paws repeatedly
• Curling inward or trying to turn back

If you notice any of these, it’s time to warm up, shorten your hike, or head home.

Mind the Shorter Days

With fewer daylight hours in autumn, trails can get darker sooner than expected, especially under tree cover. Plan to start your hike early and aim to finish at least an hour before sunset. Bring a light just in case—you don’t want to be stuck navigating uneven terrain in the dark (The Hiking Project, 2021).

Prepare for Wildlife Encounters

Fall is an active time for wildlife, from deer in rutting season to bears stocking up before hibernation. Keep your dog leashed to prevent dangerous encounters for both them and the animals. If you do encounter wildlife:

• Stay calm
• Back away slowly
• Give the animal plenty of space
• Never run or scream (NPS 2023)

In bear country, carrying bear spray is a wise precaution.

Always Clean Up After Your Pet

Even outdoors, dog waste poses risks by spreading parasites like roundworms and bacteria that can harm wildlife and contaminate water supplies (Environmental Protection Agency, EPA 2022). Bag it and pack it out, even if you’re far from civilization.

Do a Post-Hike Pet Check

Before hopping in the car, inspect your dog thoroughly. Look for:

• Ticks around the ears, between toes, and under collars
• Burrs or thorns caught in fur
• Scrapes or paw injuries
• Signs of soreness or limping

Offer fresh water and a small snack after the hike. If your pet seems unusually tired, uncomfortable, or develops sudden symptoms later, call your veterinarian for advice (AVMA 2023).

Final Thoughts for Pet Owners

Fall hikes can be one of the best ways to bond with your pet while enjoying cooler weather and beautiful scenery. With a little preparation—checking the forecast, packing the right gear, protecting against seasonal hazards—you can enjoy your adventure fully while keeping your pet safe and happy.

Your pup doesn’t just rely on you for companionship on the trail—they rely on you for protection too. Planning ahead ensures your shared memories are filled with joy, not worry.