Can be very, it depends on the breed. Just don't go in if you're bleeding and you should be fine. If you can carry something that you can bop one in the nose if it got too close with you, it probably wouldn't be a bad idea. Or just don't go too deep, and you'll be okay.
There's ponds and freshwater streams all through the woods between the city and the mountains if you're worried.
Once I'm back to normal I can let you cut off a bit of fur to carry with you. Something about my smell keeps other predators away.