Keeping your dog well exercised is important. Thankfully, it’s the perfect time of year to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather together! While you’re outside, it’s vital to remember outdoor pet safety tips. When you put safety first, you and your furry pal can look forward to enjoying outside activities together for years to come. Check out some of my favorite outdoor activities you can do with your pet and learn how to keep your pets safe while exercising.
Hiking
Nothing beats a good romp in the woods. It’s great cardio exercise for both you and your pet. However, dog owners forget that a hike in the woods isn’t the same as a walk around the block for your pet.
Hiking is strenuous exercise.
Before hitting the trails, make sure your pet is up to it. If your dog has low energy, or has back, joint or muscle problems, this isn’t the activity for the two of you.
Once you’ve determined that your pet it ready for a hike, make sure you’re prepared for your journey.
This includes…
Protecting Against Ticks/Other Pests – Make sure your pet it up to date on all flea/tick/pest medications to avoid bites and harmful transmitted diseases.
Packing Water – Good hydration is vital. Pack extra water bottles and a bowl for your pooch, and make sure he or she gets plenty of water along the way.
Bringing a First Aid Kit – Always bring pet first-aid supplies in case an accident happens along the way. Items such as gauze, tweezers, wraps, and antiseptic are all useful in an emergency.
Carrying Boots for Your Dog – Boots are important for when you hike long distance or hike on rough terrain. Make sure you have doggy booties packed to protect your pooch’s paw pads.
Making Sure Your Dog Has ID – Before you hike, make sure your dog has a snug collar with ID attached in case you get separated. It’s also a good idea to have your pet microchipped.
Water Activities
Water-loving dogs won’t think twice before jumping into a cool, refreshing pool or natural body of water.
Unfortunately, not all dogs are naturally good with water.
Because of that, it’s important to take animal water safety as seriously as we take human water safety.
If you plan to spend time around the water with your four-legged friend this summer, please do the following:
Get Your Dog a Lifejacket – Lifejackets are important, even if your dog knows how to swim. Just like humans, our canine companions can cramp up or get tired while in the water. Having a lifejacket ensures your pet will stay floating above the water safely.
Teach Your Pet to Swim – Contrary to popular belief, not all dogs know how to swim. If you plan on being around the water with your pet, you need to teach them how to swim. Start slowly in the shallow end where they can touch the ground and move on to deeper water.
Invest in Pool Safety Products – When you have a pool at home, it’s important to invest in fencing, pool covers, and other products to keep your pet from harm’s way.
Clean Your Pooch’s Ears – Moisture building up in the ear canal can cause ear infections. After a long day of playing in the water, make sure to clean your pet’s ears.
Outdoor Play
Walks, trips to the park, and throwing a Frisbee in the backyard are common summertime activities to enjoy with your dog. The activities themselves aren’t very dangerous; however, they can become harmful when it’s too hot outside.
Always check the temperature. With fur coats and no voice to say, “I’m too hot,” pets overheat very easily.
Avoid putting your pet in a dangerous situation by:
Keeping Them Inside – When it gets over 80 degrees, avoid heat stroke by limiting your pet’s outside playtime. When in doubt whether it’s too hot, keep your pet indoors.
Providing Plenty of Water – Heat causes your pet to dehydrate very quickly. Always have a surplus of water available to drink.
Exercising Your Pet Before It Warms Up – Mornings and evening are the perfect time to get your dog outside before the temperatures get dangerous.
Purchasing Dog Booties – Cement and asphalt roads get boiling hot during the day. Roads stay hot even after the sun starts to set. Invest in a set of dog booties to protect your pet’s paws while taking a walk around the neighborhood.
