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From tossing the frisbee, playing fetch, or camping under the stars, there are tons of awesome outdoor activities you can do with your dog and other pets. Your furry friends thrive when they’re outdoors, so it’s important to get outside as often as possible. Not only are there a ton of fun things to do, but they also get some exercise and fresh air. keeps them happy and healthy and happy to be with you.
While spending time in nature is important, keeping your pet healthy and safe is also essential. This includes when you go on exciting adventures or even when playing in your own backyard. To help you out, we’ve got seven great tips to make sure your dog, cat, or other furry companion is safe on your next outing.
1. Take precautions to avoid getting lost
No matter how independent you think your pet is, it’s still important that you watch them at all times, whether they’re at the dog park or on a hike. As we all know, dogs can have minds of their own, so if they do end up running away, you’ll want to make sure they can be easily tracked down. This means keeping their collar on at all times with the necessary contact information.
Plus, if you’re going on an adventure and you haven’t microchipped yet, now is the time to do it. If your pet wanders off, it’s easy to pinpoint their location with a phone app so you can come to their rescue. If you already have a microchip, make sure it’s updated with the latest software.
Of course, you should always keep your dog on a leash whenever possible to avoid unknown dangers.
2. Watch out for ticks
If you go outside in your garden, in the forest or in any wooded area, you will have to be very careful of fleas, ticks and other parasites. Whenever you have finished playing outside, brush your pet quickly to check for embedded ticks. Beyond that, you should also check your dog weekly for ticks, even if he’s just going outside to use the bathroom. If you find a tick, you must safely eliminate the pest using tweezers to grab it as close to the animal’s skin as possible. Then use a smooth motion to pull the tick outward. Once done, apply some antiseptic around the bite.
Remember that ticks can cause serious harm to pets and humans if not cared for properly. One of the most common conditions is Lyme disease, which can cause skin rashes and possibly affect your joints and nervous system. If you start noticing some sort of irritation on your skin after removing ticks from your dog, it’s a good idea to go to the doctor and do a skin examwhere they will test the issues and give you next steps.
Fleas can also be a problem, especially in dog parks where they can jump from animal to animal. The best way to avoid fleas is to talk to your veterinarian about an effective flea medication and always make sure it’s up to date.
3. Avoid other hazardous external substances
Although ticks and fleas are often the number one priority, there are other outside substances that can harm your pet. If you take your dog out often and he likes to explore, try to avoid the use of hazardous pesticides on your lawn and plants, as they can be dangerous if inhaled or licked off.
If your dog likes to go swimming in the lake, you also need to watch out for contaminated water that may contain dangerous blue algae. This type of algae can grow in lakes when the temperature rises and makes the water appear to be filled with pea green paint. If consumed, this seaweed can cause serious health problems and even lead to death within an hour of contact. Keep an eye out for green water and if you see any, keep your dog away.
4. Protect yourself during the road trip
It’s important to be equally careful when driving to your outdoor destination. Consider looking for a dog harness that can secure them during the ride. It looks like a car seat for humans, but it’s the perfect size for your furry friend. Avoid letting the dog sit on your lap while you are driving or it could get angry, jump on you, or block your view or the road and put both of your lives in danger. Of course, you should never leave your pet alone in a hot car for any length of time.
When on the move, your pets also need to be protected from the possibility of walking through traffic and being hit by a car. Make sure you have proper fencing around your yard and close all gates and gates when not in use. If you are in an unfamiliar area and you think there may be traffic nearby, keep your dog on a leash.
5. Get the right accessories
If you know you’ll be going out for a long time, it’s a good idea to pack the necessary outdoor accessories to keep your four-legged friend safe and happy. For example, if you’re going hiking and you’re not sure there will be plenty of shade, bring along a pet umbrella that you can put up anywhere to give your dog shelter. safe against the sun.
In case you are planning an extended camping trip, you should go to a local pet store and buy an outdoor bed or even their own tent so they don’t have to sleep outside while being protected from the weather. In the weeks leading up to the trip, think about all the precautions you’ll need to take and start making a list, so you don’t forget anything important.
6. Keep your pet hydrated
Whenever you go out of the house, you should keep your pet hydrated, especially if they are exposed to the hot sun. As a general rule, your dog should drink about an ounce of water for every pound he weighs daily. Cats should drink about four ounces for every five pounds of body weight.
Always be prepared to hydrate your pet when outdoors. One way to do this is to put a spare water bowl in your car or backpack and take it wherever you go in case you need it. If you have the chance, you can also make ice cubes that will take a while to melt. If all else fails, dilute their kibble. If your dog is panting excessively or has a dry nose, it’s a sign that he’s dehydrated and needs fluids.
7. Protect their feet
Finally, wherever you go on unfamiliar trails or even on long walks on hot asphalt, you need to protect your pet’s feet. You can do this by staying on soft grass as much as possible and checking their paws for blood or damage after each long walk. If you go out in cold, snowy weather, set a time limit to avoid frostbite. Also consider smearing his paws with petroleum jelly to keep salt and ice from getting between his toes.
As you can see, there are many ways to protect your pet while playing in nature. Heed these tips and you and your furry friend will have a blast on your next outdoor adventure.
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