How to Keep Your Dog Safe in the Outdoors

As a pet parent, the safety of your fur baby is always your number one priority. You know better than to leave chocolate out on the coffee table and to keep dangerous chemicals out of reach in the kitchen, but the outdoors is a whole ‘another world. You can’t always control your surroundings outdoors with your dog, but you can control how you handle each situation that comes your way. Prepare yourself for potential dangers by studying a few simple ways to keep your dog safe outside.

Don’t Ditch the Leash

It’s no secret many dog owners like to let their dogs off the leash on hiking trails, at campsites, or on the beach. These types of dog owners don’t like being told it’s dangerous, but here’s the thing—it really is. You may think you know your dog’s behaviors, but you can never be certain what they’ll encounter out there in the wild. It may be a creature they’ve never seen before, it may be dangerous terrain they’re not familiar with, or it could even be an aggressive dog on a leash, unprepared for a new furry friend to come up and say hello. Just because your dog is friendly doesn’t mean other dogs are comfortable with social interaction, and preventing this type of interaction keeps everyone involved safe. 

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Invest in a Comfy Harness

Speaking of leashes, it’s much safer to attach your leash to a dog harness than to a collar. The collar/leash combo can create unnecessary strain on a dog’s neck area Even if your dog is very well trained on the leash, they’re still susceptible to unpredictable bursts of energy from time to time, like when spotting a woodland creature in the distance. If you’re not prepared with the right gear, they could cause serious damage to their neck or throat.

Using a harness instead of a collar is the best thing you can do for your dog. A well-fitting harness ensures pressure is equally distributed around their body, and keeps you in better control of their motions. A harness with padding is much easier to wear for long walks, a sleek design ensures it won’t get snagged on any branches, and a snug but the comfortable fit will keep even the best houdini dog from escaping.

Protect Their Health

Make sure your dog is up on its shots before heading out into the wilderness. Ticks, fleas, heartworm—there are so many parasitic dangers out there to consider, but taking the right precautions is easy when you’re aware these dangers exist. Be sure to talk to your vet about the best heartworm medication and tick and flea prevention, and be sure to check your dog for ticks after each outdoor adventure.

Stay Hydrated

A dog can’t tell you when they are thirsty, but it’s safe to assume that after a long hike or a day out in the sun, your dog will be absolutely parched. Stop for multiple water breaks throughout the day, no matter how non-strenuous you think your activity has been. You should also pack treats and snacks for a day outside to keep them full of protein and energized for the adventures ahead.

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