With the first hints of spring in the air, most people are starting to get ideas about taking trips, and planning adventures that bring them closer to the great outdoors. When you’re a dog owner, this can take on a whole new level of joy.
Wherever you go and whatever you do, your dog is always enthusiastic to join you on your adventures. You have opportunities to share beautiful experiences that are fun and serve to strengthen your bonds.
Because spring excursions are the perfect opportunity to bond with your dog, it’s important to ensure they off without a hitch by making your activities dog-friendly. By doing so you and your four-legged friend will be safe and happy no matter the circumstance.
Camping
There are few more fun spring activities than camping. You get to head out into nature by day and sleep under the stars at night. However, if you’re going to take your dog along there are a few things that you should bear in mind to keep the experience positive for both of you. The first of which involves preparing your dog to camp. Take time to speak to your vet so they can give you insights into how physically capable your companion is for the environment, and make sure they are up to date on all their vaccinations to prevent any illness in the wilderness.
It’s also important to remember that not all camping areas are open to visitors with dogs, so you need to check this in advance. All National Parks are dog-friendly, but there will be some private campgrounds that aren’t. Even if you aren’t certain that your dog will be welcome, make sure to double-check what the rules and regulations are for the area. Most likely, you will need to keep your pet on a leash in campground areas. Whether or not this is a hard-and-fast rule, you will both have the most positive experience if you make sure that your dog is trained to follow your commands in case you come across campers that may experience anxiety around animals.
Packing is the most essential activity you’ll do on your camping trip. It becomes even more essential when you have to consider what your dog will need during your camping trip. Take an adequate amount of food and treats, a couple of food and water bowls, and a leash stake for your time in the campground itself. When you’re out exploring the area together, make sure that you have a doggy day bag that can be filled with treats, your canine first aid kit, paw-protecting booties, and a rain jacket in case you get caught in a downpour.
Hiking
Getting some exercise with your dog is likely to be one of those daily rituals that you both look forward to. You get to put aside the troubles of your day, and just spend some time in the open air; sharing the happiness that your pet gets from stretching their legs and exploring the world around them. However, some basic preparations can make your hike all the more pleasant.
First, make sure you do some thorough research on the trail you intend to take. Consider how long it is, and whether your dog is physically up to making a journey of that distance on foot — both there and back. Gain some insights into what kind of environment you can expect to find at the time of year you’ll be hiking. You don’t want to find yourself inadvertently in some terrain that could injure either yourself or your dog.
If you’re planning on taking some particularly challenging routes, you’ve probably already selected some hiking boots for yourself. But you can also get all-terrain hiking booties for your dog. These will help to ensure that your dog’s paws are well protected from rocks, thorns, and rough ground. You should also invest in a collapsible water bowl that you can easily transport so that you can take regular breaks and allow your dog to rehydrate.
Aquatic Adventures
With the sunshine and warm weather that accompanies spring, also comes fun activities that involve plenty of water for your pet and you to cool off in. The fresh sunshine of the season means that water-based activities are becoming a practical option, and if you have a dog who enjoys splashing around, you can do a lot worse than taking them along on a canoeing trip down the river, surfing, or long distance paddle boarding. However, there are some preparations that you should bear in mind.
Firstly, aquatic activities can be just as unsafe for dogs as they can be for humans. As such, it’s important to confirm that your dog is a strong swimmer. If you intend to take them into deep water, you must make certain that you are both fitted with life jackets. You should also invest in a water-safe leash that you can use to prevent them from straying too far. Most importantly, if they do get themselves into trouble, you must be in a position to get them any medical attention they might require. Taking out a comprehensive pet health insurance plan can guarantee that they are covered for any examinations, medications, or emergency treatment they might require. It’s also wise to familiarize yourself with local veterinarians in the area you’ll be visiting.
Additionally, you should remember that even though your dog has fur, they also need to be protected from the sun. Make sure you apply sufficient sunscreen and reapply after each time they decide to take a dip in the water. This exposure can also leave them prone to overheating, so make sure that you stop regularly to ensure they are drinking enough water.
Conclusion
Spring can be the perfect time to take your dog along on outdoor activities. Whether you are going camping, hiking, or a more ambitious adventure, making adequate plans for your canine’s needs is essential. Consider how their health and behavior can be challenged and bring enough provisions to address them.
