6 Safety Tips for Dog-Friendly Outdoor Adventures

I know a lot of friends cannot wait until Spring finally settles in.  Spring means lots of outside time with the family - whether it be playing in the yard, a visit to the park, a big hike in the woods or a long weekend camping. 

We dogs love any type of adventure and we trust our humans will keep us safe from injury and illness while exploring the great outdoors.  With that in mind, I wanted to share some of our top tips for having a safe outdoor adventure with your dog.

Stay Healthy

Before you travel to your latest adventure, locate the nearest vet to where you will be/be staying;  this way, if your dog needs any kind of medical attention, you know where to go right away.

Carry a Pet First Aid kit with you for minor emergencies.  The ASPCA Online Store offers a pre-made Pet First Aid Kit for around $30.00.

Make sure your dog is updated on his/her vaccinations and has adequate flea and tick prevention.

Florida Fact:  If hiking, boating, canoeing or camping in Florida (especially South Florida) during the warmer months, you may want to talk to your vet about adequate mosquito repellent for your dog, since those suckers form armies down here.

Stay Leashed on Hikes and Walks

I know many dogs are great on off-leash walks and hikes however we like to stick with leashed hikes and walks here in Florida.  On our adventures, I am always leashed because there are so many strange noises, new scents and wild animals that could cause trouble or harm.  Ma and Daddy-dog don't want to lose me in the woods while I am chasing down something wild and crazy.

Florida Facts:  It may not be "lions, tigers and bears" that scare, startle or attack you here in Florida but it surely can be "panthers, (poisonous) snakes, wild boar and bears"...none of which would be good for me to run into while exploring off leash! 

Also, we have fire ants, which I have stepped in before: those critters swarm on you and then bite/sting all at once!  Ouch!  Many people and dogs are allergic to their bite/sting; they are painful and can cause a lot of swelling.

Stay Afloat

If you and your dog enjoy boat or canoe rides together, you may want to invest in a dog life vest.  I can assure you from personal experience that not all dogs can or like to swim.

Florida Fun Fact:  If canoeing or kayaking in Florida, it is always a good idea to have a life vest that has a handle for your dog to wear.  Why?  Alligators and Water Moccasins.  If your dog falls into the water, you need to be able to grab them out of the water quickly lest they get bit by a poisonous water snake or become a mid-morning snack for some giant gator.

Stay Hydrated and Nourished

Just as you would for yourself, no matter what your adventure bring plenty of water and food for both you and your dog. 

We always have more than enough bottled water for all of us and Daddy-dog always has my travel bowl at the ready.  I am never allowed to drink out of any river, stream, puddle (etc.) because there could be bacteria (or other icky things) in it that would make me sick.

We always have plenty of healthy, energy-boosting snacks with us as well, whether we are in the campsite, hiking or canoeing.  On our last adventure, Ma brought my Zuke's Power Bones which contain fast-burning carbohydrates and antioxidants, to keep me fueled during our 5+ mile hike.   We also love to have Zuke's Supers on hand during an adventure since they are chock full of antioxidants.

Florida Fact:  We have lots of edible plants down here like coconuts, cocoplum and citrus fruits some of which you may see growing wild.  During our last camping trip, there were orange trees growing in the campground.  They were thin and spindly, not like what you would see in a citrus grove, but they had fruit...and Ma and Daddy-dog tried one!  It was a sour orange. 

Stay Together

Don’t leave your dog unattended at your campsite even if they are on a leash or in a crate.  Dogs also shouldn’t be left inside of the car if you decide to go on a hike or other outing without them.  And please:  allow your dog to sleep in a tent with you to ensure they stay safe.

Florida Fact:  In Florida State Parks, where we camp, it is required that dogs walk on a 6' leash at all times and when in the campsite, must be on a tie-out.

Stay Alert

Whether hiking, canoeing or in the campsite...always be aware of your surroundings!  Staying alert to what is around you is the best way to ensure everyone has a great time!

I hope you will have some great adventures soon!

A special thank you to Zuke's for Fueling My Camping, Hiking, Canoeing and Biking Adventures!