So many of our dogs love the outdoors, from exploring new scents on a hiking trail to enjoying time on the water. If you enjoy outdoor adventures, but haven’t taken your pup along, you could be missing out on a lot of fun for you both. Of course, it’s important to make sure that the activity you choose is appropriate for your dog, and that you’re prepared to make sure everybody stays healthy and has a good time. If you’re new to taking your pup on an outdoor adventure, it’s probably best not to start with a two-week camping trip in the backcountry or a sailing expedition. Instead, here are three simple ways to start exploring the outdoors with your canine companion, along with some tips on how to make sure you both enjoy yourselves.
Trail running
Running or jogging on a trail is a great way to easily get started outdoors with your dog, a natural step up in intensity from the walks you’re probably already doing. Just make sure your dog is old enough to run (puppies under a year old can damage their joints by running long-distance) and start slow. Afterward, inspect your dog’s paw pads to make sure they didn’t pick up splinters or thorns along the way.
Hiking
Like trail running, hiking is easy to start with a trained adult dog. Before choosing a hiking location, make sure that it’s dog-friendly (some parks, for example, allow only dogs on leashes 6-feet in length or shorter, while others do not allow pets). For short, easy hikes, you may not need any equipment other than a leash, water, and a snack for your pup. However, for longer hikes, it may be worth considering a few pieces of equipment. For hikes with large rocks or rough terrain, consider rubber dog boots for additional foot protection and a harness which will give you a handhold to help your dog over obstacles. If you already have experience hiking with your dog, and are planning a longer hike over several days, let your dog help carry some lighter gear with a dog backpack, and consider ways to save weight such as bringing dehydrated dog food or a collapsible dog bowl.
Canoeing
Canoeing with your pup can be a more complicated adventure, but can also be a lot of fun. Keep the trip limited to a short trip to start. A still body of water, like a small lake or pond, is a great place to test the waters. The most important thing is to make sure that your pup is safe and comfortable. Most importantly, do not leash your dog to the boat: you wouldn’t want to be tied to the boat if it capsized, and neither should your dog. Also, make sure your dog has a lifejacket. After those key safety tips, look at ways to make your dog comfortable by providing a place to sit, treats, or a buoyant toy to keep your pup occupied on the water.
Before you head out for your adventures, make sure your pet is ready to go with protection from outdoor pests. TropiClean’s Natural Flea & Tick line includes shampoos and sprays to ensure your pet will enjoy the outdoors without the irritating bites. Our shampoo, After Bath Treatment, and sprays kill Fleas & Ticks by contact to keep your pup comfortable and healthy.
For more information on TropiClean’s Natural Flea & Ticks Products click here. And have fun with your adventure dog!
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