Gearing Up for Outdoor Fun With Your Pet

It’s starting to feel like spring, and for those who love to hike, camp, and enjoy Mother Nature, the anticipation of summer is building. Many pet parents, especially those with dogs, also enjoy recreating outdoors with their best four-legged friends. After all, it’s not quite a camping trip without Rover!

To make the most of outdoor fun with your pet, it’s important to plan carefully before you hit the trails.

Before You Head Out

Much like packing for our own camping or hiking trips, your pet will require equal or more consideration. First of all, nature is wild, and where there’s wild, there’s wildlife – in the form of mammals, reptiles, birds, and, of course, parasites.

Many of these critters carry diseases that you’ll want to avoid by making sure your pet pal’s vaccines and parasite prevention are current. Parasite prevention should cover flea and tick control, as well as heartworm prevention and screening.

Depending on where you’re headed and for how long, your friends at True Care Veterinary Hospital may recommend additional vaccines for illnesses such as leptospirosis.

Packing for the Trip

Just when you thought the car wasn’t already packed to the gills, there’s your pet to consider. Like us, pets have their own comfort needs and safety requirements for a great expedition outdoors. Some of the basics include:

• Sturdy leash and collar with current ID tags
• Tie-out no longer than 10 ft. (be sure to follow campground guidelines, where applicable)
• Crate or carrier
• Bed and extra blankets
• Comb or brush (good for getting burrs and other debris out of fur)
• Pet first aid kit
• Food and water bowls
• Food and extra drinking water (plus extra for the road)
• Pet backpack (if hiking)
• Waste bags

You may also wish to bring toys or games that your pet will enjoy, such as a soft football or frisbee. If you plan on being on the water, don’t forget your pet’s life vest.

Other Tips for Outdoor Fun With Your Pet

• Make sure you check the campground and/or trail rules when it comes to pets. Follow them for the safety of your pet and others.
• Never leave your pet alone at a campsite. Bring him or her in the tent or car to avoid wildlife encounters or a missing pet scare.
• Stick to trails when hiking with your pet. Avoid tall grasses where parasites thrive, and do not let your pet chase after wildlife (give them plenty of room to get to safety).
• Remember, not everyone likes the sound of a barking dog, so make sure your pup has the training and socialization skills needed to camp among others.

Enjoying some outdoor fun with your pet can be an incredible bonding experience. Just be sure to follow some basic safety protocols to have the best trip ever!