How to Keep Your Dog Safe on Extreme Travel Adventures
The fantasy of going on an adventure with a dog is one of the primary reasons why many of us adventure junkies decide to get a four-legged friend. Well, that and the unconditional love that only a dog can offer. After all, an animal often regarded as a human’s best friend ought to indulge in activities we like, right? Well, not necessarily—but fortunately for us, this time, they absolutely rejoice in performing any kind of physical activity in the great outdoors.
However, your furry friend may not always understand things that seem obvious to you. You can try all you want to talk your dog out of eating a plant that isn’t good for them, and they’ll likely just assume you’re excited. There’s a bit of a language barrier, so to speak. That said, with the right safety measures, hiking with dogs isn’t particularly difficult. Let’s talk about them in this blog.
Safety Comes First
Before everything else, the numero uno priority is ensuring the safety of your dog, especially if you’ve got a smaller dog like a Yorkie Poo puppy. You see, pups, despite their relentless joy of existence, are tiny little things that aren’t fully developed biologically. They’re not completely trained or in a position where they can take care of themselves. Here are some safety measures you should take when hanging out with them outdoors:
Keep food and water handy.
No matter how trained your dog may be, and there is only so much training a puppy can realistically go through, keeping a small dog off the leash is a risk considering they are easy prey for hawks, coyotes, or other animals in the wild.
Brush your pup after the hike to check for ticks, burrs, or cuts. If you're hiking in tick-heavy areas, consider a vet-approved flea and tick prevention treatment.
If your pup gets tired, do not force them. Just scoop them up and carry them. A small dog backpack is a must for longer trails.
Lastly, just keep things easy at first. Go with trails that are fairly well maintained and easy on their little bodies. The goal is to make it fun for them so that as they grow up, they develop a love for outdoor adventures, just like their parents.
Take Your Dog To The Vet
Before and after every hike, take your pup to the doggy doctor so they can do their little magic and ensure your dog is protected against common threats like fleas, ticks, and other diseases. Furthermore, they can check up on your dog’s overall health, see if all vaccines are up to date, and they’re ready for adventure time.
Consider Your Dog’s Fitness Levels
We may fall prey to the preconceived notion that “it's a dog, it must be fit” and take them on a long hike that ends up being extremely taxing to them. Stamina is a muscle that is built over time. A couch potato dog won’t fare very well on a dangerous and tiring trail. So, gauge their fitness levels before you embark on your journey.
Teach Your Dogs Basic Commands
Let’s circle back to what we said above: there will be a communication problem between you and your pup. And yes, that is a fact. However, studies have shown dogs to have the same level of intelligence as a 2-year-old human, meaning they can understand many words—hundreds of words, to be specific. So, it’s best to teach them some basic commands that are going to be extremely—and we emphasize the word extremely—useful for their and your safety during any sort of adventure activity. The basic commands that they should know are:
Stay
Sit
Leave it
Come/Here
Fetch (because having fun is equally important)
Lay down (when you both need a break)
Time To Do Some Research
When you’re going on an adventure with your furry friend, it is essential to research thoroughly since you need to consider the safety and comfort of both your dog and yourself. Here are some things you need to read up on:
If you’re indulging in any activity, like hiking in snake country, in places with a presence of animals and toxic plants, plan ahead and prepare for the worst. Scout for hospitals nearby and always be vigilant.
Look for pet-friendly stays and read up on any additional charges beforehand. Camping is always an option. However, if you plan to camp out, bring your pup’s comfort blanket to keep them warm if the weather is cold, and also ensure you’re allowed to legally camp at the spot you’ve chosen.
Each adventure requires a different set of equipment, so read up on the same. Generally speaking though, you’ll need a harness, water bottles, poop bags, dog food, a knife, a first-aid kit, resting pads, and a flashlight.
If you’re going far, research the best modes of transportation that allow pets.
Conclusion
Participating in sports and any sort of outdoor adventure with your dog is arguably one of the best memories you will ever make and cherish for the rest of your life. However, remember that patience and preparation are key here. Some dogs do well, whilst others…not so much. It’s best not to force them if they seem hesitant, but generally, healthy dogs won’t miss an opportunity to explore the great outdoors. Stay safe, keep your pup happy, and clean up after yourselves no matter where you go. Adventure awaits!
