Any dog owner knows how much their pooch loves to be outside. Whether it’s a long walk on leash or playtime with their friends from the dog park, they thrive when they get enough of the outdoors. And, let’s face it, time outside with your pet is good for you too. It helps you stay fit and healthy and cements the bond between you and Fido.
Here are six things every dog parent should know about ensuring your pet’s safety when it’s outdoors:
1. Watch the Weather
First on the list is knowing what the weather is like. This is really no different than getting ready to go outside yourself. Consider the temperature and what that means for your pooch. In cold or rainy conditions, a warm coat and doggie footwear may be necessary. Booties will protect sensitive paws against melting ice and keep your dog’s feet dry.
On those hot sunny days, consider applying a little sunscreen, made especially for dogs, to their coat. It’s important to carry clean, fresh drinking water and watch closely for any signs of overheating. And, perhaps counterintuitively, booties are summer accessories for dogs, too. They will keep your pooch’s sensitive paws off the hot concrete and asphalt.
2. Understand Water Dangers
Most dogs love the water and will take the chance to jump in a kiddie pool in the summer. But there’s also danger associated with water; for example, if your pup is thirsty, it may choose stagnant water. Mosquitos breed in still water, putting your canine at risk of ingesting heartworm larvae. Parasites like giardia that cause gastrointestinal harm can also be found there.
Backyard pools are hazardous if your pet gets in unsupervised and becomes trapped under a solar cover. Fast flowing streams can be treacherous during spring runoff. Lakes are dangerous in cold climates; your new dog may venture onto thin ice in the winter and break through into a dangerously cold lake.
3. Beware of Parasites
In addition to his giardia and heartworm, there are several other parasites that can cause your doggo great distress. Fleas and ticks are common pests that are probably familiar to you. Some dogs are allergic to flea bites, and their scratching can lead to an infection. Ticks can carry Lyme disease and transmit it to your pet—or to you. After any time outside, check your pet’s coat carefully.
4. Guard against Toxins
There are numerous substances found outdoors that can be toxic to dogs. Chemical pesticides may have been sprayed on grass. A neighbor might have put down poisons to kill rodents. Hot tub chemicals and other pool cleaning and maintenance products may have been left out instead of stored properly out of reach. Bacteria, molds and other bad substances abound in compost bins, which smell appealing to your hound.
Would you believe that some creatures native to your outdoor environment might be able to poison your dog? Some snakes, spiders, frogs, and toads fall into this category. Certain plants such as daffodils, lilies, hydrangeas, and others can be toxic to your pooch. Insect bites can cause swelling, discomfort, and distress. There’s no telling what your pet may sniff out and find interesting, so it’s best to have a close eye on it.
5. Watch out for Wild Animals
If you live in an area with a lot of wildlife, it’s something you need to be mindful of to keep your canine safe. Wild animals can have diseases like rabies as well as parasites. You never can tell if an animal is contagious or how a cornered raccoon or fox may react to your pet, so it’s best to intervene.
Porcupines and other slower moving creatures have their own defense systems if they can’t get away from a barking dog, and you don’t want your pet to run afoul of them. A bite wound from any animal can cause your doggie unnecessary misery at best. Even interactive play with other domestic canines should be supervised closely.
6. Take Preventative Measures
Advance preparation will go a long way to safeguarding your pup from the many potential harms around them. Ensuring that your hound’s vaccines are always up to date is a no-brainer. This should be accompanied by regular veterinary checkups and a scheduled appointment if there’s anything you’re concerned about.
Another proactive move is to have your pooch microchipped. While putting a collar on your dog including an ID tag with your phone number is helpful, the collar or tag could get caught on something and fall off. The advantage of a microchip is that it stays in place and comes with a service that can help you locate your pet.
In Closing
The bottom line is that you should always look after your canine while it is outside. Whether you’re in a fenced back yard fence or running on a familiar trail, having your eyes on what your dog is up to is essential to its safety.