A Dog Owner's Guide for Safe Outings: 3 Tips for an Enjoyable Experience

Sweet summertime is in full swing. The longer days and the warmer weather offer the perfect opportunity to soak up the sun’s rays and enjoy the outdoors with your four-legged friend. 

Whether it’s a challenging hike, a leisurely stroll, or a playful romp at the beach, heading out with your Rover helps you bond with it. Outings also offer mental stimulation to your canine companion. 

Day trips with dogs are exciting and full of fun. But the trip can turn into an unpleasant one if your Fido faces unexpected hazards or ends up in a pickle. As a pet parent, it’s your duty to ensure their safety. 

Here are some things you must do before you take your Fido out for a safe and enjoyable experience. 

#1 Use a Short Dog Leash

Outfit your furry friend with a leash—around 6 feet— even if it’s friendly. 

If you don’t use it, you could also violate the leash law of your state. Only three states—Pennsylvania, Tennessee, or Michigan—require dog parents to leash their canine companions in public spaces. Other states, like Alabama and New Hampshire, necessitate leashes only on state grounds, parks, or wildlife areas. 

Penalty aside, not leashing your dog means you won’t have control over it. That could be troublesome. 

Fatal dog attacks have more than doubled over the last three years. Common victims of dog bites are small children. Just this May, a large, off-leash dog attacked a 9-year-old girl in Horner Park in Chicago. Blood gushed from her legs, and her back was covered with bite marks, reported the Chicago Tribune. 

Dog bites, Loewy Law Firm comments, can be traumatizing—both physically and mentally. Treating physical wounds can be costly. To recover damages, victims can file a personal injury lawsuit.

Should your pooch attack someone, you could be held legally and financially responsible for the damages. Save yourself from the ordeal and keep your canine companion leashed at all times outdoors. 

#2 Bring Toys or Treats to Keep Your Rover Occupied

Packing a bag that contains water, food, and poop bags isn’t enough. 

Whether you’re heading to a beach or a park, your Fido might need some extra entertainment. Its favorite toys will keep it engaged and burn off that extra energy. Make sure you pack them. 

Bring a ball or chew toys. You can toss the ball or offer a chew toy and keep your pooch occupied and content while you relax or sit down for a while. 

To reinforce good behaviors, treats will come in handy. Add a few of them to your bag. Whether you teach new commands or just want to reward your pooch for staying calm in a busy environment, having treats on hand makes training easier and more effective.

Best Friends Animal Society advises pet parents to use training treats to teach their canine companion polite greetings in public. 

#3 Stay Prepared for Emergencies

Accidents can happen anywhere and at any time. The key to dealing with them? Staying prepared. 

Carry a basic first-aid box that should have antiseptic wipes, bandages, and any medications your dog might need, such as anti-nausea. It would also be wise to pack a small muzzle in case your Fido becomes scared or aggressive due to an injury.

Find out the nearest veterinary clinic, too, especially if you’re far from home. You never know when your dog might suffer an injury or experience an unexpected health issue.

Just this month, a woman who took her dog out for a walk ended up in the veterinary intensive care unit. 

As per the reports, a large dog attacked Nell, a Chihuahua, when her owner, Leanne Lewis, took it out for a walk. The Weld County woman revealed they were walking down the alley when her neighbor’s dog escaped a fence and attacked her Chihuahua mini Dachshund mix. 

Nell, her beloved dog, was covered in blood. It suffered a tear in the abdominal wall, and its nose was also broken. Would the Chihuahua be saved if she hadn’t rushed to the nearest vet clinic? Definitely not—it might have succumbed to its injuries. 

Hence, knowing the nearest veterinary clinic is important. In case something similar happens to your pooch, you’ll know where to head rather than losing precious time searching for help in a panic. 

In the end, outings are an opportunity to enjoy the world together with your Rover. Savor the time you have with your furry friend. But don’t forget to take precautions. They can help prevent many potential issues before they arise, ensuring an enjoyable experience for both you and your pooch.