Whenever you take your dog on an adventure, you need to be aware of the risks involved. With good planning, dog outing safety and management can keep those risks to a minimum!

Any time you and your dog take off on an adventure, you’re accepting some level of risk. Lots of things can happen out in the world!

While the risks involved might be low, it’s still something to keep in mind when you’re preparing for an outing. Set yourself up for success by preparing for your outing with safety in mind. Depending on your plans, you might need to take some safety precautions, pack certain gear and supplies, or use a variety of management strategies.

Taking your dog on an outing, whether it’s to the park, the store, or the patio of your favorite coffee shop should be fun and safe. While it’s impossible to eliminate all the risks of outings with your dog, here are some ways to minimize them so you can focus on the fun part!

Dogs and Car Safety

For most outings, the car is the starting point (unless you live in an urban area). Whenever you get into a car, there are some risks involved, of course. We wear seatbelts to help keep us safe in case of an accident, so it only makes sense to make sure our dogs are secured as well.

There are a few options for dogs and car safety. The most popular choices are crates and dog seatbelts. Both of these management options keep dogs from moving around freely in the car. Why is that important? Because if your dog decides it’s time for a snuggle mid-trip or they jump up into the front seat to get a better look out the window, it could distract you while you’re driving and lead to an accident.

Preventing your dog from moving around in the car is also important for their general safety. If you have to make a sudden stop and your dog is unsecured in the car, they could fall off the seat or be thrown forward, causing injury.

Crates are ideal for safe car travel, especially heavy-duty crates that won’t get crushed in an accident. They keep dogs contained and can even save their lives in case of a collision. However, they are not always practical, especially for people with large dogs and small cars.

When a crate isn’t possible, dog seatbelt with or without a booster seat can be a good alternative. Keep in mind that very few harnesses are crash-tested, so finding a high-quality option can be a challenge. Sleepypod harnesses are crash-tested, but the downside is that they are quite expensive.

Bringing the Right Dog Outing Gear

Depending on where you’re going and how your dog behaves in certain situations, you might need to bring different kinds of gear along. Gear can not only influence how much freedom your dog will have, but also signals to them the type of activity you’ll be doing.

For example, if you’re just headed to a local store, then you will need a short (6 feet or less) leash and a harness, collar, or head halter. At the park, you might want to bring a long line so you can give your dog more freedom to sniff or play. For hiking, a flexi lead or a long line can be a great choice for promoting decompression.

Everyone has their own preferences for dog outing gear, and every dog has different needs. Your dog outing essentials will help you have a safe and fun adventures. If you find yourself going on outings frequently, it can be helpful to just leave some of the gear you use in your car for easy access!

Water Safety: Swimming, Splashing, and Drinking

Many dogs LOVE to play in the water. During hot weather, heading to the beach or the lake can be a great way to enjoy the weather and cool off. However, there are some safety concerns with water that every pet owner should be aware of.

Your dog might think a puddle looks like a perfectly good option for a drink of water, but is it safe? Bacteria and parasites often lurk in outdoor water sources, so it’s best to bring along your own clean water and to do your best to keep your dog from following the siren song of puddle water. Getting your dog a leptospirosis vaccine can also help prevent illness from contaminated water.

The same goes for swimming. Some bodies of water are full of toxic algae and other dangers. Before you let your dog swim, make sure it’s safe to do so.

Even if the water you visit is safe for swimming, beware of the potential for water intoxication, especially in dogs that would swim all day if they could. Water intoxication occurs when a dog swallows too much water in a short amount of time, and it can be fatal. Make sure your dog takes breaks and isn’t drinking more than swimming!

Preventing Parasites

Parasites, whether they’re ticks, mosquitos, worms, or fleas, can pose a huge danger to your dog. Ticks carry a variety of diseases, such as Lyme, mosquitos transmit heartworms, and intestinal parasites can cause gastrointestinal distress and other health problems. When you’re out and about, especially in areas with tall grass, stagnant water, or forests, the chances of your dog picking up an unwanted passenger or getting bitten by an insect are high.

Parasites are tiny and easy to miss. It’s very important to keep your dog up-to-date on deworming treatments and vaccines to prevent insect-borne diseases. There are many different pesticide products on the market, and some dogs might be sensitive to some and fine with others.

Generally, you’ll want to keep your dog on a monthly topical or oral medication to repel and kill parasites (or use an effective collar), in addition to a heartworm preventative/dewormer. Some products protect against a broad spectrum of parasites, while others are more limited.

Ticks have been a growing problem in many areas, as weather patterns and average temperatures are changing. Spraying your dog down with a flea and tick spray before you hit the trail can be another line of defense that deters ticks from trying to hitch a ride. Bringing along a comb so you can check for ticks after hiking can be a good way to prevent any stragglers from attaching to your dog’s skin.

Using a Muzzle

For some dogs, using a muzzle in public can be the safest option for everyone involved. Muzzles are often stigmatized in the United States, but it’s important to realize that they are simply a tool that prevents a dog from using their mouth in inappropriate ways.

If you are concerned that your dog is a bite risk, or if they have a tendency to eat dangerous items off the ground when they’re outside, using a muzzle can give you peace of mind while still allowing your dog to enjoy outings with you. Spending time in nature is very beneficial for dogs, and sometimes using a muzzle is the safest way to make that happen.

Before you start using a muzzle, it’s important to condition your dog to wearing it so that they’re not stressed about the situation. Make sure you choose a comfortable model that’s well-fitted and will allow your dog to enjoy what they’re doing while they wear it. Always consider your dog’s emotional and physical comfort level before taking them on an outing, especially when you’ll be using a muzzle as a management tool.

What to Bring: Safety Supplies For Dogs

Having some safety supplies along on your dog adventure outings can help ensure that you’re prepared should something go wrong. For instance, it’s a good idea to keep a pet first aid kit (with basic supplies such as bandages, antiseptic solution, tweezers, vet wrap, and gauze pads) in your car at all times. You never know when your dog might rip a toenail or get another minor injury that needs attention.

Bring water and a bowl with you whenever you go out. When it’s hot, bring more than you think you’ll need. You might also want to bring a flea/tick spray, especially if you’re going to be in an area with lots of parasites. If your dog will be swimming and they’re not a strong, confident swimmer, consider bringing a life jacket along.

If you’ll need to leave your dog in your car alone for any amount of time on your outing, especially during the warmer months or in very cold weather, make sure you have a plan for temperature control and bring any cooling/warming gear you might need. It’s also important to realize that some people might think your dog is in distress, even when you’ve made sure your car is a safe temperature. Leaving a note with contact information can help reduce the chances of someone “saving” your dog from your car, but it’s still a risk.

What to Do if Something Goes Wrong

There’s always the possibility that something will go wrong on an outing with your dog. They might eat something gross or dangerous, get in an altercation with a wild animal, or develop a medical problem while you’re on the road.

The first thing to do is to call your vet right away. If it’s an emergency and they’re not open, call the nearest emergency vet. If you’re taking your dog more than a few hours from home, do some research before you go. Find out where the nearest emergency vet is located and keep their number handy, just in case.

Even if it’s not an emergency, you might need to take your dog to the vet for testing, to check for internal parasites or other issues. Many dogs will be fine without any intervention, but it’s always best to be safe.

Proper Safety and Management Make Outings More Relaxed

There’s a lot to remember when it comes to dog outing safety and management. If you’re worried about forgetting something, it can be helpful to make a dog outing checklist. This might include items to bring, things to keep in mind, and the number of the emergency vet. It’s also a good idea to let someone know where you’re going, especially if you’re going to be hiking solo with your dog.

Spending time out in the big world can be hugely enriching for both you and your dog. When you’re prepared and take precautions to minimize risks on your outings, you’re likely to feel much more relaxed. You’ll be able to enjoy the time with your dog, instead of worrying about their safety. Be safe, have fun, and join SuperPup on Patreon for more tips and advice on enjoying outings with your dog.

Dog Outing Safety and Management 101