Staying outdoors, getting fresh air, and remaining active are essential for your dog’s happiness and well-being. Like humans, moderate sunlight exposure is critical for your paw friends, allowing their bodies to produce vitamin D, which is vital for bone formation and nerve and muscle control. The sun also provides warmth and aids in regulating body temperature, further providing a serotonin boost and helping uplift overall mood.
Playing indoors is great for keeping the dog safe from harsh weather, traffic, and other animals for a limited time. However, this makes the dog lazy and bored. Spending time outdoors will provide sufficient exercise for the dog, such as playing fetch, chasing after toys or balls, and moving and stretching their bodies. Inadequate exercise might lead to weight gain and obesity, which can pave the way for more health problems.
The outdoor environment fends daily stimulation, inculcating curiosity and the need to explore. The outdoors' sounds, smells, and sights will keep your furry friend active, avoiding behavioral issues, aggression, depression, etc. Listening to the sounds of nature and seeing other dogs will help improve interactive skills. Similar to babies who are growing, spending time outdoors allows dogs to understand the world we live in.
This article discusses different ideas for pet owners to spend time with their dogs outdoors, traveling, and experiencing many various adventures that make each other feel at home away from home. This also adds a factor of flexible and enjoyable traveling instead of the routine way of doing things. Traveling with dogs often reminds humans to take things slow, leaving their chaotic and busy lives in cities behind for some time, allowing them to cherish little things and lead an empathetic life. This article shares some tips for safe travel.
1. Beach Vacation
With many activities to do with your furry friends, a beach is an ideal place for spending summer days. Although the beach is not always the best option for all dogs, it is perfect if your dog loves the sand, the ocean, and the humid breeze, is very active on the beach, and loves swimming. Adding to the fun quotient, visiting the beach improves your dog’s overall well-being.
The exercise you and your pet get at the beach will enhance the fun and allow you and the dog to relax and let go of the excess energy that may have been built up. It is also a great way of improving your bond with your paw friends, as running around with your pal is an absolute thrill. Playing fetch on the beach is a different experience than anywhere else; therefore, packing appropriate toys is recommended, as a familiar toy would feel like a home away from home.
Choosing the right place and beach is the key to an excellent beach vacation. Research and select a dog-friendly beach based on your dog's likes and dislikes. Usually, crowded beaches are not ideal for dogs since it doesn’t give them the freedom to run and be themselves, and people might not be comfortable with unleashed dogs.
Checking the temperature and surroundings is crucial for the trip since many risks might arise on a beach. Look out for litter, harsh rocks, jellyfish, turtles, crabs, and any other dangers about the place. Check if the waves are too powerful for your canine pal to swim. Coastal areas tend to get very hot and humid; if it gets too sunny, there is a high chance that the dog might get dehydrated, tired, and weary.
Traveling with a dog requires necessary gear, such as a long leash, dog sunscreen, and shoes to cover their paw pads; sand can burn when the temperature gets too hot. Keeping your furry friend hydrated is essential since drinking salt water can cause stomach issues. Cleaning up after your dog and rinsing them with fresh water after the beach is always good to keep the surroundings and your dog clean.
2. Camping
Camping is beneficial for you and your dog; relaxing in nature is incredibly calming and soothing, and the enjoyment of camping with your dog is unparalleled. It also introduces many activities that keep your canine friend mentally stimulated and healthy, like hiking, and it encourages your dog to trust you more, further strengthening your bond.
It is important to note that not all dogs enjoy camping; hence, considering your dog's likes and dislikes is essential while planning a camping trip. If your dog is not socially awkward and doesn’t get sick and anxious traveling long distances, then camping is very rewarding. Dogs can be beneficial while camping, such as helping collect wood for fire, keeping you warm and cozy at night, and being a great companion to chase sunrises and sunsets.
While there are many good camping sites worldwide, select a dog-friendly one before heading out. Checking the campground regulations and reading all rules and guidelines is crucial. There will be many on-leash requirements around the campground. The next step would be preparing for the trip by getting all the necessary camping gear for your dog and knowing how your furry friend might respond to being in a tent and hammock.
It is always vital to keep your dog comfortable; therefore, keep it on a leash at night if a reliable recall is not strong, preventing it from wandering off. Keeping an updated ID and photo of your dog is extremely important, and if you choose to microchip your pet, consider an expert opinion. Check for all necessary vaccinations, as an outdoor environment can have many infectious agents. Pack sufficient food and water for yourself and your paw friend to keep hydrated after hikes.
3. Staycations
Staycations are the best and most affordable way to explore fantastic resorts, hotels, and other unique accommodations. It also helps to break free from everyday mundane routine, away from home for a few days but not too far away. Exploring places closer to home is fun since they are often forgotten and unexplored.
Going on a staycation with your dog is as exciting as going to faraway places, and wherever you decide to stay, choose a pet-friendly accommodation. Some places might charge you extra for your dog, but it differs from place to place. Many accommodations offer you and your dog activities, such as spas, grooming, and outdoor activities like paddle boating, kayaking, canoeing, biking, and hiking.
A staycation allows you to do many things differently to help you achieve your everyday routine breaking away from boredom. You can take your dog for a walk in a new park in the vicinity instead of just a walk around the neighborhood. Explore restaurants that allow your dog and offer many dog treats and water bowls. Visit nearby beaches or dog parks that offer new sceneries and different landscapes than home.
Before heading out, it helps to make a list of necessary items; it may also help to consider insurance for your dog since it would help reduce the cost of visiting a veterinarian in an emergency. Always take your dog's updated ID and a picture, which is handy when your dog goes missing. Research about the place and the weather and pack accordingly to ensure you have everything to enjoy your vacation, either rise or shine.
More Adventures to Choose
Dogs enhance your outdoor experiences, making vacations more exciting, and fill them with love and good energy; there are many more adventures to go on with your canine friends. With the evolving age, the travel industry noted humans' needs and essentials, thus having plenty of vacation ideas to enjoy with your pets.
Apart from hitting the beach, camping, and enjoying a few days on a staycation, other outdoor activities include going on road trips on bikes and cars or RVs and planning excellent cross-country kayaking or canoeing trips according to your dog’s comfort and preference that keep them happy and strengthens your bond.
