Are you taking your dog for an outdoor summer vacation?

Summer is just around the corner, so it is the best time to start thinking about some of the best destinations and activities for your vacation. Maybe you want to go together and play on the beach? Or perhaps climb some mountains?

It doesn’t matter where you go, but you always have to remember about proper preparation for you and your pup.  Continue reading to find out about the most useful things you have to do before taking your dog on holiday.

Here are some tips regarding packing your dog essentials, keeping your pet safe near the water, or having fun in the full sun:

Packing Vacation Essentials

As a dog owner, you probably already have a unique and customized bag for all of your dog’s necessities. In order to guarantee your dog’s safety and comfort during the vacation, you must pack accordingly. Here are some of the most important things to pack for your pet:

• First aid kit. It should include all the basic things like non-stick bandages, disinfectants, cotton balls, and other items that can be useful in case of injury or any other issue.
• Toys and chew toys. You should pack enough toys to entertain your pet throughout the entire time spent on vacation. However, if you want to pack lightly, make sure to get at least a couple of the most favorite ones – it will also let your dog feel safer in unknown environments.
• Food and water bowls. This is one of the most important things to pack because you should not rely on finding these items at your destination point.
• Pet waste bags. After your dog does its business, you must clean it up right away. Make sure that you always have a bag with you.
• Spray bottle. You can use it to clean your dog after taking it for a walk in the park or on the beach or adjust its body temperature under the scorching sun.
• Your dog’s personal documents. Those include a pet passport for travel, vaccination card, license, certificates, etc. They are necessary to always have with you, especially if you are going abroad where such documents might be required by law or an airline.

Keep Your Dog Cool This Summer

If you are taking your dog for an outdoor summer vacation, your pooch also needs to stay cool during hot summer. You should pack some cooling products for your dog to use when you stay in a non-ventilated area for too long.

Here are some of the best and simplest ways to keep your pet cool this summer:

• Try to avoid walks during midday when it is the hottest outside. Take your dog out either early in the morning when it is still cool outside or in the evening when it is already less hot. Let it run free and play for a while before going back.
• You can use an ice-cold spray bottle to spray his coat. It will help to cool down his body temperature immediately and effectively.
• Some dogs love to swim, so if you go somewhere where there is a lake or a sea nearby, let it play a little bit in the water before going back.
• It may seem the most convenient solution in some cases, but you should never leave your dog alone in the car when it is hot outside, as cars can get extremely hot under the sun. It is better to leave your dog in the shade or take it with you – it’s worth it!
• Buy your dog a pet cooling mat that you can use indoors when it is hot outside. You can find many different types of cooling beds online or in pet stores and choose the best option for your dog.

Keeping Your Dog Safe Near Water

Summer is the time when many people spend their holiday close to the shoreline. Most of the beaches have lifeguards on duty who will look out for people in the water. However, as a responsible dog owner, you must learn to keep your pet safe while enjoying a swim in a lake or a sea.

Here are some tips on how to keep your dog safe near water:

• Always keep an eye on your pet while swimming in a lake or sea. If you are alone at the beach, never let someone else take care of your dog while you’re swimming.
• Don’t let your dog swim without a life jacket or something similar. It will save its life if your dog cannot swim properly yet or in case it goes too far.
• Never let your dog jump into the water from a high place – it might cause serious injuries. Always make sure your dog enters the water from the shore.
• You should also consider teaching your dog how to swim if you want it to be safe near water – it’s never too late! There are many dog swimming training available today – just make sure to choose the most suitable one for your dog’s age and size.

Walking Your Dog in a Sunny Weather

Every dog needs to exercise regularly, so if you want your dog to be healthy and happy, then you must stick to your walking schedule every day, even during the vacation. The sun is not harmful to dogs, but they might get overheated and dehydrated easily. Ensure that you always carry some water and cooling products with you in case of an emergency.

There are some other useful things you can do to keep your dog safe under the sun:

• Make sure your dog has no fleas before going outdoors – they might cause skin irritation and allergic reactions during walks in sunny weather.
• Take your dog for a walk in the shade – there is less sun exposure there than in the open, so it’s safer to go there when it’s too hot outside. Also, take him inside during midday when it’s the hottest.
• If your dog is too hot after a walk, let it cool down in the shade. You can also use a spray bottle to help its body temperature go down. If you see that your pet is panting, bring it inside and let it rest in the air-conditioned environment for a while.
• If your dog doesn’t want to walk because of too hot weather, don’t force it. You can always wait until it’s cooler outside or just take it for a short walk in the shadow instead.

Final Note

Spending your summer vacation with your four-legged companion by your side will definitely be one of the best experiences in your life. However, it is crucial to understand that it will also require additional preparations to keep your dog safe and healthy during the holiday.

First of all, it is essential to pack all the necessities for a comfortable vacation, including documents, a first aid kit, and your dog’s personal items when taking your dog for an outdoor summer vacation. Then, you need to ensure that you know how to keep your dog safe both under the scorching sun and in the water and how to avoid overheating. Sticking to the guidelines from this article will allow you to provide your dog and yourself with a worry-free holiday.

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