Dogs are the ultimate outdoor companions. They love to roam and explore. Most enjoy hitting trails, playing with water and sand at the beach, or walking to the park. Going out with your little one is an excellent way to strengthen your bond. But before you go, ensure the dog is comfortable and safe. The below outdoor dog accessories are a must-have for a secure and enjoyable adventure.
Before heading out with your dog, you need several essential outdoor dog accessories. Here they are.
1. Durable Leash and Harness
Harnesses are better and safer than collars, especially for dogs that love pulling. They are more comfortable for the dog because they don’t put pressure on the neck. A well-fitted harness distributes pressure evenly.
Brands like Canada Pooch offer a large variety of leashes and harnesses. The right harness for the outdoors should withstand elements but keep the dog safely and comfortably by your side. If you love hitting trails, consider a harness with a reflective accent and pockets where you can put essentials.
2. Portable Water Bottle and Bowl
Both you and your pup need to stay hydrated when outdoors. And if you will be on the trail for several hours, your dog will need more water than it usually drinks. A portable water bottle will enable you to carry safe drinking water from home. It would help if you also had a collapsible bowl that can be folded to occupy minimal space in the backpack.
3. Doggie Backpack
You and your pup need several essentials when camping or on all-day adventures. A dog backpack lets your pup carry its gear, such as treats, waste bags, or a small water bottle. The backpack must be light and well-fitted so as not to strain the dog.
4. Paw Protection
In the same way, you need shoes, your dog needs paw protection from harsh weather. Walking on snow and ice can crack paws and increase the risk of frostbite. Hiking on rough terrain can also hurt paws. Get your pup doggie boots or paw wax to protect their paws from cuts, burns, and abrasions.
5. Cooling Vest
A cooling vest is a worthy investment if you intend to explore outdoors with your dog during the summer. It will keep the dog cool and comfortable. Cooling vests are designed to retain moisture and cool the dog’s body through evaporation.
6. Outdoor Dog Bed or Mat
After walking and running all day, your dog will need a comfortable place to lie down. The right outdoor dog bed should be waterproof, lightweight, easy to clean, and foldable for easy transport. Definitely one of the best outdoor dog accessories.
7. Dog Sunscreen
Prolonged sun exposure has the same effects on dogs as on humans. Dogs will get sunburns and even skin cancer. For sunburn, the skin will appear red or pink, itchy, and tender to the touch. Dogs with short hair or light-coloured fur are more susceptible to sunburns. Always use dog-specific sunscreen before heading out in the sun. Focus more on areas like the nose, ears, and belly.
8. Dog Life Jacket
A life jacket is essential if your dog loves spending time in the water. Despite how good it is at swimming, it still needs the extra protection. A good dog life jacket should be comfortable and have reflectors so people can see the dog even in low-light conditions.
9. Doggie First Aid Kit
Accidents happen when you least expect it. And no matter how careful you are, your precious pup can still get hurt when exploring the outdoors. Carrying a doggie first aid kit is the best way to prepare for an unexpected mishap. The kit should contain sterile gauze pads and rolls, medical tape and self-adhering bandages, antiseptic wipes, antihistamines for allergic reactions, antiseptic ointment, and scissors.
10. Reflective or LED Gear
Reflective or LED gear is a must-have if you and your dog are usually out during dusk or dawn. It makes the dog visible to others so they don’t hit it accidentally. You can choose passive reflective gear that only lights up when light shines on it or LED leashes, collars, and other lights you can add to the pup’s gear.
11. GPS Tracker
Dogs are curious and can sometimes slip when you least expect it. A GPS tracker can be beneficial in such situations. But even if your dog is always on a leash outdoors, having a GPS can give you peace of mind if something goes wrong.
12. Identification Tags
This one is no no-brainer. Your dog needs an ID tag with your contact information. While traditional ID tags are still useful, these days, there are digital tags that enable you to store important information about you and your dog online.
If the dog gets lost and someone finds it, they can scan the ID to get the information. You can include information like your home address and another family member’s contact information. You will also receive a GPS location of the person who scanned the ID. Put the ID tag on the utility collar.
