Outdoor Activities
There’s nothing better than kicking up your heels and taking to the great outdoors with your pet. Luckily, there are all kinds of outdoor activities you can participate in together. Dog lovers in particular can choose from a variety of fun things to do, including playing in the waves on a dog-friendly beach, meeting canine friends at a dog park, and playing catch in the backyard. There’s even a whole host of organized sports, like agility and flyball, to get your pulses racing! Before you launch into your outdoor adventure though, it’s best to take a few precautions.
Safety First
If you are planning on doing anything strenuous, make sure your pet is in shape. If he’s gained a few pounds, take it easy at first, and build up his tolerance so he doesn’t strain a muscle or hurt his joints.
If you are working up a sweat on a warm day, be sure to have plenty of fresh water available for your pet. Except for some minor sweating through their foot pads, dogs have to rely on panting to cool off, so it’s very easy for them to get overheated, even on a day that may not seem overly hot. Take plenty of breaks in the shade if you notice your dog panting heavily.
Fence Me In!
No matter how attached your dog or cat is to you, don’t assume that, if left to their own devices in an unfenced area, they won’t wander off and get lost. Dogs especially can get distracted by a scent or sound in the distance, and before you know it, they are off and running. Losing a pet is heartbreaking, so do yourself a favor and keep your pet secure.
Leashes are necessary in unsecured areas, and your own backyard should be fenced in. The fence should be about 6 feet tall for most dogs—though some breeds, such as Greyhounds and Rottweilers, may require fences 8 feet tall or higher—without any gaps for your pet to wiggle through.
Even with this type of precaution, cat owners should not leave their pets outside unsupervised, as cats can be expert escape artists. Cats who stray from home are often hurt or injured by cars or other animals, so supervision is essential. If you feel your cat should experience the great outdoors, try getting her used to walking on a harness and leash, or even purchase an outdoor cat enclosure that allows her some freedom to move around the yard but keeps her safe.
Consider asking a veterinarian about microchip identification. About the size of a grain of rice, a microchip is painlessly inserted between your cat or dog’s shoulder blades and can be scanned by animal shelters and rescue organizations if he goes missing.
Protect Your Pet
Although your yard may look like a playground to your pet, there are all sorts of harmful insects lurking in the foliage. Protect your pet and avoid a nasty critter infestation by spraying your yard with Bio Spot Active Care™ Yard & Garden Spray. This easy-to-use spray kills and repels fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other labeled insects for up to four weeks. You can use it on your lawn, trees, and even your flower bed.
Bio Spot Active Care is a trademark of Farnam Companies, Inc.