Dogs make great best friends. With dog ownership skyrocketing in the United States, so too has the amount of pup-friendly products being sold. If you are interested in getting a puppy, you need to gear up for an inevitable adventure. Buy all of the equipment you need before buying a dog. Getting equipment beforehand will make settling your new friend in at home much easier. This post will explore this topic in more detail and tell you everything you need to know about the type of equipment you need so you and your dog can have outdoor fun.
Quality Harness
The first thing you need to buy if you plan on buying yourself a new dog (or if you already have one and want to go on more adventures) is a harness. A harness will prevent your dog from getting off of their leash and escaping. When you shop for harnesses, you will find that you have an escape proof option, which is the most durable type you can buy. Buy an escape-proof harness so your dog can’t free themselves from it. The last thing any dog owner wants to do is have to chase their dog through traffic to try and get them back on their leash.
Durable Leash
In addition to a quality harness, you also need to buy a durable leash. A durable leash will prevent your dog from getting loose. A lot of people buy the cheapest leashes they can, unfortunately. Cheap leashes tend to be made from poor-quality materials and are more prone to snapping. If your dog’s leash snaps while you are taking them for a walk, they could escape. A good way to find out if a leash is worth buying is to read customer reviews and testimonials. Reviews and testimonials are free to read online, so you should not have a hard time finding out if a product is worth buying or not.
Dog Boots
Dog boots are a fantastic investment if you spend a lot of time hiking or on walking trails. This is because some walking routes can be bad for your pup’s feet. It’s not uncommon for mountainous trails to be littered with shards of sharp, broken rock. If your dog stands on a piece of sharp rock, they could cut their paws. Dog boots will keep your dog’s paws safe and keep them from getting hurt. If your dog gets a cut on their paws and you are out adventuring, there is a chance their wound could get infected. Always take a first aid kit with you, too.
Outdoor Jacket
An outdoor jacket might seem excessive, but if you are walking in mountainous regions or just spend a lot of time outdoors, your dog could get cold. If your dog gets too cold, it could be dangerous. An outdoor jacket will keep them warm and dry. These jackets are widely available and come in many shapes and sizes. Make sure that you take proper measurements so that you can find the type of jacket that’s ideal for your dog. Buy the highest quality jacket you can for your dog so that they do not overheat or end up too cold.
Travel Bowls
A travel bowl is another fantastic investment because it makes it possible for you to feed and water your pup when you are on the move. If you are traveling over a long period of time or camping, portable bowls make keeping your dog fed and hydrated much easier than it would otherwise be. In addition to travel gear, make sure you bring food and water along for your dog. Don’t rely on public services. There is no guarantee you are going to find suitable, safe drinking water and food for your dog when you are out on the move for an extended period of time.
GPS Tracker
A GPS tracker is a great investment, too. Buying a GPS tracker is something you might think is a little excessive, but it can come in very handy if your dog ever ends up off their leash or escaping from your house. A GPS tracker will allow you to monitor your dog’s movements in real-time, which makes it possible for you to follow and find them. If your dog escaped from your house, car, or their leash and you didn’t have a tracker, you would have to rely on dog catchers to find them or members of the public too.
Reflective Gear
Reflective gear is a great idea if you’re traveling with your dog, because if they get out at night you will be able to track them and find them. In addition to tracking them at night, reflective gear makes it possible for drivers to spot you and your dog when you are walking beside the road. Dogs are known to make jerky and sudden movements. By equipping your dog with reflective gear, if they jump out into the road when you are walking, drivers will be able to maneuver around them. It is especially important to invest in reflective gear if your dog has a dark coat.
Cooling Vest
A cooling vest will ensure that if you are traveling in a hot climate, your dog does not overheat. Many people underestimate the harm that can be caused to dogs by overheating. Overheating is especially common among breeds with long coats. Make sure that your dog has access to safe and clean drinking water in addition to a cooling vest so that they do not overheat. Heat stroke can lead to your dog becoming very sick. It could even kill them if they were exposed to excessively high temperatures.
Indoor Equipment
Finally, make sure you invest in indoor safety equipment, too. This is so that your dog does not hurt themselves or damage any of your furniture or belongings when you are not in the house. Indoor equipment can also prevent your dog from escaping. Make sure you have a door gate that blocks them from accessing corridors that have exits. A door gate will ensure that when exit doors are opened, your dog cannot get through them.
Dogs deserve as much care and consideration as humans do when traveling. If you enjoy outdoor adventures, make sure your dog is properly cared for. The guidance given here can help you to do this. Be sure to incorporate this article’s guidance into your travel planning.
