We love spending time with our canine companions, but we have to look out for them in the summer heat, especially if they are active outdoors. Check out our summer safety tips for your active dog: 

Keep your pet hydrated

Pets get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water, especially in the summer. Make sure your dog has a shady place to get out of the sun, don’t over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.  Pro tip: Keep plenty of water and a packable water bowl for your dog with you when you go on trips, hiking, or on walks.  Then, your pup can have a drink of water no matter where you are.

Know the symptoms of overheating

Overheated pets may pant excessively, have difficulty breathing, drool, seem weak, or confused, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Other symptoms include seizures, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. If your dog suffers from any of these symptoms, move your dog to a cooler location, place a cool, wet cloth, or a chilly neckband on your dog’s neck. Offer your dog cool water, and call your veterinarian. If your dog collapses, take him immediately to your vet.

Never leave your dog in a hot car

Even if you think you will only be “gone for a minute,” don’t do it. For example, on an 85-degree day, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes.

Adjust activity intensity on hot days

Adjust the intensity and duration of exercise on particularly hot or humid days. Try to schedule hikes and walks during the early morning or evening hours. Also, remember that asphalt can burn the bottoms of your dog’s paws. Stick to dirt and grass trails during the summer.

Keep cool treats in the freezer

Treat-dispensing rubber throw toys have long been one of the best ways to keep dogs entertained and happy. For a cool treat, try filling your pup’s toy with peanut butter and freezing it.  Not only are these treats that’ll entertain for hours, but you can also prepare them ahead of time. The American Kennel Club has some suggestions for DIY frozen dog treats.

The most important thing to do as a pet owner is to be aware of your dog. Make sure your pet is comfortable, isn’t showing signs of distress or discomfort, and adjust your outdoor activities accordingly. Take care of your best friend, so he or she will be able to share your love of the outdoors for a long time!

Trying to keep cool this summer? We can help. We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors

Our doggo, best friend, furry family member, running buddy, and top companion. We love them and they love us unconditionally.
Show them they are the coolest dog in town and your favorite with these tail-wagging gifts. 

Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack

Let’s be honest, this is more of a gift for us than them, but they will hit the trails with function and style! The Approach Pack by Ruffwear is ideal for day hikes or overnight adventures if your pup is a real explorer. The stash pockets are appreciated by humans to keep doggy bags and extra treats. The lightweight construction and padding help keep your canine sidekick comfortable over the miles. Keep in mind that it’s recommended that your dog carry no more than 25% of their body weight in their dog pack.

Ruffwear Knot-a-Leash

The perfect pup accessory for climbers! The Ruffwear Knot-a-Leash™ uses strong, supple kernmantle rope and a secure locking carabiner making this rugged and durable. Reflective rope keeps dogs visible in low-light conditions.

Ruffwear Hover Craft Flying Dog Disc

They see it as playing, we see it as running out their wild energy. Ok, it is fun for us, too! Take the Hover Craft Flying Disc to the dog park or even the lake if your pal loves the water. The Hover Craft is built with a molded foam core that tracks true for longer-distance tosses and even floats on water. The construction is soft on their teeth and gums yet structured enough to maintain shape over time. If the puppy years taught us anything, it was to buy quality dog-tested products that will hold up through all the chews and tugs-of-war.

Ruffwear Quencher Cinch Top Dog Bowl

This is our favorite bowl for our adventures with our favorite furry friend. It doubles as storage and a water bowl. The integrated drawstring closure keeps their food and treats contained en route and accessible at mealtime. Great for hungry dogs on the trail, at base camp, or on the go.

Ruffwear Front Range Harness

Who is walking whom? If your typical walk in the park means your dog is pulling you instead of you taking them on a walk, well you are in need of a harness! The Front Range Harness is a key piece of gear for canines embarking on a life of adventure with their humans. The harness features two leash attachment options: an aluminum V-ring centered on the dog’s back for everyday walks, and reinforced webbing at the dog’s chest to redirect dogs that pull on the leash. More importantly, harnesses are more comfortable for them as it will not tug on their neck as they drag you around town.

Ruffwear Hoopie Dog Collar

The Ruffwear Hoopie™ Collar is the everyday collar with an easy-to-use side-release buckle. Outdoor-inspired patterns connect you with your favorite wild spaces. Packed full of Ruffwear’s essential collar features: separate ID tag attachment point, strong and comfortable webbing, and aluminum V-ring.

‘Tis The Season Of Giving! Check out our other gift guides to help you find the perfect gifts for the ones on your list. We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors

Interested in taking your dog on a hike? Most dogs love to hit the trails, especially if you plan ahead and make sure they have what they need to enjoy the journey. We have some tips to make your hiking adventure with your canine companion a success!

Make sure the trail is dog-friendly

Always check to make sure that your dog is allowed with you on the trail prior to starting on your journey. Even though your dog is a loved member of your family, not every trail is suitable for pets, even the most well-behaved. it’s important to take some extra precautions before starting your spectacular outdoor adventure with your pup.

Some of our favorite pet-friendly trails in Alabama are:

• Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve in Birmingham
• Little River Canyon National Preserve in Fort Payne
• Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail in Orange Beach

Check with your veterinarian first

Ask your veterinarian if your dog can handle a hike. Make sure you let the vet know the distance and difficulty of the trail. With the spring season upon us, we have to remember that most of our dogs are used to short walks around the neighborhood from the past several winter months. Also, check to see if your dog can carry a pack. Know your dog’s limits and respect their needs.

Bring gear to keep your dog safe

Click to shop our Ruffwear collection.

Most trails will require you to keep your dog on a leash or waist belt while hiking. Leashing a dog not only protects other hikers, but it also protects your dog from following a scent into the wilderness and away from you. Your dog should also wear a collar with an ID tag and your contact information just in case you somehow get separated. Also, consider a dog pack. A fit and healthy dog can carry up to 12 percent of its body weight, according to dog trainer Cesar Millan. Consider packing a collapsible water bowl, doggie waste bags, and fresh water in the pack.

Look out for poison ivy, oak, and sumac

While dogs won’t have an allergic reaction to these plants, they can carry the oils on their hair and transmit them to you. If you think that your pet has accidentally come into contact with these plants, make sure to wash out the oil as soon as you get home from your hike. A cool-water bath with gentle dish soap should do the trick, but remember to protect your skin by wearing rubber gloves or using a barrier cream.

Steer clear of wildlife

This one is pretty obvious but worth a mention. Look out for snakes, bears, and coyotes.

Plan for extra (fresh) water breaks!

Again, bring fresh water for your dog. Don’t let your pet drink standing water. It can contain a number of bacteria or parasites that can make your pooch sick.

Watch the temperature

If you notice that your dog is stopping to lie down, intensely panting, or foaming at the mouth, then it’s time to find some shade and take a break. Dogs can sweat, but it’s only a small part of the process of cooling them down, so avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day.

Leave the trail as beautiful as you found it

Remember to pack doggie waste bags. Pick up your dog poop as a common courtesy and to protect the environment. Dog waste can be high in nitrogen and phosphorus and actually have the opposite effect of fertilizer. While many of us might think that it will just wash away after the next rain, that is not true. Dog waste can take up to A YEAR to fully break down. So, please, Leave No Trace of your dog waste.

Check your pup for ticks post-hike

Ticks carry diseases that can make pets and people sick. You can find more information on how to examine your dog here.

The easiest way to remember the essential rules to hiking with your dog is to B.A.R.K. The National Park Services has created an acronym to keep you and your pet safe wherever you hike: Bag your pet’s waste. Always leash your pet
Respect wildlife. Know where you can go.

Finally, even though you have a four-legged hiking buddy with you, remember to leave your plans with a friend or family member. Tell someone where you are going, the trails you are hiking, and when you plan to return.

We’ve got the gear you need to make your nature hike with your canine companion a success. We want everyone to enjoy the outdoors, and we work to build loyalty one connection at a time. Visit one of our stores or take advantage of our shipping or curbside pickup! #BeOutdoors