According to Smithsonian Magazine, dogs and humans have been friends for as long as 15,000 years. It all started when dogs followed man in East Asia for migratory purposes. Since then, the rest is history, really — dogs have become man’s best friend. It’s no doubt that dogs and their owners share a unique bond, no matter where they live.
While this connection is based on devotion, it should be noted that this kind of friendship is, and will always be, mutually beneficial for both parties, especially for life’s adventures like traveling and staying in shape. When you’re traveling with your dog, there are a lot of ways to stay fit and have fun together. Below are some tips on how to do this, as well as an offering of vacation ideas to keep you and your furry friend on your toes.
Hike at a National Park or Forest
The National Park Service and The United States Forest Service are pet-friendly and offer many trail options for you and Fido. This is a way to not only see historical monuments but also explore nature while getting your workout. If you have a small dog who tires easily on trails, remember to bring a dog backpack to provide moments of rest.
If you plan to visit an unfamiliar dog park on the way to your destination or once you arrive, be sure to follow these important safety tips:
- Use ID tags and microchips. Your pet’s tag should include its name, your cell phone number and address, and whether your pet has a microchip. If your dog doesn’t have a microchip, consider getting one. Using a hypodermic needle, microchips are injected under the skin and are useful when scanned because they provide an identification number — this is what can reunite lost pets with owners.
- Vaccinate your dog. To protect your dog from extreme illnesses or diseases, it’s vital to get the following mandatory vaccinations when they’re due: Rabies, canine distemper, canine hepatitis virus or adenovirus-2, and canine parvovirus. If you’re unsure about how often your dog needs these, contact your veterinarian.
- Apply parasite prevention products. Parasites tend to appear during the warmer months, and since your dog is more likely to be outdoors during this time, the chances for becoming a host for these parasites increase. By using products like oral medications and creams, you can prevent fleas, ticks, and mites, as well as internal parasites like tapeworms and hookworms. Pro tip: After returning from the outdoors (e.g., the woods), always check your dog’s skin, and be on the lookout for any abnormal behaviors that would indicate illness.
- Stay safe, and be careful to not get in between dogs if a fight occurs. Instead, distract them to avoid injury. Squirt bottles, air horns, and other noises are great methods for creating a diversion.
Go Kayaking or Canoeing
Before choosing a random destination, call ahead to confirm dogs are okay. If you’re looking to plan your entire trip around an excursion like this, see what’s out there first. Believe it or not, there’s actually a Canadian travel outfit that already does something like this by offering people and their dogs wilderness trips. Check out the company — it’s called Dog Paddling Adventures. Also, don’t forget to invest in a life jacket for your pooch.
Try Doga
In case you’ve never heard of this, it’s practicing yoga with your dog, and yes, it’s a real thing. Doga is generally offered in larger, metropolitan areas; however, there’s a strong presence of doga on the West Coast, particularly in California. Whether you choose to travel there, or select a city that’s closer, it’s a bonding experience that you will never forget.
Staying active while you’re on the road with your dog is the perfect addition to any trip. Enjoy being in the moment. You will have a lifetime of memories to follow.
Thank you to the author of this article, Cindy Aldridge, for her contribution to this month's blog post.