The Connecticut Shoreline offers beautiful landscapes for outdoor adventures with your canine companion. However, it’s crucial to prioritize your pet’s safety while exploring. Here are some essential tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and your furry friend. As spring approaches, it’s crucial to plan outings in advance and ensure you have the equipment and skills you need to ensure enjoyment and safety for everyone. These top 10 safety tips for dog-friendly outings in the CT Shoreline will set you up for success!
1. Know The Rules
Before heading out, please be sure to familiarize yourself with local regulations. Most Connecticut State Parks allow dogs, but they must be on a leash no longer than 7 feet and under the owner’s control at all times. Some shoreline parks, like Harkness in Waterford, Rocky Neck in NIantic, and Silver Sands in Milford, prohibit dogs on the beach year-round, although they may be allowed in other areas of these sites. Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison allows leashed dogs on the beach only from September 30 through April 11. Here is a list of dog-friendly beaches near us from Sidewalk Dog.
2. Leash for Safety
Unless your dog has excellent recall, keep your dog on a short leash during hikes and walks. This protects your pet from wildlife encounters and prevents them from disturbing local ecosystems. A leash also helps you maintain control in unfamiliar environments. These tips by a veterinary clinic are also very helpful.
3. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Bring plenty of fresh water for both you and your dog. Offer water frequently, especially on warmer days, to prevent dehydration. Check out Springer water bottles; they have a built-in bowl and keep water fresh between sips.
4. Protect Against Parasites
Use flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives before your outdoor adventure. A topical spray like Wondercide is a great addition to our outdoor adventure kit. Spray it before you start exploring and spray again once you get back. You can even spray your car and home with this. Some professional dog walkers spray their shoes and pants before hikes too!
After spending time in wooded or grassy areas, always check your dog thoroughly for ticks. Don’t forget to check the ears and between the toes!
5. Consider Sun Protection
Dogs can get sunburned too. Apply pet-safe sunscreen to exposed areas, particularly if your dog has short or light-colored fur.
6. Pack a First Aid Kit
Pack a pet first aid kit and familiarize yourself with basic pet first aid. Include items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary medications.
Did you know we host Pet First Aid & CPR classes? Contact us to inquire about the next schedule classes!
7. Check Collars & Tags
Ensure your dog wears a collar with up-to-date ID tags. Microchipping is as an additional precaution and added layer of protection.
8. Respect Wildlife & Nature
Keep your dog away from wildlife and follow Leave No Trace principles. Don’t allow your pet to disturb plants, animals, or cultural artifacts.
9. Watch the Weather
Check weather conditions before heading out. Extreme heat or cold can be harmful to you and your pet. While hiking is enriching and a great way to bond, being proactive and staying home is the best option on severe weather days.
10. Post-Adventure Care
After your outing, check your dog for any injuries, clean and treat minor wounds, and offer water and food. Consider giving them a bath to remove any visible dirt or potential irritants if they got into any potentially harmful areas, puddles, or bodies of water.
Top 10 Safety Tips for Dog-Friendly Outings in the CT Shoreline
At Shoreline Happy Paws, we specialize in dog hiking adventures. We use these top 10 safety tips with our dog clients daily. Our team is trained to follow our safety protocols and best practices. We keep you informed of your dog’s adventures via our real-time visit updates and send photos for your enjoyment. Once our adventures are complete, we check the dogs in our care for any injury or pests and return them home so they can rest off their adventure. If adventuring is not your cup of tea, count on our experienced team to take your canine companion for an awesome CT Shoreline adventure!
We are accepting new dog walking, dog hiking, and cat sitting clients! New Shoreline Happy Paws clients can create an account. We will be in touch to further discuss your needs and set you, your family, and your cat(s) up for success. Existing clients may book services by logging in to your client profile.
Shoreline Happy Paws serves the following areas of the Connecticut Shoreline:
- Old Saybrook
- Essex, Ivoryton & Centerbrook
- Deep River
- Chester
- Westbrook
- Clinton
- Old Lyme
- East Lyme
- Niantic
Certain Parts and Certain Service Hours in:
- Lyme and Madison
- Waterford, New London, Groton
- Uncasville, Gales Ferry, Mystic, Noank
