10 Common Outdoor Activities That Are Actually Dangerous for Your Pets

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Pets can get exercise and enjoy the outdoors through outdoor activities, but not all are safe for your furry friends. Like us, pets are at risks in certain situations that we may not immediately recognize. Some outdoor adventures are dangerous, whether it’s the weather, the environment, or just the nature of the activity, and these dangers could put your pet’s health at risk.

You have to know the activities that seem harmless but can be dangerous in disguise. So, in this article we are going to look at ten common outdoor activities that could be dangerous for your pets. Your pet will be safe and sound, and you’ll be able to enjoy the great outdoors by being mindful and informed.

Swimming in Lakes and Rivers

Your dog might really love to jump into a lake on a hot day, but it’s not always the safest thing to do. There are many bodies of water where hidden currents strong enough to pull even the most confident swimmer off course. Stagnant water can also be a home to bacteria and parasites that could make your pet sick. If you have a dog, you know they love to swim, make sure to watch your pet’s swimming time, and consider a safer, pet friendly pool.

Hiking on Rough Terrain

Hiking with your dog is a great way to bond, but the terrain you hike on probably isn’t. Injuries to your pet’s paws, legs and joints may result from sharp rocks, loose gravel or slippery surfaces. There are also some trails where snakes or other wildlife may present you with a threat. Always check the trail conditions and just make sure that your dog is physically able to hike said trail.

Off-Leash Dog Parks

Off leash parks are tempting places to let your dog off leash, but they come with risks, especially if your dog doesn’t socialize with other dogs. When multiple dogs are running around at high speeds, there are fights that can break out and there is a good chance someone will end up getting hurt. Diseases like kennel cough can be spread by close contact even in the best managed parks. Always keep an eye on your pet, and the other dogs in the area.

Running Alongside a Bike

You’ve likely seen another cyclist with a dog running alongside them happily, but that’s not always safe for either the pet or the rider. The speed at which a bike goes is also something your dog may not be able to keep up with and could lead to exhaustion, joint strain, or even accidents. Cyclists and dogs can also get tangled, causing injury. This is something you want to avoid, so stick to walking and jogging with your dog, and leave them off your bike!

Camping in the Wilderness

Photo Credit: Bachkova Natalia/Shutterstock

Camping is a wonderful bonding experience, but the wilderness isn’t always as pet friendly as you’d like. While pets can be exposed to wild animals, insects, plants that can make them sick, there is a high risk of getting lost or injured in unfamiliar areas. To prevent accidents, make your pet stay leashed or contained inside a safe area and never forget to do a hazard check before walking out.

Jogging in Hot Weather

Exercise and hot weather mix about as well for pets as it does for people, and dogs with shorter snouts or thick coats have it especially rough. If your dog runs with you in the summer heat, they are at risk for overheating and heatstroke. Heatstroke is one of the leading causes of death in dogs in hot climates, says the American Veterinary Medical Association. You don’t want that for your furry friend, do you?

Rock Climbing With Your Dog

Man Climbing Rock Formation — Photo Credit: Pexels

Rock climbing isn’t a sport that can be easily shared with pets, but if you are a rock climber you may be tempted to bring your dog with you on the adventure. Even for humans, climbing routes are very dangerous, and more so for a dog that might not have the agility or even knowledge to conquer that given terrain. Falls, injury, and exhaustion risk can be very high. Dogs can also suffer from paw burns or cuts from rough rock surfaces.

Playing in Areas With Insects

18 Proven Tips to Stop Your Dog from Peeing Indoors — Image Credit: Pezibear/Pixabay

It’s nice to get outside and enjoy a picnic, but bees, wasps, and mosquitoes are a risk to your dog. Some pets are allergic to a bee sting and mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as heartworm. Keep your dog out of areas where there are insects buzzing around, and use pet safe insect repellent if you have to.

Playing Fetch in an Unsafe Environment

You’ve probably thrown a ball for your dog to run after, but playing fetch in an area with hazards such as busy roads, thorny bushes, or sharp objects can be dangerous. Dogs get so excited about the game, so they forget to stay alert for dangerous obstacles in their path. It is important for your dog’s safety that you play fetch with your dog in a safe, enclosed area.

Visiting Public Beaches

A day at the beach may sound like fun, but it’s not always a safe idea for pets. Tides can be strong at beaches, there can be hidden rocks and hot sand that can burn your dogs paws. Dogs may also not feel comfortable at public beaches, where there may be restrictions on dogs or crowds of other people can be stressful or cause aggression in some pets. Pick a pet friendly beach that your dog can play and swim on safely.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.