Do you take your dog for walks in the woods? Hiking or camping? If so, be sure to plan ahead and take precautions for your pet's safety.
Tick protection
Ticks are active until after the first hard frosts in the fall and Lyme disease has been found in our area, so both you and your pet should take precautions to prevent tick attachment. Apply a safe insecticide to your pet according to label instructions at least 24 hours before any trips into the woods.
Blaze orange
Know when hunting seasons begin! Be sure that you and your dog stand out with bright orange gear. Consider the size and color of your dog. Just an orange collar may not be adequate, especially if it might be covered by long hair around the neck. Blaze orange vests and bandanas are available that will ensure your pet is not mistaken for a wild animal.
Leash your dog
Keep your dog on a leash, especially during hunting season. No matter how well your dog listens to you at home, dogs get distracted when they are excited. If you have a leash on your dog, you have control even if the dog is not listening. You can prevent your dog from chasing a wild animal and getting lost, from getting into a fight with a wild animal and getting injured, or from getting in the way when a hunter is taking a shot.
Watch where you go
Avoid known hunting territory, and watch for tracks or blood on the trail you're traveling. Do not feel compelled to investigate, especially if your dog is becoming excited. If you stumble across a wounded bear, it could attack you or your dog and do serious damage.
Prepare a first aid kit for your pet
Even on a short hike, injuries can happen. A little preparation can help a lot, so take along some basic first aid materials. Include gauze pads, Ace bandages, saline solution, and Neosporin. Remember that first aid is not a substitute for veterinary care - it is just a temporary fix to keep wounds clean until you can reach a hospital.