There are some journeys that we all wish we could share with man’s best friend.
Over the last year, we’ve been more or less stuck at home on a constant loop. From short trips to the grocery store, to little walks around the neighborhood, if you’re anything like me you’ve been chomping at the bit to get out and get a little fresh air. It’s been a struggle – but we’re not the only ones who have been getting a little tired of seeing the same four walls twenty-four seven. You know them as man’s best friend, visiting us they could also be your favorite adventure buddy. Remember, your family’s four legged member is also feeling the stress and strain of being at home.
With summer right around the corner, now’s the perfect time to start planning your next big family trip – one that’s all inclusive for all members of the family. One of the things that most pooches love is being able to take a trip in the car, especially if that trip ends with a little adventure. There’s no better place to take your furry friend for an adventure than to the beautiful Delaware River for some fresh air and exercise.
Being on the river is a breath of fresh air – and it allows your pup to connect to the world around them.
In the past, we’ve talked about the health properties of being outside in the fresh air. The calming rush of water and wind, open air, the lack of screen time; being out in nature is one of the best things that you can
do for yourself. If taking a trip to the river is that much of a refresh for you, than it’s safe to say that your dog would get the same – if not more – benefits out of it! Why not bring your family, including its furriest member, to one of our six beautiful landings and take a trip down the river and recharge a bit?
Water is second nature to most dogs, especially when it’s hot out. From splashing through puddles to taking a dart through a sprinkler, water is a fantastic way to help your four legged companion cool off when the temperatures start to sky rocket. Not only do dogs like water, but it also calms them down. Be it rocking on a canoe, snoozing in the sand, or just getting their feet wet, the open air that surrounds large bodies of water (such as the Delaware) and the dampness in the heat are a much needed cocktail that leads to a relaxed and recharged pup.
PetMD lists one of the watersports that you can find right here at Lander’s as being in the top ten watery adventures for your pup. Canoeing is a fantastic leisurely activity that you can include your pet on to get the most out of your day on the river. Canoes are the perfect vessel to get your pup down the river because there is plenty of room for them, and for you, to get comfy, and they provide the ability for a nice leisurely trip. By the time you’re done on the water, you’ll have a sleepy pup from a mixture of the gentle sway of the canoe and the warm sun. Plus, after you’re done, your pup can splash a little in the water to cool off or join you for a walk around our beautiful grounds. A happy, tuckered out dog? Now that’s a win win in my book!
How do you safely bring your furry companion on a river trip?
Just like with anything else, taking your favorite four legged friend on the river has its own set of safety needs. Here at Lander’s, we advocate for safety as our number one priority for you and for your family – and that pup is no exception. Below, we’ve outlined a few tips to make sure your furry companion is as safe as possible during your outdoor adventure.
- Bring a life jacket: If you’re going to go on the river, you’ve gotta wear a life jacket. It’s just the number one thing anyone can do to make sure that their river trip is as safe as possible. Having a lifejacket for your dog is a smart precaution, even if he or she knows how to swim. They might fight you a little bit on it, but on the chance they fall in to the water you’ll know without a doubt that they’ll make it to the surface. And, a bonus for us dog moms out there, some pup-jackets are super cute – and do come in bright colors for an extra safety measure.
- Bring fresh water: Now I know it can be really hard to keep that little rascal from drinking water wherever you go. It’s super important to make sure that you bring some bottled water with you because, while that water is beautiful and feels refreshing, your pup shouldn’t be taking in too much of it. Having a collapsible water bowl and some bottled water is important. And make sure it’s accessible while you’re in the canoe if you can – it can even be used as a distraction if your pup is getting a little restless.
- Keep an eye out for general first aid: Dog needs and human needs are pretty synonymous, most of the time. That being said, if you’d carry bandaids for yourself make sure you bring some gauze wraps for your pup – just in case. Also make sure you have a small washcloth or towel with you for their ears and their eyes. They’re not able to make sure there’s no water in them, so it’s up to you to keep those vital surfaces dry. I recommend a soft, plushy washcloth if you can, so that those eyes and ears are super protected while being dried off.
And last but not least…
- Be on the lookout for rough waters: I cannot stress this enough. As a safety precaution for yourself – and for your four legged family members – be on the lookout. Now, the Delaware River is pretty majestic and it does have a mind of it’s own, so it’s super important to be safe rather than sorry. Rough water can cause serious complications, with everything from making your dog restless to putting you both in the water. So, make sure you have fun, but be vigilant.
Okay…okay… so, I’ve got you sold on a pup-tastic river adventure and we’ve got our safety checklist, now what?
It’s simple! Give us a call or check out our website today to get planning your summer trip, and don’t forget to check out those pup lifejackets! We’re more than happy to help you plan out your next river excursion, and we can’t wait to see you – and your pup – on the water.