Summer Adventures Are Better With Your Pets

Summer vacation season is officially here. The coolers are packed, the playlists are questionable, and your dog has already claimed shotgun before you’ve even backed out of the driveway.

Whether your family is planning a road trip, camping weekend, lake getaway, hiking adventure, or just a spontaneous Saturday escape, bringing your pets along can make the memories even better — as long as everyone stays safe, comfortable, and relatively mud-free.

Here are a few things to consider before loading up your furry adventure buddy this summer.

Road Trips: The “Are We There Yet?” Tour

Dogs love road trips. Cats… tolerate them with varying levels of judgment.

Before hitting the highway, make sure your pet is secured safely in the car. A pet seatbelt, carrier, or travel crate helps protect them during sudden stops and keeps them from trying to “help” you drive through construction zones.

A few road trip essentials worth packing:

• Water and a portable bowl
• Extra leash and collar
• Waste bags 
• Favorite toy or blanket - a little slice of home to keep them comfortable 
• Treats to keep them busy
• Pet first aid kit - a must for every adventure
• Towels - trust us on this one

And please — it should go without saying but never leave pets in a parked car during summer. Even “just for a minute” can turn dangerous quickly when temperatures climb.

Pro tip: plan extra potty and stretch breaks. Your dog would like to sniff every single gas station bush in the Midwest, apparently.

Camping With Pets: Tiny Bears in Training

Camping with dogs can be magical. Fresh air, trails, campfires, sleeping under the stars… and one mysterious wet tennis ball that appears from nowhere.

Before heading out, check whether the campground is pet-friendly and review leash rules. Not every camper will appreciate a surprise 6 AM greeting from your enthusiastic Labrador.

A few camping safety tips:

• Keep pets hydrated at all times
• Bring shade options for hot afternoons
• Watch for ticks, mosquitoes, and other biting insects - No Bugs! has you covered
• Keep pets away from campfire embers and cooking gear
• Don’t let them wander off leash, even if they swear they “know the woods”

Also important: wildlife encounters. Your dog may believe they can defeat a raccoon. The raccoon may disagree.

Hiking: Smells, Squirrels & Questionable Decisions

Hiking with pets is one of the best ways to burn energy and enjoy nature together. But summer trails can get hot fast — especially for dogs.

Before you head out:

• Check trail difficulty and pet rules
• Avoid hiking during peak afternoon heat
• Bring more water than you think you need
• Protect paws from hot rocks and pavement
• Watch for overheating signs like excessive panting, drooling, or slowing down

And while your dog may act like an elite wilderness explorer, they still shouldn’t drink from random puddles that look like soup.

Lake Days & Water Fun

Some dogs are born swimmers. Others step into water once and immediately reconsider every life choice that led them there.

If you’re boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, or spending time near deep water, a pet life jacket is always a good idea — even for strong swimmers.

A few lake-day reminders:

• Rinse pets off after swimming
• Keep fresh drinking water available
• Watch for strong currents
• Avoid harmful algae blooms
• Dry ears thoroughly after swimming
• And yes, someone will probably shake lake water onto your dry towels

Bugs, Heat & Summer Pet Protection

Summer adventures also mean increased exposure to fleas, ticks, mosquitoes, and other pests nobody invited.

Ticks can hide in wooded trails, grassy campsites, and hiking areas, while mosquitoes are especially active around lakes and evening campfires. Using plant-based repellents can help provide an extra layer of protection while your pets explore the outdoors with the family.  No Bugs! protects the whole family.

It’s also important to remember that pets can overheat much faster than humans. Flat-faced breeds, senior pets, and thick-coated dogs may need extra breaks and shorter outings during hot weather.

If your pet seems overheated:

• Move them to shade immediately
• Offer cool water
• Remember, never douse your pet in ice cold water
• Contact your veterinarian if symptoms worsen

The Goal: Safe, Happy Memories

At the end of the day, summer trips with pets aren’t about perfection.

They’re about muddy paws in the backseat. Campfire cuddles. Trail photos where nobody is looking at the camera. 

The best adventures are the ones where the whole family — furry members included — can relax, explore, and safely enjoy the ride together.