Gear and practices that keep your dog safe outdoors and at home, from bear-country food storage to visibility on dark walks and first-aid kits built for trail use.
Why Unrestrained Dogs Are Dangerous in a Car An unrestrained dog in a car is a projectile. In a 30 mph crash, a 50-pound dog hits the windshield — or you — with 1,500 pounds of force. That kills the dog, and it injures or kills whoever is in the front seat. Yet most dog … Read more
Most Dogs Are Not Natural Swimmers The myth that all dogs instinctively know how to swim is dangerous. While many dogs will paddle when placed in water, that is not the same as swimming safely. Short-nosed breeds like pugs and bulldogs can barely keep their heads above water. Even strong swimming breeds like Labs can … Read more
Expert Reviewed · Last updated June 23, 2026 · This article is regularly updated with the latest information and recommendations. Why June Is the Worst Month for Ticks on Your Dog If you hike with your dog, June through August is peak tick season in most of the United States. Ticks climb to the tips … Read more
Why Your Dog Needs a Different First Aid Kit Than You Do If you’re carrying a human first aid kit and calling it good for trail trips with your dog, you’re missing critical items. Dogs get different injuries than humans on the trail — paw pad lacerations, foxtail embedment, heat exhaustion, and tick-borne illnesses are … Read more
Why Most Dog Hiking Emergencies Are Preventable Every year, search and rescue teams respond to calls that started with a simple day hike and ended with a dehydrated dog, a paw pad laceration, or a wildlife encounter gone wrong. The frustrating part? Nearly all of these incidents are preventable with basic preparation and the right … Read more
Why Your Dog Overheats Faster Than You Do If you have ever watched your dog pant heavily on a warm trail while you are barely breaking a sweat, there is a biological reason: dogs do not sweat the way humans do. They cool themselves primarily through panting, which is far less efficient than full-body sweating. … Read more
Why Your Water Bottle Is the Most Important Gear You Own You can skimp on a lot of camping gear, but your water bottle is not one of them. Dehydration sneaks up on you faster than you think, especially at altitude or in dry climates. The wrong bottle leaks in your pack, freezes on cold … Read more
Best Dog Whistles 2026: Recall Training That Actually Works *Your dog ignoring you at the dog park is not a personality trait — it is a training gap. The right whistle, used consistently, closes that gap faster than any other tool. Here are the five that earned a permanent spot on our lanyards.* I have … Read more
Why Every Dog Owner Needs a Quality Carrier Whether you are flying across the country, heading to the vet for a routine checkup, or just running errands around town, having the right dog carrier makes all the difference. The wrong one can leave your dog anxious, overheated, or cramped, while a well-designed carrier becomes a … Read more
Why a Nail Grinder Beats Clippers for Most Dogs Trimming your dog’s nails is not optional. Overgrown nails change how your dog walks, cause joint pain, and can split or tear — which means an emergency vet visit. But most owners hate clipping because one wrong move cuts the quick, and the dog screams, bleeds, … Read more