Assess your dog's health and mental state on the day of the activity - Outdoor activities involve a certain amount of physical exertion for dogs. Before heading out, assess your dog's physical condition to adjust the duration, manner, and location of the outing. For timid dogs, introduce them gradually to new environments and objects to reduce the risk of getting lost due to panic.​

​

​

Pay attention to weather reports before going out - Avoid walking your dog at noon or in the afternoon in hot summers to prevent heatstroke. In cold winters, ensure your dog stays warm to prevent them from catching a cold. Be mindful of rain protection on rainy days to prevent your dog from getting wet. Check the weather forecast beforehand and ensure it is suitable for outdoor activities.

​

​

Choose suitable activity times and durations - It is recommended to go out before 10 am or during dusk (4 pm-7 pm/depending on sunset time). Since Hong Kong is mostly hot, avoid walking your dog at noon or in the afternoon to prevent heatstroke.

​

​

The importance of leash - According to Hong Kong law, dogs are allowed off-leash in country parks, but it is still recommended to keep your dog leashed to avoid disturbing other hikers, their dogs, or wildlife. Common wildlife in Hong Kong includes cattle, wild boars, or macaques, and the countryside is their habitat. When visiting to their home, remember not to disturb, feed, or damage anything. To ensure everyone's safety, keep a distance from them and always leash your dog. Even if wild animals suddenly appear, the owner can quickly call the dog back or lead them away to prevent any injuries.

​

​

Equip your dog with suitable gear and supplies, including food, water, waste bags, leash (long/short), dog tag (with contact number), collar/harness, insect repellent spray (to prevent mosquitoes and ticks), cooling/warm clothing depending on the weather, and consider whether your dog needs a GPS locator tracker. This helps track your dog's location at all times, making it easier to find them if they wander off. It is highly recommended for dogs that have not mastered recall or are timid.

​

​​

"Leave No Trace" - Please do not leave any non-natural waste behind. When your dog relieves themselves outdoors, clean up and properly dispose of their waste. When leaving, take all items with you, including waste bags and snack wrappers.

​

​

Pet first aid kit - Accidents can happen outdoors, so preparing a first aid kit is important for both of you and your dog. It is also advisable to keep the numbers of veterinary services that offer 24-hour emergency care. The first aid kit should contain disinfectant, cotton balls, gloves, bandages, etc. Note: Check the expiration date of the disinfectant regularly. In case of accidents, especially bites, heatstroke, cuts, etc., after providing basic first aid, take your pet to the vet clinic for a thorough check-up and treatment as soon as possible.

​

​

Avoid going outdoors alone with your dog - Having companions to share responsibilities and support in case of accidents or getting lost is crucial for both humans and dogs. Before setting off, let relatives, friends, or neighbors know your destination, route, and estimated return time. Pay attention to distance markers or take pictures of landmarks along the trail; in case of getting lost or accidents, these can help rescue teams locate you quickly.​

 

 

Owners should prepare a checklist of items before departure to minimize the chances of forgetting anything. Plan your itinerary and locations according to your capabilities, stay alert throughout the journey, pay attention to environmental and weather changes, to ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor adventure with your dog!