5 Tips for Camping With Your Dog
For a long, long time dogs have been called man’s best friend, so it makes sense that dogs have always gone on adventures.
Going on a journey is always more fun when you do it with your family and friends. Well, if your children and friends go with you on a camping trip, why can’t you bring your dog as well? Particularly if your family and friends don’t go!
Having your four-legged best friend by your side in the wilderness is a benefit to both of you. You will have a great companion, one that could protect you and you’ll have a time running around in the wilderness.
But, going on a camping trip with your dog is not always the easiest thing to do, it takes preparation, and you need to consider a few thing before heading out into the wilds. So, here are some tips on how to prepare before going camping with your buddy.
1. Dog-friendly camping areas
Before heading out on a camping trip make sure you check if the area you’re going to allows dogs. If not, search other options and other campgrounds, ones that would let you take your dog. Many of the camping grounds and trails are labeled if they are or are not pet-friendly, so look for a sign when you get there as well.
This is an area you need to do your homework so that you’re not caught out without a place to set up for the night. If you’re camping wild it’s not so important, but you should still have a look at the area to make sure it’s dog compatible.
2. Pack properly
When going on your camping trip, you should always spend some time preparing a list of what to pack for the trip. It’s same for your dog; you should prepare and pack the necessary items.
There are few things that you need to take with you for your dog on a camping trip:
- Water – A collapsable bowl is very useful
- Food and treats
- Leash
- First-aid kit
- Clothes and footwear – Make choices baed on the weather and environment
- Toys – If you’re in some open areas it can be fun to play or if it’s a treat at the end of the day
- etc.
For more information about hiking gear for your four-legged best friend, make sure you follow this link.
3. ID tag
In the wilderness, you can never predict where and if your dog will run away or get lost. So, make sure that your dog always has an ID tag on its collar, and make sure that you update it everytime any details change.
On the ID tag, there should be information such as the dog’s name, your name, home address and your phone number.
Also, there are more advanced ways to keep a track on your dog, like placing a microchip implant under its skin, this is a legal requirement in some countries. This way you will always be able to track and find your dog if it gets lost and if it’s found a quick scan will give contact information so it can be returned to you.
4. Vet check
Before going on a camping trip with your dog, make sure that you pay a visit to the vet to check all’s ok to go ahead.
- First of all, you have to double check if you buddy has received all of the vaccinations, especially heartworm and rabies.
- In your planning stage, you need to check if there are any health risks for your dog on the camping ground that you plan to go to, if there are discuss them with the vet.
- Consult on what to use as a flea and tick protection
- Ask the vet what kind of emergency medications you should take with you.
5. Sleeping plan
After a long day of walking and hiking you deserve a good sleep, but so does your dog. Always make sure that you provide a comfortable sleeping place for your dog, whether he sleeps with you in the tent, or outside. If you decide that he sleeps outside, make sure that he has a comfortable place to lay and shelter if needed. Make sure there’s water for him and that you clear up any mess he leaves.
So, the next time you head out for an adventure in the wilds with your dog make sure that you double check the list above and enjoy your time bonding with your best friend.
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