You might be wondering if bringing your dog for camping is a good idea, especially if you enjoy being outdoors. You are in luck. Most dogs would be delighted to accompany you on an expedition in the woods.
But, of course, there are some things to think about before you pack your car and head to your campsite with your four-legged friend. Here are some tips for making your camping vacation with Fido safe (and enjoyable!).
Plan ahead of time
When planning a camping trip for you and your four-legged companion, make sure to cross a few items off your to-do list before you hit the road.
To begin, reserve your campground early (especially during peak travel or vacation periods) and double-check the pet restrictions and any rules that apply to canine visitors.
You should also plan a route that includes opportunities to stop over and let your dog relieve himself and get some exercise.
Invest in the Right Equipment
Most experienced campers will tell you that having the right equipment can make the camping experience so much more pleasant, and the same is true for your canine companion.
If you haven’t already, you should consider investing in high-quality dog gear to assist in ensuring a good camping vacation, such as a solid and properly-fitted harness or a pair of durable food and water bowls.
Ensure Your Dog Has Identification
Make sure your dog’s collar tag and microchip registration are up to date. While most dogs enjoy being outside, it is all too easy for them to become overwhelmed by the sights and smells of the woods and wander off to explore or chase a squirrel or rabbit.
You may not always get the best cell coverage when you’re out in the woods, so consider attaching the phone number of your veterinarian or another emergency contact to a tag on your dog’s collar just in case you can’t be reached right away.
There is also modern technology, such as GPS dog trackers and collars, that can assist you in finding your dog if they have a habit of wandering away.
Pay a visit to the veterinarian.
When it comes to visiting your veterinarian, it’s usually a good idea to make an appointment before embarking on any type of journey with your dog.
You’ll want to make sure your dog is up to date on vaccines (especially if the campground requires them for admittance) and that they don’t have any potential health conditions that might make camping unsafe for them. Your veterinarian can also clip your dog’s nails to keep them from getting stuck on anything outside.
Don’t Forget the Food
While it may be tempting to share that delicious campfire food with your pup (especially as he or she stares at you with longing eyes), you’ll want to keep your dog’s diet as normal as possible during your trip to avoid stomach upset like diarrhea or vomiting, as well as more dangerous conditions like pancreatitis.
A plain piece of cooked chicken or fish with no extra salt or spices is probably safe, but fatty trimmings and other oily foods can be dangerous to your dog.
To prevent heat stroke, make sure your dog can get to fresh, clean water and shaded space to rest—especially if you’re camping during the summer months. And if you believe you can just give your dog a drink from a pond or stream, think again. Algae and/or parasites in the water can be dangerous to dogs.
WARNING
Consuming corn cobs and other camping staples like s’mores can actually be harmful to dogs—corn cobs can induce life-threatening intestinal obstructions. Canines are poisoned by the chocolate in everyone’s favorite campfire treat.
Bring Disaster Supplies
If you’re a frequent camper, your bag is probably already stocked with basic first-aid materials, such as bandages for cuts and scrapes and moleskin for blistered feet. When taking your dog camping, however, you should also be prepared for any canine-specific emergencies.
If your dog is already on medicine, make sure you bring it with you. In addition, if you have a breed that is extremely active and high-energy, you may want to consider items like gauze, rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, or surgical tape in case of physical injuries. Other possible emergency items include antibiotic ointment, vet wrap, and foot balm to protect their paws.
Understand How to Remain Calm
You can carry all of the first aid items you could possibly need, but if you don’t know how to stay calm and react in an emergency situation—and actually use those materials—they won’t be very effective.
If your dog has been harmed, it’s critical to remain calm and manage the situation as soon as possible, whether it’s an animal bite or your pup is suffering from heat stroke. Dogs are quite intuitive and will be able to detect if you are frightened, making them more likely to act out.
If you believe your emergency response abilities could be improved, check with your local outdoor supply store to see if they offer wilderness first aid lessons. Organizations such as the Red Cross and even some community colleges offer courses on teaching first aid to your dog.
Keep an eye out for wildlife.
When you go camping, you are bound to come across many wildlife in the woods. But you don’t want your dog to come face to face with a porcupine or skunk, and you definitely don’t want him to come into contact with a larger, more deadly animal like a bear, wolf, or poisonous snake.
Even if your dog has unrestricted access to your land, you should pack that long leash and keep it nearby to avoid tangles with wild animals.
Maintain contact
In addition to a lengthy leash, keep in mind that your pet should never be left alone while camping (or traveling in general). Your dog may be the life of the party at home, but when introduced to a new setting, he or she may experience a complete behavioral change and become shy, distant, or even aggressive, so never make assumptions about how your dog will act with other people or animals. It’s advisable to keep your dog close at all times, especially at the campsite, in the car, and during any outdoor activities, for their protection.
Bring Extra Blankets
While humans can quickly dry off after a swim in the lake, if your four-legged friend enjoys swimming, make sure you have plenty of towels and blankets on hand to dry them off (and keep them warm as the temperature drops in the evening hours). Towels and rags can also be utilized in an emergency, and they will come in handy if there is an unexpected downpour.
Bring a dog life jacket, especially if you’re going canoeing or kayaking with your dog. Your dog may be able to swim in a pool, but with a vast body of water, unfamiliar surroundings, and the chance of no nearby beach, it would be safer to use a flotation device.
Get Rid of the Bugs
If your dog isn’t currently on a monthly flea and ticks preventative, now is the time to consult with your veterinarian. You don’t want uninvited guests to grab onto your pet. Tweezers are probably already in your first-aid box, but you might also want to grab a tick removal tool, such as the Tick Twister, to help you remove a tick from your dog. Also, educate yourself on how to properly inspect your dog for ticks and the symptoms of tick-borne illness.
Maintain Your Routine
Your dog has become accustomed to a particular pattern or manner and may not respond well to having it thrown out of whack with a weekend- or week-long camping vacation, just as children may exhibit behavioral changes when their schedule is disrupted. While some dogs are laid-back and content to go with the flow, others may not be, so try to stick to your dog’s regular feeding and walking schedule and be on the lookout for any signs of distress, which may include panting, pacing, or even trembling. Some dogs are very sensitive to sudden and loud noises. If your dog is one of them, you should keep an eye on the weather forecast and avoid camping on holidays involving fireworks, such as Memorial Day or July 4th.
Packing their comfy dog bed and even bringing a familiar toy or blanket can also help your dog feel at ease in a new setting for a few nights.
Word from Bone2Travel
Before your big camping vacation, pitch a tent in your backyard and snuggle up with your dog for a night or two. Let your dog get used to sleeping in a tent with you.