Tips For Going Camping With Your Dog

If you’ve got a family dog at home, and you’re planning a camping trip, you may be considering whether you should bring your pet along with you. Many dogs nowadays hold a special place in people’s hearts and leaving them behind at a kennel or friend’s house may be something you’re not interested in doing …

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Camping means that your dog will be in the outdoors seeing lots of new sights and taking in new smells, and you won’t be constrained by hotel rules and restrictions, but there are still plenty of considerations to take into account for your camping trip – and your pet’s – to be one that’s pleasant and safe.

Before you bring your dog anywhere, you should take it to your veterinarian for a full check-up and an update on all its vaccinations. Optional vaccines such as protection against Lyme disease and Leptosporosis shouldn’t be opted out on, as you’ll most likely be traveling into unknown areas where both these illnesses could strike your dog. Make sure that your vet gives you all the necessary certificates for your dog’s vaccinations and bring them along with you on your vacation just in case you do need to prove that your pet has been fully covered against major diseases. Find out the telephone number of the veterinarian in the area you’ll be staying and keep it handy in case of emergencies.

Just as you have identification on you in case of emergency, your dog should be equipped with tags that let people know his name, his owner’s name and where you can be reached. Getting lost isn’t something you want to happen to your pet, but it’s always a possibility – especially so in new territory that can be confusing. Dogs do tend to roam and they can slip away easily, so you want to make sure that whoever finds him has a way of reaching you and comforting your pet in the meantime by using a familiar name.

Pack plenty of food and your pet’s dishes from home. Dogs can be resistant to new bowls, especially in strange places, and having food and water dishes that smell familiar can be a big comfort to your pet. Don’t assume that you’ll be able to get dog food wherever you’re going, and even should you know there’s food available, it may not be your pet’s usual brand and he may not accept a temporary substitute. While you’re camping, you’ll need to maintain the same feeding schedule as you did at home.

If your dog takes medication, make sure you’ve got an ample supply, more than enough to cover the extent of your camping trip. Try to think of other personal things that your dog might need while he’s away from home, and bring them along. Does he usually have treats, or is there a chew toy he likes to play with? Maybe he’s got his own blanket or bed that he likes to sleep on. Whatever the items may be, your dog needs familiar objects and ones that bring him comfort.

All animals should be contained in travel crates inside vehicles for safety reasons, but a large travel crate can also come in handy for your dog’s sleeping accommodations if he’s not going to be bunking down with you in the tent. During the day, your dog will also need restraint, and you should have two long leashes on hand at all times – a short one for walks, and a long one for relaxing around the campsite.

As a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to make sure that your dog’s camping vacation is controlled and safe, not only for you, but for other campers sharing the area with you. Most vacationers are tolerant of dogs and their usual habits, but it’s important to respect their holidays by avoiding bringing along a dog you know barks constantly or one that bites, so do have the good judgment to know when it’s best to leave your pet at a kennel rather than bring him along.