Safe Camping with your dog
| Although camping conditions vary throughout the
country, there are a lot of basics to observe for informed dog owners.
First, please be aware that dogs are not allowed at National Park or
Monument trails. Leashed dogs are allowed on paved areas, that it
doesn't go further than that ! National Forests may allow leashed dogs
on trails, but you need to check up on this because there are many
exceptions. If you are thinking of staying at a campground, do your
homework and be sure that dogs are allowed.
Staying in communication is vital and you cannot always rely on your cell phone ! Make a plan to check in with family and friends on a regular basis. |
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Which precautions do you need to take ?If you prepare
for the worst, you will have a safe camping experience ! Make sure that
you consult your vet about specific camping areas because some carry
unknown health risks and may require additional vaccinations. Make sure
that both your dog license and vaccinations are current or you have
recently done titers.
Don't go totally natural ! You need to leash your dog because you never know which campers and which other dogs/animals you will come across and it isn't worth ruining your trip over an unpleasant incident. How familiar are you with your dog ? Do you know his nonverbal language ? |
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| What should you take along for your dog? You need
to provide clean drinking water to prevent bacteria which may result in
diarrhea which will upset all of you. The same holds true for your dog's
food source. Take along a good supply and keep it in your car so that
wild animals will not smell it and decide to come visiting ! Towels
always come in handy for cleanups and you should consider both the paper
type as well as the cloth variety !
Consult your vet about taking along a doggie first aid kit and make sure that you also keep it in your car and it is easily available in emergencies. |
The nitty gritty of it all ! When was the last time you
checked your dog's leash, collar ? It is a good policy to carry extras
in case of an emergency. You might also consider taking along a tether
which fastens around a tree in order to allow almost total freedom
within a campsite. Do you have a doggie car seat and do you use it ?
Prevent road accidents by observing safety rules.
Keep your dog off the ground if possible and bring along some type of bedding which will keep them dry and clean and free of unwanted visitors. Depending on your dog, you may wish to bring along grooming tools, toys, treats and of course, poop clean-ups !
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