Health and Safety Tips for Camping With Your Dog

Heading to the great outdoors this summer with your dog? Camping with your best buddy can be fun, a time to bond, and exciting for them. But don’t forget, there are some safety tips you need to keep in mind to keep your dog healthy, safe, and happy while you’re camping. The following tips can help make your trip more enjoyable and less stressful for everyone.

1: Protect your pet by treating him with flea, tick, and heartworm preventative. Let your vet know that you’re going camping and talk about what trends in that region exist and what preventatives are needed for your dog.

2: If your dog isn’t used to long walks from winter, start a routine of walking everyday and increase the distance and time. Hiking and walking through the woods can tire your dog out. If your dog has become a couch potato, camping can wear him out and he won’t have the endurance for several days of hiking. Get him back in shape before the big trip!

3: Pack a pet first aid kit, extra food, portable bowls, and an extra leash, and collar. Camping burns calories, your pet may be more hungry. A long leash or tie out leash can keep your pet near you as you set up the tent, sit and read, or just hang out watching the sunset. A shorter leash is great for walks through the woods. If you and your dog go swimming, a harness can help him move freely and keep her safe.

4: Bring some extra blankets for your dog to sleep on and under. When it’s cold dogs may need to burrow under blankets to stay warm. If you have a pet bed bring a few blankets to cover your pet.

5: Before you go camping, you may want to make a camping bag for your dog to carry on walks. There are a variety of doggie backpacks available at your local pet store. Pack some treats, some food, water, biodegradable poop bags, and first aid kit supplies when hiking. That way if your dog gets a cut you can treat it immediately and if he’s hungry or thirsty, you can give him some rest and a snack and drink. Keeping your pet hydrated is important and it also helps curb him from drinking from a puddle.

6: Plan activities that involve your dog. This can be overlooked but it’s important. If you plan on mountain biking, your dog may not be able to along side you or keep up for the mileage you’re planning to rack up. You can’t tie your dog up at the camp site, it’s not safe. Plan on hikes, swimming, and walks. Your dog will be happy to explore new areas and it’ll be fun for both of you.

7: Clean up after your dog. Any mess you and your dog leave must be cleaned up. Buy biodegradable poop bags and carry them with you at all times.

^{Photo courtesy of Campist}