Are you
thinking about taking your dog camping? The outdoors is one of the best
places to spend time with your dog. The dog loves all the new sights,
sounds and smells. Here are a few tips that may make camping with your dog
a bit more enjoyable and possibly safer.
Consider
a pre-traveling vet visit.
Get
current on all shots and vaccinations and obtain a Rabies tag for
your dogs collar.
Consider
a possible Lyme disease vaccine.
Obtain
a current copy of their records and vet's phone number.
Get a
proper dog license & ID tags for your dog--there name, your name
and address and phone number.
Temporary
tags may be a good idea -- name and phone number of where you are
staying.
Microchips,
tattoos and pet registries are also available.
Bring
medications and copy of prescriptions.
Consider
use of a crate for travel and short term restraint.
Don't
forget to pack plenty of water from home for your dog. Bring
their regular food bowls, food and treats. To avoid problems, keep
them on their regular schedule.
Bring
their chew toys and dog brush.
Always
bring their collar and leash. Extras may be a good ideas.
For
unexpected situations, pack first aid items for your dog and also a
towel. Obtain the phone number of a vet in the area where you are
staying.
Check
with your destination to be sure whether dogs are permitted. Pets are
prohibited at many state and national parks. Try to get a site with
some shade for your dog.
Many
private campgrounds allow dog but it is of utmost importance that you
respect the other campers around you.
Make
sure you have complete control over your dog at all times. Keep
them on their leash.
Do
not allow your dog to bark. Frequent and continued barking
disturbed the wildlife and other campers.
Closely
supervise your dog around children, other visitors and other dogs.
Never
leave your dog outside unattended.
Always
pick up after your dog.
Give
your dog time to adjust to their new surroundings. Give them time to
rest.
Watch
that your dog doesn't get tangled around tent poles or stakes, tables,
trees, rocks etc.
Make
sure your dog is getting enough exercise. But consider
the effect of activity and energy levels on your dog health.
Be aware
of how weather conditions effect your dog--heat, cold, rain etc.
Remove
any leftover food after your dog eats. This food could attract
unwanted insects or wildlife.
Be
courteous of others while walking your dog. Keep your dog calm and
controlled.
Consider
your dogs sleeping arrangements.
Be aware
that your dog may have increased exposure to ticks and fleas. Have the
proper tick/flea collars, repellants or use Frontline applications. Other
diseases can also be obtained from wild animals and insects.
