Camping can be a great experience or it can be not so great. It all depends on how prepared you are. When you bring your dog along, it can add another dimension to the equation. Dogs love camping and should be included in fun family outings. Here are some things to remember to make your camping experience a memorable one.
When preparing for camp, it is always a good idea to make some lists. Make a general list for common items like a tent, camping stove, water, food, smores, porta potty, etc. and one list for every member in the family, including the dog. The dog's list should include everything you may need plus some. Items like leashes, poop bags, dog bowls, dog food, water, treats, a crate, and a tie out are good things to have on hand for your dog. Some things people may not think of that are also important may be a pet specific first aid kit, a muzzle, important phone numbers in case of emergencies, shot records and a k-9 cooling vest. Don't forget to bring any medication your dog may be on at the time. Before you leave, there are some things to consider. Make sure your dog has flea and tick prevention. It's a good idea to make sure your pet is up to date on his shots, including Lyme disease. Lyme disease is carried by ticks in the forest, and can be serious. A medication such as Frontline Plus or Advantage is a good idea. You dog must have current ID tags with an address and number where you can be reached. I put my cell number on my dog's tags so I can be reached wherever I am. A microchip is also recommended in case your dog gets lost. Bring more dog food than you think you'll need. I like to put pre-measured meals in ziplock bags so it is easy to pack and feed. If you have more than one dog and they have different types of food, write their name on the bags.
While traveling with your dog, make sure you take frequent rest stops and always provide clean water. Dogs travel the safest when they are in a crate. If they are used to a crate at home, they will feel safe and secure in it while traveling. There are also pet restraint devices that attach to the existing seatbelt which is also a good idea. Never travel with your dog in the back of a pick-up.
Most campsite allow leashed pets, but some do not allow pets at all, so make sure your campsite is OK with pets. Be a responsible pet owner, always pick up after your pet, provide clean water at all times and be courteous of your neighbors. If you dog is barking, it could annoy the site next to you. Many people go camping for peace and quite, and the last thing they want to hear is a noisy dog. For very barky dogs citronella anti-bark collars are a easy and humane way to get your dog to stop barking so much. An anti-bark collar will not deter your dog from barking if there was a situation such as an intruder. Most dogs have protection instincts that are much stronger than the annoyance of citronella.
If you are at the campsite and want to go swim or participate in various camp activities, never leave your dog in the car! A dog can die in a hot car in a very short time. It's best to bring the dog along with you in whatever activities you will be doing. Use a cable tie out if you must, but make sure your dog can't get tangled on anything in the area. If you have an RV and it's hooked up to electricity, you may leave the dog in the RV for short times. It is a good idea to leave the AC on if it's a hot day. Leave the dog in his kennel in the RV. Some dogs may get bored and use the cushions as chew toys. Always make sure he has water.
Stay clear of Poison Oak or Ivy! If you are unsure what Poison Oak looks like, do a Google search and you see that it comes in many different forms and colors. You may want to carry some Poison Oak & Ivy wash such as Tecnu along just in case. Dogs usually don't get Poison Oak, but they can pick up the oil of the plant on their fur and pass it on to you. If you suspect your dog has walked through a patch of Poison Oak, you can use the Tecnu to wash his fur as well. Because Poison Oak doesn't show up for 24 hours, you need to wash your skin in 2-8 hours after exposure if you even suspect you were near it. The rash from Poison Oak is a immune response, so even if you take a shower 10 hours later, the oil will already have soaked into your skin, and your immune system will do the rest to help make you miserable for a while. Luckily, many well traveled campsites do not have any Poison Oak, Ivy or Sumac.
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