It’s time to air out those sleeping bags, clean out last year’s coolers and pack up your vehicle. Summer’s here and camping season is upon us. What should we do with the dogs?
Here are a couple of simple ideas and safeguards you are able to make sure that this year’s woodsy adventures are worry and injury free. Before we even arrive at our destination, here are a couple of things we ought to consider: Make sure to have your dog’s ID tags are secure and up-to-date. Get a vaccination for flea and tick shots is needed. It’s wise to setup your tent outside a few days ahead, this will let you practice camping together with your pet so he feels safe inside the tent. Make certain pets are permitted in the campground and inquire into the nearest vet.
Despite the fact that you are living in the backwoods you’ll still wish to have some conveniences of home as does your pet. It is important they have a few of their favorite things, be it a blanket, a toy or at home bed.
Don’t forget about your camping neighbors and supply a secure tether for the dog along with a muzzle if required. Dogs possess a inclination to wrap themselves around any tree, table, vehicle or bit of fire wood, you might consider a doggy playpen, which is also good to keep them in the shade.
Just like us, dogs should have their bed elevated and should not sleep directly on the ground all night. They also need to be protected from the sun and heat. Just as you wouldn’t leave your dog in the car for hours on a hot day, don’t leave him locked in a tent, the outcomes are the same. A little pup tent or a child’s blow up pool are good ways to help keep both pets and kids cool.
Also, make sure you’ve a secure spot for your pet in case of scary noises that may possibly scare them such as thunder or fireworks. Certainly use their crate if they already have one or I’ve found that the car works as a safe place.
Ready to chill out?! Not so fast – You need to watch them as you would a little child. Listed here are a couple of hazards to be watchful for:
FOOD – We tend to be much more laid back and consume a lot more junk foods camping than would at home. Don’t leave meals or snacks lying. Canines have sensitive digestive tracks and get sick easier from fatty foods that are foreign to them than we do.
GARBAGE – It goes without saying, keep it away from them. I have known dogs that have eaten whole cobs of corn, which got stuck in their digestive track and had to become surgically removed. We had a Beagle/Chihuahua mix that ate anything. Once we poured bacon grease in the bushes which was wrong on our part, and of course he licked up the grease and we ended up finding all sorts of stones and twigs in his belly. That was an expensive vet bill and put an end to any fun on that trip.
FIRE – Don’t burn food in the fire. Frequently it doesn’t burn entirely and becomes a dog attraction, but there might be glowing embers within the fire and burn their noses, mouth or feet.
TERRAIN – Get rid of as much sharp and dangerous and sticks, stones and glass. If it hurts your feet it’s going to hurt your dog’s. Dog shoes are the perfect idea if you’re going through rough terrain.
OK, you are ready up at camp and now you have to take on nature. What dangers might lurk within the forest you ask?
INSECTS & TICKS – Short coated animals are just as prone to mosquito bites as we are and should really have their own insect repellent. Ticks are a threat to your dog’s health. A tick vaccine or collar will aid but you will need to do manual checks and if you find one, pick it off with sharp tweezers.
POISON IVY – Although dogs are not much affected by poison ivy, the oil that the plant secretes gets and stays on your dog’s fur and transfers to everything he touches or touches him (like you!) Wash him off repeatedly with mild soap or shampoo wearing rubber gloves.
WILDLIFE – The reality is, avoid them and get your dog in check. If he’s attacked by a skunk, run to the lake for repeated scrubs with mild cleaning soap or skunk. Porcupine quills would be best left to a vet to get rid of.
WATER ACCIDENTS – If you are out on any type of boat or floatation device, and away from your shore you should really put a PFD (life jacket) on your pet, especially if your pet is out of shape or not used to swimming.
Your best bet, while camping is to always have a first help kit available for yourself and your pet. There are special kits made especially for pets. At least have the basics; rubbing alcohol, tweezers, scissors and bandages. Those stretchy roll up bandages are great for wrapping over fur.
In summary, don’t let this advise scare you away from camping with your pet. If anything, it should help make your outdoor experience even better. I have had so much fun over the years camping with my family and would never dream of leaving Henri and Bear behind, they are part of the family too!
Henri Hound has been an enthusiastic pet lover his entire life. He has hands-on insight of just about every form of pet and their behaviors. If you’re looking for light, yet informative pet advice, please read other articles of his, such as What’s Up With Dogs and Thunder or his blogHenri’s Pet Tips & Tricks
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