The Dog Owner's Guide to Going Camping

Enjoying a bit of solitude in the great outdoors is a fantastic way to replenish your energy and return to your daily routine recharged. There's no other place your dog would rather be than by your side. Whether enjoying a hike together, fishing, or simply roaming the woods, your pooch will make a perfect camping buddy. But, taking your canine companion with you on a camping trip requires some upfront planning. This article will help prepare you for the adventure.

Call Ahead To The Campsite

Not all campgrounds allow dogs. Sadly, many campsites have established rules prohibiting our four-legged friends because of the inconsiderate behavior of a few owners. Examples include national parks, forests, and trails. The last thing you want is to plan a camping excursion only to be turned back at the site.

One of the best resources for finding pooch-friendly campsites is the Bureau of Land Management. Call your local office. They'll be happy to point you to campgrounds that allow pets. Plus, they can answer any questions you might have regarding on-site leash restrictions, spraying for mosquito prevention, and whether you need to provide proof of vaccinations.

Making Preparations

Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst. It's important that your pooch receives vaccinations for Lyme disease. In many areas, the woods are filled with Lyme-carrying ticks. A short roam through the wild can result in numerous tick bites.

Also, take along a mini first aid kit. It's not uncommon for dogs to sustain scratches and other minor injuries on camping trips. Pack bandages, Neosporin, snake bite supplies, and Benadryl for insect bites and bee stings. One quick note: before giving your canine Benadryl, ask your veterinarian about the appropriate dosage given your dog's weight, health, and age.

Make sure that you take plenty of drinking water for your pooch. Even if the weather is cool, he can still become dehydrated. Also, pack extra food for him and put it into a container that is safe from bears. Finally, a few extra towels or light blankets may come in handy (for both of you) if the weather turns out to be colder than expected.

Cleaning Up After Your Pooch

Bring plenty of plastic bags and pick up after your dog. This is one of the main reasons many campsites have begun prohibiting canines. It's unpleasant for other campers to stumble upon (often, literally) your pooch's bowel movements. So, be responsible and clean it up.

Going camping with your canine is a great opportunity to enjoy each other's company away from bustle of your daily routine. The key is in the planning. Call your local Bureau of Land Management office, pack the right supplies, and clean up after your dog. Those few steps can go a long way toward ensuring your camping adventure is an enjoyable one.

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