The pain of leaving your bundle of joy home breaks your heart a little and can be quite tough.  We are here to save you from such an emotional dip and gathered some of tips to be followed before, and during the camp if you wish to take your dog along. These are some of the safety precautions that should be taken prior to the camping so that you can have some fun and adventure with the little best friend outdoors.

Health Checkups and Safety Supplies: Before the Trip

The first thing on the to-do-list is to book an appointment with the veterinarian and get your dog’s health checked. If your dog’s health is not optimal, ordinary camping hazards can prove to br quite dangerous for his/her health. Discuss your camping plans with the veterinarian and make sure to get that important vaccinations are given prior to the trip. Your dog should be physically fit if you are planning for a hiking trip.

Pests such as fleas and ticks are often common in the wooded area. Make sure that your dog is well treated with tick and flea treatment and is vaccinated for Lyme disease. Heartworms can be quite risky for your fur ball as they get transmitted through mosquito bites.  Make sure that proper heartworm treatment is given to your dog before you take him along for the adventure.

A Few Must-Have Supplies to Pack for your Dog

If you want to ensure that your dog is kept in good health whilst you are away then these essentials are highly advised: Tweezers or tick removal tools and scissors, Butterfly bandages, gauze, and/or bandages designed for pets to close wounds, Coated aspirin for easing the pain. Use with caution and give only the recommended dosage (between 5mg and 10mg per pound of body weight). You may also consider a safer alternative, but you should discuss it with your veterinarian before your trip for specific advice. Rubbing alcohol or antiseptic to clean the wounds and finally some first aid gel or spray designed for pets.

If your pet is on regular medication or is suffering from a chronic health condition, make sure you pack along enough medication on your trip that could last for days. Take along the copies of the dog’s health records along, so in case there is an emergency that could be of help to the local veterinarian. Also, make sure you locate a local vaccination clinic closest to the camping site before you leave. Finally, make sure that your dog’s microchip registration is up to date and that he/she has a tag with complete and accurate information so that finders can easily locate you should your dog get lost.

Things to Pack for your Dog

Apart from the food and water dishes, you should carry extra stock of fresh water that could last for days especially when it is going to be warm. Take an ample amount of your dog’s food and treats as well.  Carry a good supply of dog waste bags to avoid upsetting any fellow campers. Take along a leash or two for your dog or the required supplies that you need for him when outdoors. Pack your dog’s bed so he can have a comfortable sleep at night. If you are heading to a place near water, do not forget to pack extra towels, in case he/she decides to go for a swim.

Best Dog-Safe Practices at Campsite

Make sure you are well aware of the rules of the campsite that you are visiting, as they have different rules everywhere. Some of the campsites requires that the dog is to be leashed at all times and the other campsite may have a certain time duration in which he/she can roam free. Some campsites prohibit dogs, so make sure you are aware of the rules well in advance to avoid ruining the plans. Keep an eye on your dog’s health throughout the trip.  Make sure your dog is well trained and if he/she is not is better to start slowly and take short trips in the beginning. Make sure that he/she stays away from any poisonous plants and make sure that your dog obeys basic instructions such as, “sit”, “stand”, “leave it”, etc.

At the end, have fun! A camping trip is a great opportunity to kick back and relax. When you take the proper precautions and keep safety in mind, a camping trip is an enjoyable bonding experience for humans and dogs alike.