Too many people leave their dog behind when they head off on vacation. Why would you do that to man’s best friend? He deserves a vacation just like you do, so if you have a camping trip planned for this summer, now is an excellent time to start thinking about what you need to take to make it fun for your pooch.
Are Dogs Welcome?
Most campsites welcome dogs and are happy for campers to take their dogs along. However, if you are going camping with friends, do check they are comfortable with your dog tagging along and that nobody has any serious allergies to dogs.
Does Your Dog have the Right Temperament?
Not all dogs are happy campers. Some dogs are nervous or aggressive in public, they hate other dogs, children, and people, and are only happy on their own territory. If this sounds like your dog, it probably isn’t a good idea to take him on vacation, as it will stress him out and potentially cause problems. Aggressive dogs that routinely attack first and ask questions later should not be taken to a campsite where there will be other dogs and children running around. The potential for disaster is too high.
If you have any doubts about your dog’s temperament or ability to cope with a few days away in a strange place – or even the long trip to get there – book him into a kennel where he will be safe and secure for the duration of your trip. For more information on dog-related issues, check out petsarethebest.net.
Keep Your Dog Safe and Secure
When camping in a forest or somewhere remote, it should be safe enough for your dog to roam around, but on a public campsite, he will need to be kept under control. There will be vehicles moving around, kids playing, and an excitable dog could end up in all kinds of trouble.
Keep your dog on a leash at all times, unless he’s very well-trained and stays close to you without a murmur. When you are chilling in or around the tent, attach him to a long leash connected to a peg in the ground. At night, let him sleep in your tent or restrain him outside the tent, with his own bed or kennel.
It’s OK to let a dog run free, but only in areas where he’s safe and dogs are welcome. Remember, not everyone loves your dog as much as you do!
Clean Up After Your Dog
Always clean up after your dog. Take him somewhere far away from tents and children’s play areas to do his business. Bag it up and dispose of it in a refuse bin. Other people won’t appreciate stepping in your dog’s mess on their way to the restrooms late at night.
Food and Drink
Don’t to pack enough food and drink for your dog. Buy a collapsible water bowl and a bottle so you can take water when you go hiking in the woods. Don’t assume there will be an accessible stream for him to drink from – there might not be.
Dogs love camping as much as we do, so have fun!
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