Going on a camping trip with your dog seems like an obvious choice to do. After all, in many cases, dogs are cherished family members and to leave your fluffy pup out of such an adventure seems cruel. However, the situation isn’t as simple as you may think. There are a number of things you should carefully think about before you take your cute doggie on a camping trip.
Perhaps the most important aspect to consider is whether your dog is obedient enough to be trusted on such a trek. Moreover, you should determine what sort of dog-related equipment to bring with you. It’s also important to research any potentially dangerous creatures lurking near the campsite and always know the nearest vet’s location in case something happens. Finally, you must remember to safeguard your fluffy friend from the ever-present ticks. Read the advice below and know everything there is to bring your dog to a campsite!
Is Your Dog Obedient Enough To Go On Such an Adventure?
If the answer is no, then you have to reconsider your decision to leave your dog at home. After all, camping is an adventure that requires a lot of responsibility. You should never take your dog on such a trip if it isn’t obedient enough to listen to your commands such as ‘come’ and ‘stay’ as it may run off in the forest or get lost.
If the answer is yes, then most likely all of the above is not necessary. Your dog will still require supervision but is less likely to wander off because it sniffed an animal in the nearby forest. Nevertheless, it’s still important to remember that your dog will have to adapt to the new environment, so it’s a good idea to start training with your furry friend as early as possible.
What’s The Location Of The Nearest Vet?
Even if your dog is obedient, you should know where the nearest vet is in case something happens. For example, let’s suppose that your pooch suddenly steps on a piece of glass. It will certainly hurt it, but most likely the wound will not be critical – still, you need to bring your dog to a vet to receive treatment and then leave your friend in your tear drop camper for some rest.
The same thing can be said about the ingestion of something potentially harmful, such as food that is full of bacteria. So, you should know where the nearest vet is located and have its phone number saved on your phone. In the end, you probably want to care for your fluffy friend just as much as it cares about you!
Do You Have The Proper Equipment For The Trip?
The most important thing to remember is that you must prepare the proper equipment for your dog to live in the campsite and for your own safety. Among other things, you should bring:
- Bowls and food storage
- Dog tent
- Dog bed or crate
- Treats and toys
- Dog shampoo
- Dog grooming kit (brush, nail clippers)
After all, your dog needs to be well-fed, well-rested, and clean. If you don’t provide such conditions, your dog won’t immediately suffer from the consequences, but you shouldn’t neglect it during your trip. This is especially important if you are camping for weeks at a time.
Are There Any Dangerous Animals Near The Campsite?
There are a number of potentially dangerous animals near campsites. For example, spiders and snakes are common problems in the wild. Many people fear them, and for a good reason – they might bite your dog and wound it very hard if you’re not careful. Because of that, always research the sort of animals expected near your planned campsite.
If you see any warnings about wild animals that may bite or harm your dog, then maybe it’s not worth the risks. Another thing you should watch out for are ticks, which are much more prevalent in the wild, and they might attach themselves to your dog much better than to you. Ticks carry all sorts of diseases, so don’t forget to check your dog after you go camping. Make sure to protect them before you go on the trip.
In Conclusion
In the end, the decision to bring your dog on a camping trip is entirely yours. But you should always take a number of factors into account. Make sure to find out where the nearest vet is and research any potentially dangerous animals lurking around the campsite, but more importantly, make sure your dog is obedient enough to follow your orders. Don’t forget to bring the proper equipment with you and to take good care of your dog. If you follow these steps, then you should have a wonderful time camping with your cute doggie! Good luck!