If you are a dog lover and own one, you will probably want to take your pup everywhere, including camping. Spending time outdoors may be a great way to connect and strengthen your bond. By building a solid bond between the two, you are gaining their trust and can introduce them to activities that will keep them fit, healthy and mentally stimulated. The dog will also help you stay fit and active, improving your social skills and mental well-being.
Before you pack your bags and drive away to the campsite, prepare two checklists, one for you and the other for your little pup. Plus, if you don’t have pet insurance for your four paws, consider purchasing a policy after assessing your fur baby’s health needs, inquiring, and comparing thedog medical aidcost of various approaches.
Read this article to learn some essential safety tips to be followed while camping with your canine.
1. Plan ahead of time
Have a to-do list before hitting the road. For instance, consider reserving a campsite early, especially during peak times like vacations and travel seasons. Read the camping rules around canine visitors to avoid surprises once you reach there. Select potentially safe travel routes where you can pull over your car; your furry little friend can rest, drink water, relieve themselves, and move around without being anxious.
2. Click a picture of your canine.
Usually, dog owners have a gallery full of dog photos, but remember to click one right before you head for your camping experience just as a precaution if your pup gets loose and needs help tracking it back. Ensure the picture is clear, straight and in natural lighting. Remember to capture if there is any unique identification mark. Take a print of the photo and keep it handy in case you require it during camping.
3. Get supplies of toys along.
Refrain from relying on the outdoors as being enough stimulation for your dog. They might love to play outdoors, but remember that the climate can change rapidly, or the canine might be bored. So carry your canine’s favorite toys as a backup if they don’t seem to play outdoors or are bored.
4. Purchase a dog gear
The right gear can make all the difference to your pup’s camping experience. Select the safe, sturdy, comfortable, and durable ones to set your furry dog up for success during the camping trip. The same guidelines apply when buying pet supplies needed for the journey.
5. Make your dogs wear an ID card
Ensure your furry baby’s collar and the ID tag are intact and update the details on your puppy’s microchip registration. This is important to recover your pup if they wander off in the woods or elsewhere while camping and someone else finds them and takes them to a vet or shelter. Also, consider using a GPS dog tracker collar so your doggo’s location can be quickly traced if they get lost.
6. Consult your vet
Before embarking on adventurous trips with your pet puppy, you should meet your vet and take their medical advice. Many campsites require pets to be up to date on vaccinations to be allowed entry. Plus, the puppy’s current health status needs to be checked to determine if they are fit enough to participate in such activities.
7. Take care of the food
The puppy may stare at the delicious-looking barbeque you might be indulging in, but never offer your furry baby something that can cause poisoning, choking, vomiting, diarrhea, and other health issues. For instance, avoid giving your pet pal corn cobs, chocolate-laden desserts, and fat-loaded oily foods. Plus, don’t allow the puppy to drink water from the quickly accessible water bodies at the campsite, as the water may contain harmful parasites or toxic algae.
8. Pack emergency pet supplies
Carrying a basic dog first aid kit containing items like surgical tape, bandages, sterilized gauze, alcohol, ointment, foot balms, vet wrap, regular medications, etc., is compulsory. Discuss with your vet what to pack for the trip.
Also, steer clear of puppy encounters with the wildlife at the camping area. You never know what can happen when two animals have a face-off, especially if one is feral and ferocious. Accidents, injuries, and much worse can happen to a pup in a few missed moments. It is one reason puppy parents must be prepared with pet health insurance.
Dog medical aid covers your furry companion for various health issues and emergencies, depending on your coverage level. So, inquire about the pet insuranceof different pet policies and consider having this medical financial backup because even when a fur baby is unpredictable, it still deserves quality medical care.
