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Camping With Your Pet

When many families plan their vacation camping trip, they wouldn’t think of leaving their pet behind.  Including your pet can be a great source of enjoyment or it can be a disaster.  You need to consider the personality or disposition of your pet and then you must carefully organize what you need to bring  to meet your pet’s needs.

Objectively observe your dog or cat.  Does your dog bark a lot in the house or in the yard?  How does it react to strangers?  How does he react around other dogs?  If you aren’t sure, it’s time for a trial run.  Take your dog to a park where you can simulate a campground atmosphere.  Does he strain at the leash, always trying to get away?  How does he react to other dogs nearby?  If your dog does not behave in a calm manner, it might be time for a little doggie discipline, aka, obedience school, before you undertake a camping adventure.

If you have a cat that you would like to take camping, the same observation is necessary.  Does your cat have a calm disposition or does it jump at every little noise?  Some cats are very nervous and would not be a good candidate for a camping trip to a strange location with strange sounds and smells.  On the other hand, many cats are calm and curious and would thoroughly enjoy  the campground with their owners.  You just need to decide what kind of personality your cat has.

Once you decide that your pet would do fine, you should research campgrounds, looking for ones that are pet friendly.  Some campgrounds may have a special area for campers with pets.  Some even have doggie play yards that are enclosed, allowing the dogs to run free.  Make sure that you check the specific regulations for pets.  No campgrounds will allow you to let your pet run free.  They must be on a leash at all times.  If they are not on a leash, they must be in crates.  And usually pets are not allowed to be left alone at the campsite.

It’s possible to hook up a zip line between two trees to let your pet have some freedom.  Always attach the leash to a harness on your dog or cat, not their collar.  Be sure to put their water  bowl  just at the end of their range, so they can drink, but not tip it over.

Some people bring small tents for their dogs to sleep in.  If you have a small dog or a cat, a Kritter Kondo is another option you have.  It keeps your small pet safely enclosed, and folds up compactly when not in use.

There are some practical matters to consider when camping with your pet.  Make sure their vaccinations are up to date.  They should have well marked identification on their collars.  It is a good idea to carry a picture of your pet, in the unlikely event that they get away.  Treat their food storage just like you treat your own food.  Don’t leave it lying about.  Woodland critters love that.  Keep it in airtight containers.  It’s a good idea to have a spare container, in case one gets contaminated.  Have towels to dry your pet if they get wet.  If the weather is really hot, bring an extra washcloth to cool off your pet.  Bring bottled water for your pet.  The local water may not react well with their digestive systems.

Bring their beds, blankets and toys. Familiar objects will help them to adjust to their home away from home.  If you have a long haired pet, don’t forget their hairbrush.  Their hair can easily get matted, and this is also a good way to check for ticks.

You should definitely include a first aid kit for pets.  You can certainly buy them at a pet store or you can put one together yourself.  It should include some antiseptic ointment, gauze, tape, eye drops and tweezers for removing ticks.  Check your pet often for ticks and fleas.  Depending on the terrain, your pet may need some type of insect repellant.

A camping trip with your pet can be a lot of fun.  If you follow the guidelines above, both your family and your pet will have a great experience.

Author Bio:  The author is the publisher of Always-Outdoors.com, where she reviews outdoor products.  She has always been a big fan of Nikon optics and recommends the Nikon Monarch binoculars for bird watching.  If you’re looking for a big tent, look no further than the Coleman Weathermaster Screened 6 Tent.  Happy camping!