Camping With Fido

Camping is a classic summertime activity, one that both people and pups can enjoy. Fido is often more than delighted to accompany his humans on a fun trip to the Great Outdoors. Of course, there are certainly plenty of ways for your pooch to get into trouble camping. You’ll need to take a few precautions to keep your furry bestie safe. Read on as a local North East Maryland vet offers some advice on camping with Fido.

Is It A Good Idea To Take My Dog Camping?

That will ultimately vary, depending on the dog and the destination. If you’re more of a glamper than a camper, and are staying in a cabin,  yurt, or tiny house, then even the most pampered pup will likely be fine. However, not all pooches will enjoy full-out camping in a tent. If your pet is a senior, has any chronic health issues, or is easily frightened, Fido may be better off in a kennel or with a dogsitter. A young, active dog, however, may think a weekend in the woods is the best thing ever, after bacon, belly rubs, and car rides, of course. 

Choosing A Tent For Fido

If you’re in the market for a new tent, keep Fido in mind when shopping. It may be easiest to get something that you can zip up, so the zipper ends up near the ceiling. That will keep your pooch from being able to let himself out. You may also want to get one with another little room or vestibule, which can help reduce the amount of dirt and mud Fido tracks in.

It’s a good idea to set the tent up inside your house. This will give you some practice at putting it up, which will save you some time in the long run. Plus, it will give your pup a chance to get used to it. 

Packing For Your Canine Buddy

You’ll need to make a doggy bag for your furry friend. The first things you would want to pack would be food and treats, of course. Always bring a bit extra. Fido may be burning lots of calories just running around and getting to the campsite.

We would also suggest getting a light-up collar. These make it much easier to see your canine pal at night! It’s not a bad idea to get GPS tags or perhaps an Airtag as well. You will want to look at the product options first, as different ones have different features. Some may be waterproof, for instance, while others aren’t.

Here are some of the other things you’ll want to put on your list:

• Dishes
• Towels
• More towels
• Even more towels
• Tie lines
• A few leashes
• A yoga mat (to put beneath Fido’s bed, or even on the ground)
• A doggy raincoat
• A Pet First-aid kit
• Waste baggies
• Toys
• Treats
• Paw Balm

If you’ll be near water, bring a doggy lifejacket as well

Where Do Dogs Sleep When Camping?

You have a few options here. We would strongly recommend bringing Fido into your tent with you, unless you’re going to get him his own tent. As far as bedding, you can give your pet an old sleeping bag. Putting a yoga mat or carpet tiles beneath it will add a bit of cushion and offer some insulation from the ground. You may want a tent with a little vestibule or another chamber, so your pup can have his own spot.

What Hazards Should I Be Aware Of When Camping With Fido? 

There are actually quite a lot of things that can threaten your canine buddy on a camping trip. Wild animals would be at the top of the list. Even if you’ve chosen a spot where there really aren’t any natural predators to worry about, that doesn’t mean the woods are safe. Your pet could still have a run-in with a rabid animal. And even animals that are usually docile, like moose, can get ornery when it’s mating season or if they are caring for young. 

Plants are another concern. Some dogs won’t really bother with flora, while others will eat everything and everything. You don’t want to have to cut your trip short to take Fido to the ER because he ate something he shouldn’t have! Keep a close eye on your pet, and don’t let him treat the campsite like a salad bar.

Weather is also a concern. Even summers can get chilly here in the northeast. If it’s raining, your furry pal may get quite uncomfortable! If it’s going to be hot, bring a bandana you can wet and hang around his neck.

That pretty fire can also be cause for concern. Fido may know better than to run into a fire, but he could singe his fur just by getting too close. Plus, in the morning, he could possibly burn his paw by walking or running over hot coals. 

Last but not least, be diligent about securing your garbage. The trash may contain things like bones, skewers, can lids, foil, toothpicks, and all sorts of other things that aren’t safe for Fido. 

How Do I Keep My Dog Secured When Camping?

Many people like to let their dogs off-leash when camping. Fido may enjoy the freedom, but his safety should be more important. It’s best to keep your pooch secured, unless you are 500% sure that he will obey all commands. 

There are a few ways you can secure him. One option is to bring a rope and tie it between two trees. Loop and secure Fido’s leash over it, so he can run back and forth. (He will, of course, probably wrap himself around the tree at some point.) You can also bring a tie line and a stake. 

Retractable leashes can be great, but keep in mind that they can be dangerous in certain situations. You wouldn’t want to use one near a potential hazard, such as a cliff or riverbank. Your pup could be in deep trouble if the mechanism were to jam! It’s best to have at least two leashes. You may be able to clip your pooch to your belt or backpack, but keep a close eye on him at all times. 

Getting Ready

Before taking Fido on his big adventure, you’ll need to make sure he’s current on preventative and wellness care. Vaccinations and parasite control products are at the top of the list. While the lepto vaccination isn’t considered core, it’s definitely not a bad thing to get if you’ll be in a rural area. Ask your vet for more information. 

Fido should also be microchipped and wear ID tags. Make sure the information is correct on both the tags and the chipmaker’s registry. 

Should I Let My Dog Drink Or Swim In Ponds And Lakes?

This is one area where it’s best to err on the side of caution. You really have no way to know what ‘wild’ water is safe, and what has been contaminated by chemicals or is infested with parasites. Blue-green algae is another concern, particularly during heat waves, when the water stays over 75 consistently. The algae—also known as cyanobacteria—can cause life-threatening organ damage if ingested. And while standing water is generally riskier than running water, even streams and rivers can be contaminated by dead animals or pollution. If you can’t verify whether a body of water is safe, boil or treat your water first. Or, better yet: bring your own. (Note: boiling water does not remove cyanobacteria.) 

Training

Make sure Fido knows Sit, Stay, Come, Heel, and Lay Down. Come and Stay are crucial. If your pet doesn’t quite have these down pat, take time to work with him before your trip.

Make An Appointment At Our North East Maryland Pet Clinic

Do you have questions about taking your dog camping? Contact us, your North East Maryland pet hospital, anytime. We’re here to help!