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Camping with Dogs Guide
Bringing your dog along on a camping trip is the best way to cap off a fun weekend. They love the sun-soaked beaches and cold water just as much as we do, so why not take them with you? That being said, if you’re going to take your dog on the next vacation you should follow the 7 tips for camping with your dog that we’ve come up with.
We asked several expert sources and searched the internet far and wide to find the best advice for bringing our beloved fluffy friends with us on our next journey. Some of the tips we received were expected, while a few of them came to us as a surprise.
Before you pack everything up and head out on the road, let us help you with a checklist. After all, MyProScooter is all about helping you create an outdoor experience that goes as smoothly as possible!
1. Visit the Vet Before and After
Prior to going on any road trip or a vacation with your dog, it’s always a good idea to get a checkup with the vet. You never know if there are any sudden health issues that need attention, and your vet might even be able to give you further advice to keep your pup safe through the weekend.
In addition to that, you should absolutely make sure that you get the dog checked out after the camping trip. Ticks, fleas, and various other critters might’ve tried to make a home in their fur! A general post-trip checkup is a huge peace of mind for both you and your canine companion. If anything did happen to make the drive home with your pup, you’ll know immediately.
2. Make Sure the Campground is Pet-Friendly
This one is so obvious that it should’ve probably started the list, but always make sure that you call ahead of time or view the website of the place you’re staying at. While most campgrounds don’t have an issue with dogs, you wouldn’t want to make the drive all the way out there just to get sent right back home.
On top of that, you might even get a few tips or necessary rules to follow that are specific to the campground if you do decide to call ahead. Who knows? Maybe they’ll have a dog park for you and your pup to meet some new friends!
3. Pack Extra Essentials
You’ll obviously want to pack all of your dog’s food and water for the trip, but it’s not a bad idea to double up on essentials. Traffic jams or last-minute decisions to stay another day might require you to have more dog food, so save yourself the headache and pack a little bit more. Dogs require a good amount of water, so keep them hydrated with your vet’s recommended amount every day out in the heat. Lake water doesn’t count! You can use items such as patio umbrellas to protect your pup from the sun.
Also, be sure to load up a small dog first-aid kit in case of emergency. Many campgrounds are far off the beaten path without a vet in sight. Small problems can turn into big ones if they’re not treated quickly, so pack up that kit and stay on top of it!
4. Bring a Leash for Your Dog
Even if you’re not required to do so, always bring a leash for your dog. Being able to tie them up to a nearby tree, the side of your camper trailer or the hitch on your truck lets you rest a little easier. No matter how well-trained they are, dogs are little investigators that love to explore new surroundings.
Other campers will appreciate the extra step, especially since some of them might be scared of or allergic to dogs. Late night walks and early morning jogs are incredibly relaxing, so take your dog along with you on a leash! They’ll have a blast and so will you.
5. Pick Up After Your Pets
Everyone knows what we’re talking about here, so let’s cut to the chase… Pack up those poop bags and pick up after your dog! It’s far too often that another camper has to step in or clean up after another dog owner’s mess.
Nobody wants to deal with that while on a hard-earned vacation, so let’s make the adventure a bit more relaxing for everyone else and keep the area clean of waste and unwanted… excess!
6. Keep Your Dog Entertained
Although relaxing in a lawn chair on the shores of a sparkling river sounds like magic to us, dogs don’t really care about either! They want to swim, run, chew, and play while they still have the chance. Now is that chance to give them all of their favorite toys and let them go crazy like they can’t inside the house.
Hook them up with their leash onto a tree stump and watch them have an amazing time or go swimming with them in the water. If you choose the latter, swim with them so you can watch after their every move. You don’t want a wild dog swimming off down the river!
7. Consider Buying Pest Repellants
If you were a little concerned about the mention of fleas and ticks earlier, it’s not a bad idea to consult your local veterinarian about a non-toxic repellant. They come in the form of collars, sprays, and pills. Whichever sounds best to you would do a fantastic job at preventing those nasty critters from trying to climb onto your dog.
Going camping with your pup is definitely one of the most exciting parts about the trip. Follow these 7 tips and have an unforgettable adventure. Good luck!
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