8 Camping Tips with Your Dog
 

by Ellie Dennie

(photos by Louise Makovsky)

 

 

Camping with your dog is a ton of fun but plan well in advance so you can enjoy an awesome camping experience with your best pal. Here are some tips:

 

 

1) Talk to your vet. Let your doctor know the area you're camping in, particularly the wildlife and foliage you'll be encountering, so he can advise you on appropriate precautions to take and supply you with medicine you may need on hand for your dog.

 

2) Make sure your dog has up-to-date vaccinations and has been taking the appropriate heartworm, tick and flea prevention medicines. 

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3) A Pet First-Aid Course will teach you how to deal with any unexpected injuries.

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4) Carry a Pet First Aid Kit. You may also want to include Benadryl allergy pills in case of bee or wasp stings, or spider bites. Your vet can tell you whether your dog should take this if it's compatible with other medications, and what dosage.

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5) Your campsite may see bears, wolves, skunks, porcupines or even poisonous snakes, such as rattlers. It's crucial to leash your dog or train him for instant recall. You certainly don't want him tearing through the bush chasing anything. Your dog can injure himself on sharp branches, creating poke or slice injuries. Porcupines, especially, are a problem, because their quills can inflict major damage. If quills are not completely removed by a vet, they can work their way through your dog's anatomy to his vital organs.

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6) Heatstroke and sunstroke, as well as sunburn, can claim your best pal, so make sure he doesn't overdo it. Stay in cool, shady areas on land, and even if you're boating for long stretches. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7) Have fresh water handy to avoid dehydration, whether on land or in a boat. I stress fresh. Your dog can pick up parasites and other illnesses from drinking in stagnant pools and algae-infested waters. Don't swim in areas with high algae (and that goes for you, too). Finally, make sure your buddy doesn't overdrink fresh water because it'll dilute his electrolytes and lead to severe vomiting, lethargy and/or refusal of food. 

 

8) Doggy lifejackets: Whether boating or swimming, your good friend should be drown-proof.

 

Happy camping!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ellie Dennie is the owner and operator of Best Paws Forward, which provides boarding and daycare for pets in Scarborough, ON.