With the summer season upon us it’s a great opportunity to spend time camping and exploring the great outdoors. For dog owners, it’s a chance to introduce your furry friend to new experiences. But what do you need to do to get your dog ready for the big camping trip? How do you keep them safe from mosquitoes? And what do you if your dog is in need of a vet?

 

Reanna Ali Sumrah is an avid camper and owner of a beautiful 11-year old Pit Bull named Trina —who came into her life at six weeks old. Along with her husband Devin, they have already taken Trina camping twice this summer, with one more trip to come. Here are her tips on making the most out of your outdoor adventure for you and your best friend!

 

Tell me about Trina.

Trina is an 11-year-old Pit Bull. She is very loyal, friendly, loving and is always happy.

 

When’s the first time you took Trina camping?

The first time I took Trina camping was in May 2013. We went to Sandbanks Provincial Park for the three days. It was a very cold trip and I don’t think we were as prepared as I would’ve liked to be. 

 

What was it like?

Last year, because it was cold we had to go out and buy extra blankets to keep us warm throughout the night. This year it was much more enjoyable. The weather was wonderful. We went for hikes, went swimming and just enjoyed being outside. Trina certainly enjoyed herself. She’s like a child on the way there and starts to become impatient on our way up [to the site]. She whimpers and becomes unsettled as if to say, “Are we there yet? Are we there yet?”

 

From June 19-22 we camped in Bon Echo, July 11-13 at Point Farms and we will be going to the Bruce Peninsula from August 18-20.

 

Did she have any issues getting the hang of sleeping in a tent?

She was OK. As soon as she saw the tent going up and the mattress she went right in. 

 

What did you learn the first time, that you used the next time you went camping? 

Be prepared. Our first trip this year in June was nice—we had good weather, good company, beautiful scenery, but there were a lot of mosquitoes. We weren’t prepared for the amount of mosquitoes there were.  I always carry deet-free bug spray for Trina when we are out, but these mosquitoes seemed to be immune to it. Lucky for us we had a screened porch on our tent that we were able to keep her in when the bugs got to be too much, but it was a little way away from all the action near the campfire and she likes to be a part of everything.  For the second trip I went out and bought a pop-up screen house that is separate from the tent and she could go into to escape the bugs and is more portable. 

 

What is your worry when it comes to the mosquitoes?

My greatest fear when taking her camping is mosquitoes because they carry heartworm disease and she’s not on heartworm medication due to a reaction she had in the past. Infected mosquitoes carry heartworm. For mosquitoes to pass the virus conditions need to be perfect, the larvae have to be at the right stage to be passed when the infected mosquito bites and lives in the blood before making its way to the heart. Since she’s not on heartworm medication, I use topical bug sprays and Skin So Soft oil sold through Avon and get her heartworm tested often.

 

Explain the preparation you go through to get Trina ready for camping.

I have a pretty extensive checklist that I prepared with items for Trina and myself. One thing that I do—and I would advise other pet owners to do is look up a few vets in the area and call them to see what their hours are during your trip in case anything were to happen to your pet. That way you would know where to take them. A lot of vets are not open on the weekends or work half days, but they offer after-hours service. 

 

I also print out maps to the different locations.  It’s good to have a few options in case one is closed or not available.  I always call ahead before the trip as well just to make sure they still exist and I keep all these documents in a binder for future use. I also make homemade food for Trina that I freeze and reheat. Some of the dishes I prepared for her were a potato-spinach frittata, salmon loaf, fish cakes, bison burger and baked potatoes.

 

How do you make Trina comfortable while on site?

It’s important when camping to remember to give your dog downtime and try to keep as close to their routine as possible, feedings, walks, etc. Sometimes being on the go and doing so many things can become overwhelming and can be exhausting for them. Dogs are always up for anything, which is nice, but it’s good to keep that in mind. Give them a few hours a day of alone time where they can play, or sleep or just do whatever. I usually bring her favourite toy, a water toy, a jacket for the cool nights and a blanket. Trina is very good and goes with the flow, she’s always remained calm and adapts to what we are doing.

 

Fire and water safety are important in a camping environment. What do you do to prepare Trina? 

With Trina I don’t worry too much about her getting close to the fire, as she seems to know that it is hot and to stay away.  I do use a life jacket on her when we take her swimming, which allows her to go out a little further and is easier on her body. She’s a bit older and the life jacket is less stressful on her legs, so I don’t have to worry about her sinking, as Pit Bulls or deep chested dogs tend to do.

 

If you could give dog owners three dos and three don’ts when camping with their dog what would they be?

Do prepare a first aid kit for your pet. Be sure to include items that can be used on them. Some over the counter meds can be taken by your pet, ask your veterinarian for the proper dosage and make sure to carry a tick remover. 

 

Do get a deet-free bug repellant (the ingredient deet can cause neurological problems).

Do bring toys and items to make them feel comfortable away from home (i.e, blanket, treats).

 

Please be respectful of wildlife and don’t let your dog run wild on the campsites, they are supposed to be leashed at all times. Carry a long lead and peg it into the ground or tie it to a tree.  That way you can be free and they are tied up.

 

Don’t forget to poop and scoop. Keep the parks clean for future visitors. I went to a park this past weekend and there was dog poop everywhere.

 

Don’t let your dog run up to other dogs in the park citing your dog is friendly because the other dog might not be comfortable and may feel nervous or fearful.