Dogs love hitting the great outdoors. If you a planning a foray into the local wilds, you owe it to your canine friend to take him along. Though you may have a good time, your dog will have a great time. However there are a few things to keep in mind before taking your dog to the woods for a camping expedition.
The first and most essential thing is for your dog to be fully vaccinated. Rabies can show up in any neighborhood, but in wild areas it is much more prevalent. Fleas and ticks are also going to be a problem unless you happen to be planning a winter trip. The best bet is to get your dog started on an oral flea and tick treatment and then supplement it with a powder or spray while in the woods. Even after taking these precautions, you should thoroughly check your dog daily. No tick treatment is totally effective and your dog can quickly become infested. A good pair of tweezers will help remove the pests.
Though one of the great things about taking your dog camping is letting him run free through the woods. Regardless, you should make sure you have his leash handy. You never know when you will encounter a problem and need to control your pet. Don’t forget to include full identification on your dog’s collar in case he gets excited and runs off
Water and food is also a consideration. Dry food should do the job and is lighter and easier to transport. Though dogs can drink water that will quickly send us to the hospital, they can still contract worms and other parasites from dirty water. It’s best to provide them clean water or at least provide them with water treated the same way as yours.
Don’t forget that your dog will appreciate a comfortable place to sleep. Most of us have no problem letting the dog curl up with us, but is something such as a wife or girlfriend prevents that, at least provide your pet with a blanket to sleep on
Though your dog will probably find plenty of things to keep it occupied, it won’t hurt to bring a throw toy along. The wide open spaces and perhaps a river or lake will make for a good change of pace.
If you are heading to a public campsite, make sure you check all requirements before hand before taking your dog. Some don’t allow pets at all while others have strict requirements. Expect to keep your dog leashed at all times. Proof of vaccination will at very least be a must.
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