When it’s time to air out those sleeping bags, and pack up your vehicle to go camping, what will you do with your pets? If you choose to take them with you, here’s a few ideas to make sure your vacation is hassle free.

Here are a couple of simple ideas and safeguards you are able to make sure that this year’s woodsy adventures are worry and injury free. Before we even arrive at our destination, here are a couple of things we ought to consider: Make sure to have your dog’s ID tags are secure and up-to-date. Get a vaccination for flea and tick shots is needed. It’s wise to setup your tent outside a few days ahead, this will let you practice camping together with your pet so he feels safe inside the tent. Make certain pets are permitted in the campground and inquire into the nearest vet.

Although you’re living in the wilderness you nonetheless would like to have some comforts and so does your dog. It’s critical that they’ve got some of their favorite items, no matter if it is a blanket, a toy or foods dishes.

Don’t forget about your camping neighbors and supply a secure tether for the dog along with a muzzle if required. Dogs possess a inclination to wrap themselves around any tree, table, vehicle or bit of fire wood, you might consider a doggy playpen, which is also good to keep them in the shade.

Just like us, dogs should have their bed elevated and should not sleep directly on the ground all night. They also need to be protected from the sun and heat. Just as you wouldn’t leave your dog in the car for hours on a hot day, don’t leave him locked in a tent, the outcomes are the same. A little pup tent or a child’s blow up pool are good ways to help keep both pets and kids cool.

Also, ensure you have a safe place for your pet in case of loud noises or other things that may scare them such as thunder or fireworks. Definitely use their crate if they already have one or often they feel safe in the car as long as it’s not too hot.

Ready to chill out?! Not so fast – You need to watch them as you would a little child. Listed here are a couple of hazards to be watchful for:

FOOD – We tend to be much more laid back and consume a lot more junk foods camping than would at home. Don’t leave meals or snacks lying. Canines have sensitive digestive tracks and get sick easier from fatty foods that are foreign to them than we do.

GARBAGE – Secure it. I’ve known dogs who have eaten whole cobs of corn, which got stuck within their digestive track and needed to have it surgically removed. Our Beagle/Chihuahua mix that ate anything. After we put sausage grease within the shrubbery (that was wrong), he licked the grease and wound up getting a variety of rocks and twigs in the belly. Which was a costly vet bill and put a bummer in our trip.

FIRE – Do not throw food in the fire. There\s a big chance that it could not burn up entirely which is an animal attraction, but also there could still be glowing embers in the fire and burn their noses, mouth or feet.

TERRAIN – Get rid of as much sharp and dangerous and sticks, stones and glass. If it hurts your feet it’s going to hurt your dog’s. Dog shoes are the perfect idea if you’re going through rough terrain.

OK, you are all set up at camp and now it is time to get back to nature. What dangers might lurk in the woods you ask?

BUGS & TICKS – Non-furry dogs are as vulnerable to bug bites as we are and they really should get their own insect repellent. Ticks tend to be more common early in the year but they are still a menace to your canine’s health. A tick vaccine or collar can help but you must do manual inspections and when you discover one, pick them back with sharp tweezers.

POISON IVY – Although dogs aren’t much impacted by poison ivy, the oil the plant secretes will get and stays in your dog’s fur and gets in everything he touches or touches him (you!) Clean him off frequently with mild cleaning soap or shampoo putting on rubber mitts.

WILD ANIMALS – Suffice it to say, stay away from them and keep your pet under control. If he is sprayed by a skunk, head to the lake for repeated washings with mild soap or de-skunk shampoo if you have it. Porcupine quills are best left to a vet to remove.

WATER ACCIDENTS – If you’re out on any type of boat or floatation devise, and away from the shore you should have a PFD (life jacket) for your pet, especially if your pet is out of shape or not used to swimming.

Your best bet, while camping is to always have a first help kit available for yourself and your pet. There are special kits made especially for pets. At least have the basics; rubbing alcohol, tweezers, scissors and bandages. Those stretchy roll up bandages are great for wrapping over fur.

In summary, don’t let these tips scare you away from camping together with your pet. If anything, it should make your outdoor experience even better. I would never think of leaving my beasts at home while camping, they make the experience even better.

Henri Hound has been an avid pet fanatic his entire life. He has a personal knowledge of just about every form of pet and their behaviors. If you’re looking for light, yet informative pet information, please read other stories of his, such as What’s Up With Dogs and Thunder or his blogHenri’s Pet Tips & Tricks