By Glenn H. Kipps

Choices! Choices! Do you leave Fido home on this sunny weekend to be tended to once or twice a day by a kind neighbor? Or do you learn all that you can about camping with your dog and take him along to explore nature with you?  Camping with your dog can be an enjoyable experience, but it takes planning to be sure an oversight does not interrupt or cancel your outing.  Before leaving home with your dog, there are considerations – besides water and food – that can be taken care of ahead of time to avoid sticky situations after you arrive at the campground.  Since you are taking your dog, there are additional items you must add to your camping gear list as well..

1. Most importantly, be sure you and your dog are in good physical shape to endure lengthy hikes or whatever other outdoor activities you are planning.

2. Make sure the campground you choose allows dogs, and whether or not they must be leashed.

3. Make sure your dog has all shots required by law, and prepare documents to take along to verify this, if necessary.

4. If you know you will be away from a natural water source, or are aware that such a source is not safe for drinking, plan on taking plenty of containers of water - and, for heaven’s sake, don’t forget the water dish!

5. Take along flea and tick powder (one of the extra dog items you need to add to your camping gear list), insect repellant, and a small first-aid kit if your dog’s exploring causes cut or scratches, etc. (Your vet can advise you further in this area.)

6. Your dog’s familiar toys – especially rawhide – will help keep him near you. Take favorites – but replaceable ones – in case they get lost in the terrain.

7. Take pet waste bags and scoopers  (two other extras to be added to your list) to avoid confrontations with other campers.

8. If you know the terrain is going to be rough or sharp, to avoid damaging your dog’s paw pads, consider special boots (Another extra to add) that can protect your dog’s feet from injury, or in winter keep them from getting too cold.

9. Learn to distinguish between safe and unsafe plant life, some of which are poisonous to your dog or, at the least, can cause irritation or injury, and avoid them. Take a list with pictures with you.

10. Be sure to include bright and reflective clothing for your dog as well as yourself that is distinguishable from the natural surroundings.

11. Make sure you have proper identification on your dog in case he gets lost – preferably a tag with a cell phone number so that you can be reached immediately.

After you arrive, there are other considerations for your dog, such as:

1. Always have your dog in sight, or on a leash (which some campgrounds require). Widlife such as snakes, skunks, bears, etc., can be a problem for a roaming pet.

2. You will be sharing the trail with hikers who may become anxious or scared if they see a dog on the loose without its owner nearby. Do not assume that they “love” your pet.

3. Finally, do not assume that your dog is “Superdog”. Watch for signs of fatigue. Take adequate rest breaks. Dogs, especially, tire easily, since they have no sweat glands and can overheat very quickly.

In short, camping with your dog can be a very rewarding experience if you take the right precautions and add the appropriate items to your camping gear list. You and your dog will have a good time and your camping neighbors will be very appreciative.

Technorati Tags: campground, camping gear list, first aid kit, insect repellant