Safety Tips for Camping with Your Dog
Getting outdoors and in tune with nature is great for your whole family – including your family dog. But before you embark on your next trip, remember to consider these safety tips to ensure both you and your dog get the most out of your camping experience.
Pet Insurance
If you don’t already have pet insurance, you should really think about taking out a policy. Before you go camping, you should check online for some of the best deals on offer. If anything happens to your family pet, you’ll need access to the best animal clinic around. If you have pet insurance, you won’t have to worry about the cost while on your camping trip. If your dog gets ill or badly injured, you can bring them to the best veterinarian in the area to ensure they get the finest treatment.
Use a Leash
It is always important to keep your dog on a leash throughout your camping trip, they could easily get spooked by another animal and run off. They may also catch the scent of prey and bolt off without listening to your commands. If you don’t want your dog to get hurt, keep them on a leash, so you can control their movement.
Don’t Leave Your Dog Unattended
There may be times when the family has decided to go on a trip which isn’t pet-friendly, and you must leave the dog out. When you are camping with your dog, you should never leave them alone, especially in a hot tent or car. Someone must be nominated to stay back and look after the family pet while others go on the excursion. Alternatively, look for pet sitters in the area, or pet sitting services which may be offered by some caravan parks.
Keep Them Out of the Sun
You should provide your dog with plenty of shade and water, especially if you are camping during the summer. Your dog shouldn’t be exposed to the sun for long periods of time, they’ll easily get dehydrated and may get sick. Give your family pet lots of opportunities to cool off by bringing them swimming, providing water and shade.
Keep a Safe Distance
You must keep your dog a safe distance from the campfire, a single spark from the fire could easily burn your dog requiring a trip to the vet. Keep them on a leash, a good distance from the fire.
Bring Medication
If your dog takes medication or needs to get shots, make sure this is done and the medication is with you before you leave for camping. Your dog will be exposed to insects, so they should be vaccinated to ensure their protection.
On the rare occasion that a dog suffers from heat exhaustion or anxiety, it may be better to leave them at home with a close friend or family member. Most dogs love going camping, and if you keep them safe from harm, they too can enjoy the family trip without any issues. Remember to follow the tips above to ensure your dog is kept healthy and secure on your camping trip.