There is little doubt, camping is one of my favorite things to do in life. It replenishes the soul and rejuvenates me, making me mentally ready for the rapid pace world once again. Out of the many pet family members I have had throughout the years, my dog Danny, a Norwegian Elkhound mix, was the one who relished camping the most. He couldn't wait to go once he saw the sleeping bag hit the floor after I had rescued it from the storage closet. Danny knew it was going to be 3 days of no one but just the two of us living in the biggest back yard he ever saw. Danny and I were quite the team and nearly always inseparable. As a result, I wouldn't have ever considered going camping without him. Of course, my main concern was always making sure Danny was safe and well taken care of while we were on our trip. Over the years I developed a list of items that became my camping staples that I always made certain were taken care of, or packed, as part of our trip preparation. I found out that the best way to put my mind at ease was to plan for the "almost anything could happen contingency", and then rest in knowing that no matter what, I would be able to take care of my devoted companion. Preparation is always necessary for such a trip. Our pets depend on us to protect and keep them safe, and this list is designed to do just that.
1. Make certain all of your pet's vaccinations are current, especially the rabies. I like to do this a week prior to the trip, just to make certain there is no adverse reaction to the vaccinations.
2. Of course, it goes without saying that your pet must be completely healthy before you even think of taking him on a camping trip. If he is showing any signs of aliment or injury take him to your vet and have him fully treated and well before he makes the journey.
3. Administer flea and tick protection at least 3 days before the trip. As often as I have been camping, I have not yet found a way to experience a camping trip that is bug free. Ticks are especially common in the woods, and it seems that fleas can be found almost anywhere. So make sure you and your pet always keep the memories of the trip pleasant ones, and protect your pet from disease carried by insects.
4. Confirm your pet's collar has accurate identification tags with includes your contact information such as a 10 digit phone number, home address or e-mail address. Make sure your pet wears his tagged collar at all times while on your trip. You may want to also consider having an ID microchip placed in your pet. Any vet would be able to do this for you and it would be just one more way to make certain your pet would find his way home if you became separated.
5. You will need a pet crate, both for traveling in your vehicle, as well as when you are sleeping. With all the different sounds and smells your pet will be experiencing while in the great outdoors, it would be difficult to sleep soundly knowing you pet might try to chase after one of the night critters. A dog crate allows both you and your pet to get a good night's sleep. Of course, you want the dog crate to be placed inside of the tent, camper or cabin with you. Being able to see that you are close will remove any anxiety your pet may experience in this new and unfamiliar place. Additionally, you do not want your pet isolated or alone, making it possible prey for a coyote or other predator. Make sure you bring along familiar bedding to place inside of the crate to ensure your pet has the smells of home as he nestles down for the night.
If your pet has not slept or traveled in a pet crate prior to this trip, then you will need to spend time familiarizing your pet with the crate. Like any pet training, the key is in making it fun. Place the dog crate inside of your house with the door opened and a treat inside, and then walk away. Allow your pet to become curious and seek out the treat. Next place his blanket and maybe even a favorite toy in the crate, again, leaving the door open. You want your pet to make a positive mental association with the crate. There are a wide variety of dog crates, but for the purposes of travel and camping I would recommend either a plastic dog crate or a soft-sided dog crate. The plastic dog crate is the best solution if you are looking for durability and maximum safety. The soft-sided dog crate is usually collapsible and assembles much like a tent, offering easy portability. You'll just need to decide which best fits your needs.
6. Make sure you pack your pet's leash. The National Park Service requires all pets to be placed on a leash or inside of a crate at all times. Most private camp grounds also require pets to be restrained in the same manner. But even if your campground does not require a leash, I still suggest you use one not only as a courtesy to others, but most importantly, as a safety measure for your pet. Once a pet decides to chase after a squirrel, skunk or maybe a raccoon, you run the risk of your pet getting lost. You must also realize that once a wild animal's survival is threatened, its reaction is to act aggressively, placing your pet in danger.
7. Of course, packing food and water is essential. Don't forget to pack some of your pet's favorite treats, which will help to provide a feeling of comfort while in strange surroundings. Whether you remain at the campsite or decide to take a walk, make sure you have plenty of water for both you and your pet. If you decide to hike a trail, pack a hiking day-sack with bottled water, dog biscuits, a protein bar for yourself, and few first aid items such as antibiotic ointment, bandages, gauze and tweezers. Instead of a bulky water bowl for the trail, I always carry a freezer zip lock bag to serve as a make-shift water bowl while on the trail. You can roll the sides down, forming a rim, and the bottom will flatten as you pour water into it.
Although this may sound like a lot to consider, it will help to ensure that your camping trip is a fantastic bonding time between the two of you. My favorite times have often been while we have sat in front of the camp fire. There is nothing more serene than watching the mesmerizing flames of a campfire and taking in the smells of the outdoors with my best four-foot companion resting next to me.
National Parks and most private campgrounds require that all pets be restrained by a lease or a pet crate. Plastic dog crates and soft-sided dog crates are your best options to choose for this purpose. For more information on dog crates and kennel, and other items of comfort for you pet, please visit us at http://www.petcratesandmore.com. With more than 20 years of management experience, Sandy Stone blended her passion for animals with her business acumen and started, Pet Crates and More @ http://www.petcratesandmore.com, a business offering products aimed at providing comfort for your pets.
1. Make certain all of your pet's vaccinations are current, especially the rabies. I like to do this a week prior to the trip, just to make certain there is no adverse reaction to the vaccinations.
2. Of course, it goes without saying that your pet must be completely healthy before you even think of taking him on a camping trip. If he is showing any signs of aliment or injury take him to your vet and have him fully treated and well before he makes the journey.
3. Administer flea and tick protection at least 3 days before the trip. As often as I have been camping, I have not yet found a way to experience a camping trip that is bug free. Ticks are especially common in the woods, and it seems that fleas can be found almost anywhere. So make sure you and your pet always keep the memories of the trip pleasant ones, and protect your pet from disease carried by insects.
4. Confirm your pet's collar has accurate identification tags with includes your contact information such as a 10 digit phone number, home address or e-mail address. Make sure your pet wears his tagged collar at all times while on your trip. You may want to also consider having an ID microchip placed in your pet. Any vet would be able to do this for you and it would be just one more way to make certain your pet would find his way home if you became separated.
5. You will need a pet crate, both for traveling in your vehicle, as well as when you are sleeping. With all the different sounds and smells your pet will be experiencing while in the great outdoors, it would be difficult to sleep soundly knowing you pet might try to chase after one of the night critters. A dog crate allows both you and your pet to get a good night's sleep. Of course, you want the dog crate to be placed inside of the tent, camper or cabin with you. Being able to see that you are close will remove any anxiety your pet may experience in this new and unfamiliar place. Additionally, you do not want your pet isolated or alone, making it possible prey for a coyote or other predator. Make sure you bring along familiar bedding to place inside of the crate to ensure your pet has the smells of home as he nestles down for the night.
If your pet has not slept or traveled in a pet crate prior to this trip, then you will need to spend time familiarizing your pet with the crate. Like any pet training, the key is in making it fun. Place the dog crate inside of your house with the door opened and a treat inside, and then walk away. Allow your pet to become curious and seek out the treat. Next place his blanket and maybe even a favorite toy in the crate, again, leaving the door open. You want your pet to make a positive mental association with the crate. There are a wide variety of dog crates, but for the purposes of travel and camping I would recommend either a plastic dog crate or a soft-sided dog crate. The plastic dog crate is the best solution if you are looking for durability and maximum safety. The soft-sided dog crate is usually collapsible and assembles much like a tent, offering easy portability. You'll just need to decide which best fits your needs.
6. Make sure you pack your pet's leash. The National Park Service requires all pets to be placed on a leash or inside of a crate at all times. Most private camp grounds also require pets to be restrained in the same manner. But even if your campground does not require a leash, I still suggest you use one not only as a courtesy to others, but most importantly, as a safety measure for your pet. Once a pet decides to chase after a squirrel, skunk or maybe a raccoon, you run the risk of your pet getting lost. You must also realize that once a wild animal's survival is threatened, its reaction is to act aggressively, placing your pet in danger.
7. Of course, packing food and water is essential. Don't forget to pack some of your pet's favorite treats, which will help to provide a feeling of comfort while in strange surroundings. Whether you remain at the campsite or decide to take a walk, make sure you have plenty of water for both you and your pet. If you decide to hike a trail, pack a hiking day-sack with bottled water, dog biscuits, a protein bar for yourself, and few first aid items such as antibiotic ointment, bandages, gauze and tweezers. Instead of a bulky water bowl for the trail, I always carry a freezer zip lock bag to serve as a make-shift water bowl while on the trail. You can roll the sides down, forming a rim, and the bottom will flatten as you pour water into it.
Although this may sound like a lot to consider, it will help to ensure that your camping trip is a fantastic bonding time between the two of you. My favorite times have often been while we have sat in front of the camp fire. There is nothing more serene than watching the mesmerizing flames of a campfire and taking in the smells of the outdoors with my best four-foot companion resting next to me.
National Parks and most private campgrounds require that all pets be restrained by a lease or a pet crate. Plastic dog crates and soft-sided dog crates are your best options to choose for this purpose. For more information on dog crates and kennel, and other items of comfort for you pet, please visit us at http://www.petcratesandmore.com. With more than 20 years of management experience, Sandy Stone blended her passion for animals with her business acumen and started, Pet Crates and More @ http://www.petcratesandmore.com, a business offering products aimed at providing comfort for your pets.
Hmm, sounds like a need to invest in one of those dog crates. I love camping, and Im sure my dog would enjoy it just as much as me!
BalasHapus-Jon
A Dog Crate Is Just One Key Necessity in Keeping Your Pet Safe While Camping. There is little doubt, camping is one of my favorite things to ... idogcrates.blogspot.com
BalasHapusThis is a fantastic blog. really very good article for pets. so this article will be really helpful. i like this post.
BalasHapuswooden dog crate cover
Great article! I never thought about it but it makes total sense. which dog crates would you recommend for camping?
BalasHapus