Camping with Your Dog

If you're looking for an end-of-summer activity for you and your dog, pet lifestyle adviser Wendy Nan Rees has just the thing for you.

Have fun and be safe.

As summer comes to an end and the fall months begin to unfold we can still hold onto a few short, fun, weekend trips with Fido if we plan them and take the right stuff along with us.

Camping is a getaway you can both enjoy. With appropriate planning, you and your dog can enjoy friendly campground accommodations and lots of quality time in the natural world, and there's no better place to play with your dog than the great outdoors. Before you depart on your trip, call the campground to find out their pet policies. If possible, request a site that is away from other campers, just in case your dog wants to howl at the moon. Not all campers are dog lovers, so it's important to respect others who pitch a tent at the grounds (or park their campers, if that's the case). Choose a site that offers plenty of shade if the weather is hot or plenty of sun if the weather is cold. Try to keep the barking to a minimum and your dog's hijinks under control. You don't want to invite any complaints from other vacationers.

Never let your dog get too close to an open fire. Please, please always make sure your fire is completely out when you are ready to pack up and leave your camping spot and move on. This is the most important rule.

Always remember to bring a bright colored jacket for yourself, and Fido needs a vest to keep safe at all times. When I take Senny camping I never take his vest off once we arrive at the campgrounds. This way I know my dog is going to be safe. He is now used to it and we always have a great time.

Always follow leash laws, and know if there is any risk that your dog will bite another dog or a human. Just as you would anywhere else, always clean up after your dog.

Pack a stake and long leash so your dog can participate in your campsite fun. Never let him wander or leave him unattended; you never know what animal (wild or domesticated) could be nearby. Consider bringing a portable enclosed pen. With one, your dog can enjoy the outdoors with your family, and everyone will stay safe at the same time. Always keep plenty of water within reach and keep anything that can possibly get entangled in his leash out of your pet's way.

• When going off leash with your dog, please be on guard at all times. Leaving dogs offleash is becoming more and more popular these days, except people are not always socializing their dogs as well as they used to. It is your responsibility to be sure your dog will respond properly when you meet up with another dog along the trail. Be sure your dog is up to date on his shots and, should there be a fight, know how to break it up. The best way is to use a water hose, but if that is not available to you, the next best thing to do is try to use common sense. Bring along an air horn. Sometimes a loud sound or a bucket of water can help break up a fight. No matter what, do not try to get in the middle of this. You will no doubt get hurt!

• For a day trip or overnight trip, travel with a first aid kit. I have always stressed the importance of making or buying your own first aid kit. Here is a perfect example of why and when it is a great time to take it along with you. I personally keep two kits in my car at all times. Why two? Because I live in fire/earthquake country. In the last week we have lived through the largest fires in the history of California. Thankfully, we are safe right now but just in case, I know I can take care of the boys at any time if we have to leave.

• Many parks treat the grasses with chemicals and pesticides. This is something you must try to find out beforehand if you can. If not, please be on the lookout for Fido if he begins to act funny. When you get home, be sure to give Fido a great bath. Make it a fun family project if you can. If not, just give him or her a good scrub down, and be sure to really get in between the toes and legs.

• Take a good look out for all the signs of overheating. No matter the time of the year, our dogs can still overheat. Keep plenty of fresh water with you at all times when camping or hiking. Please do remember, if ever your dog should throw up on a hike after receiving water, this is not good. You will want to cool him off right way, and then it is time to get to an emergency vet as soon as possible. Your dog has really had too much and is overheating.

• Please be sure to treat your dog with his/her flea and tick treatment before camping or hiking in the woods. This is where the little creatures live. You can give your dog a bath with an insecticidal shampoo when you get home, but please do not even think about going into the great outdoors without treating your dog. It just is not fair to him because after fleas come worms; then comes a whole host of problems. Treating your dog before hand eliminates the possibility.

• For sprains and breaks, the first aid kit should have a great book and a sling to help you to stabilize your dog to get him to the car and to the emergency vet’s office.

• Please, buy a snake bite kit. I keep one in my camping kit. They do not cost a lot and can not only save your dog's, life they can save your life! They are good to have on hand. Another great thing I always carry with me is an Epipen. This is used for people or dogs who may be allergic to bees or anything else. It does require a prescription, but a vet or doctor can give it to you. They are great to have and easy to use. They literally can save lives.

Most important, get out with your family and Fido these last few days of summer and the early months of fall. There are still wonderful times ahead before the long winter months set in and we hibernate until the new spring. Enjoy today! Give your dog a hug, and he will kiss you back. Dogs love you no matter what; their live is unconditional and pure. That is the joy of owning a dog.

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