If You Camp - Read This.

If you are like a lot of people, including my family, when summer rolls around, you start to get fidgety to get outdoors. And, this means, camping! My family camps and Chance, my yellow Labrador, gets to go. But, before we head out, we prepare for our trip so we don't have any "surprises."

What we do to get ready is "scope" out the campgrounds. By this, I mean, checking out to see if dogs are allowed. And, if they are, what, if any, restrictions there might be. Making reservations are probably the most critical of everything you can do. If you don't, you run the risk of getting to your destination and being turned away. National Forest's are usually the best place to camp because the restrictions are minimal, with a few exceptions to this.

Being prepared is essential to a happy and safe time with your family and dog(s). Some important items you will need include:
Collar with ID tag and Rabies tag on it.
Leashes - at least 2, in case one breaks.
Tie out cable
Food and water bowls
Dog bed or crate
Treats - most important - at least that is what your dog thinks.
Toys - again, most important - to your dog.
Poo Bags - to pick up waste from your dog.
Flea & Tick prevention - if your dog is not on the monthly kind.
First Aid Kit - this should have everything from gauze pads to tweezers, scissors, sterile eye wash, diarrhea medicine, Neosporin salve, etc.

When you get to your destination, take your dog out and go for a walk and let your dog relieve themselves and then tie them in the shade with fresh, cold water, while you get set up. If you hike, make sure the trails are dog friendly and take your poo bags with you. No-one likes to step in poo while enjoying a hike. Don't push your dog if they are not used to exercise or if they are over-weight. Take a water bottle with you and stop frequently to give a good sip of cool water.

Remember, most dogs are not used to wildlife, so having your dog on his/her leash is a good idea. Most campgrounds require you to leash your dog at all times. They make a training lead that is anywhere from 14 to 22 ft. long and is a great way to let your dog have some freedom.

Ah, the campfire. The epitome of camping. If you want to sit by the fire with your dog, make sure that the smoke does not get in there face. Put a mat or blanket down, not too close so the embers will not fall on it, and let your dog lie there close to you. Or, if your best bud is small, let them cuddle in your lap.

Maintaining a routine is so important, too. If your dog gets out of routine, it can upset a lot of things. Make sure you feed at the same time you would if you were home, and the same with potty time. Dogs are just like us. If you get out of routine, you get constipated. Make sure you get the night-time potty done about 10 minutes before you are ready to call it a night. You want your best bud to be comfortable all night, just like you.

And, finally, if you have more than one dog, make sure they are people friendly and dog friendly. Being considerate of other campers is a must. This is just some of the camping etiquette we follow when we go camping. I hope it will help you when you get out to go.