Great Tips for Taking Your Dog Camping

After a long winter of cold, wet weather, you are probably more than ready for blue skies, sunshine and warm days ahead. Luckily for all of us, spring is just around the corner, proving that better days are ahead. If you're an adventurous soul and you hear the call of the great outdoors, then answering it with a camping trip or two is more than likely in your future plans as the weather improves. Since your dog is part of your family, of course you're going to take him with you. Dogs love to embrace their wolfy roots and sniff new smells and explore new territory. By ensuring that you've taken the right precautions for his safety and health before going on the trip, everyone can have a great time.

Double-Check Your Equipment List

Tent? Check. Portable coffee maker? Check? You've got all your essentials, but what about your dog? There's plenty to remember to pack when you're prepping to leave even for a weekend. Don't forget about your best pal's essentials too.

What's the Weather Like?

Know ahead of time what kind of conditions to expect at your destination. If you're going to the mountains, it's going to still be very cold this time of the year. Remember lots of blankets to keep your dog warm and consider investing in a Ruffwear dog jacket . Padded for extra warmth, Rover will be snug as a bug.

Food and Water (And the Right Containers for it All!)

You might be living in the wild for the next few days, but that doesn't mean that all of your dog's wild wolfish instincts will automatically kick in. Donuts to ten he has no idea how to catch his own food, so remember to pack some for the duration of your trip. Don't forget also to have the appropriate food storage to deter other visitors like bears, possums and raccoons.

Also, it's probably not a good idea to allow your dog to drink from an unknown water source. There is a terrifying algae strain in the US that is deadly to dogs, so unless you know what to look for, keep all dogs away from open water.

Ensure That He's Up-to-Date On Vaccines

Dogs are nosy beings; they love to sniff and paw and eat all kinds of nasty things that we humans prefer to ignore. You already know when you're out in the wilderness that there are plenty of risks for your beloved friend to consume something dangerous or contract some kind of illness or parasite. Checking with your veterinarian and getting any booster shots that are needed is essential to maintaining health outdoors, but overall as well.

Flea and Tick Medication

If you've ever seen a tick inside of a dog's skin, then you know what a disgusting sight it is. Ticks can cause Lyme disease, which can be dangerous and potentially fatal to dogs. Fleas are an additional unwelcome guest. They cause mange and discomfort when they infest your dog's fur, but they can also spread to carpets, upholstery and other dogs quite easily when left untreated.

Thankfully, there are medications available that treat both kinds of pests. The medication works in your dog's bloodstream so that if a bug tries to bite them, it instantly dies on contact.

Heartworm Prevention

If you live on the West coast, you may not have heard of heartworm before. Heartworms are nasty parasites that are native to the hot, humid South. They are literally worms...and are one foot long, if you can believe it. They live inside of your dog's body and can cause severe damage to the internal organs, especially the heart. Regular treatment prevents and kills heartworms before they can even start.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

As much as they love hippity-hopping through tall grass and bouncing delightedly through open terrain, it's always a good idea to keep a watchful eye on your dog as you enjoy the fire and go about your business. Even if it's an area you're familiar with, be sure that you know everything about it so that your dog stays as safe as possible. This includes:

• Locations of cliffs and dropoffs. In the wilderness, especially in the mountains, there can be areas that are disguised as normal paths, but are actually a lot higher than they look.

• Knowledge of where other campers are. Sure, your pup might be the friendliest dog this side of the Mississippi, but other people don't know that. Be respectful of other people who are not part of your group. Don't let your dog wander freely if he's prone to visiting others — and it goes without saying that if he has an aggressive streak, keep him on his leash.

• What kind of other animals are out there? Know if your campsite is prone to wolves, coyotes, bears, mountain lions or any other kinds of predators. A curious dog looks like a meal to a hungry carnivore.

Prepare The Best You Can

The goal of a camping trip is to have fun, right? The best way to have a good time during any activity is to prepare adequately for it, and that means for all members of the family, including your dog. It's impossible to think of every scenario beforehand, but when you have some idea what to expect and how your pet might be affected, it makes a difference in the way that you ready yourself and your family for your next outdoor adventure.