July is a terrific time to go camping with your dog and the Spokane area has some great places for you to give it a try. To make sure you and your dog have as much fun as you possibly can, it’s important to follow the Scout Motto: “Be prepared.”
Will Your Dog Enjoy Camping?
First, consider if your dog is a good candidate for camping. Ask yourself the following:
- Is your dog easily stressed or excitable?
- Is your dog highly vocal? Does your dog dislike being tied or on a leash?
- Is your dog difficult to restrain when excited?
- Does your dog have medical issues?
- Does your dog tend to wander, or have escape artist tendencies?
If you answered yes to any of the above, you might want to consider if your dog will really enjoy a camping trip.
If your dog is a novice at being outdoors but you really want to try out camping, then take a few short hiking trips to get them used to being outside on trails, around wildlife and new people.
Before Leaving
Always have your dog licensed and microchipped and make sure the information is up-to-date.
Check to see whether the camping area allows dogs, and familiarize yourself with the rules for pets at the site.
Make sure you’ve prepared and brought your pet first-aid kit.
Locate the closest animal emergency room and program its phone number into your phone.
Before taking out a camper, be sure to remove any rat poison, mothballs, or antifreeze in the toilets.
Talk to your veterinarian and make sure your dog is healthy and up-to-date on all required vaccinations, particularly rabies. Ask your vet whether your dog should be vaccinated against Lyme disease, a tick-borne disease.
Let your dog check out the gear. Set up your tent in the backyard while your dog watches, and give him treats or other rewards inside it.
Upon Arrival
- Pet-proof the area by thoroughly inspecting the area to make sure other campers haven’t left anything behind.
- Don’t let pets roam while you set up.
Packing for Your Dog
Bring water for your dog to drink if a water supply is not available at the campsite.
Pack enough food and treats to last for your entire stay. Don’t forget the food dish and water bowl.
Take a copy of your dog’s health records and vaccination reports, especially important if you are crossing state lines.
Other essential items include:
- leash and collar or harness
- carrier or other means to confine your dog when necessary
- bags to pick up your dog’s waste
While You Are Camping
Once at the camping ground, keep your dog on a leash or otherwise confined so that other campers are not disturbed and your dog is not at risk for becoming lost or injured.
Do not leave your dog confined in a closed car or tied to a stationary object.
Check your dog’s fur and skin regularly for ticks, foxtails, burs, and thorns. Remove ticks promptly by grasping the tick near the skin and pulling gently and slowly away from the skin. Wear gloves when doing so.
Seek shade. Position your tent so that there will be shade from trees, or invest in a pop-up tent or canopy. Dogs can easily overheat otherwise.
Bring chew toys. This gives your dog something to do at the campsite while you are busy making dinner or talking around the campfire.
Use a pet-friendly insect repellent to keep bugs at bay.
Remember, a tired dog is an obedient dog. Take long hikes during the day.
Lastly, have fun and take lots of photos!
SOURCE – SCRAPS release, July 2017
