Camping with dogs is something that millions of families do. In fact, in the U.S. alone, more than 30 million people each year take their pets with them while camping. Yet, when we first started RVing with our dogs, we were unable to find much written on the subject of camping with dogs. Sure, there were the occasional articles in magazines that reminded us to use pet ID tags, bring plenty of water, and take their favorite toy. But in terms of providing genuine support or bottom–line information, there was nothing out there.
Let's dive right in.
The 10 Commandments for Camping with Dogs
Thankfully, over the last 10 years, more information has become available, especially online. While there are numerous issues to consider while camping with dogs, these are some of the most important.
1. Make Sure that Your Dog Can’t Get Lost
It’s one thing if
your dog gets free in your neighborhood. It’s another when you’re
camping with dogs and are at a rest stop, nine hundred miles
from home. Either train your dog to come when called or make
absolutely sure that they’re on a leash at all times when camping
with dogs.
2. Get
All of their Vaccinations Up to Date
If your dog gets into
an altercation with another animal (or a person), the central issue
will become their rabies shots. When planning to stay at a campground
that has a demanding pet policy, you’ll need to verify your dog’s
vaccination records. If you cross into Canada, and plan to go camping
with dogs, you’ll have to confirm that your dogs have had their
shots. You get the idea.
3.
Make Your Dogs Easy to Identify
If your dog does get
lost (unfortunately, it happens all the time when camping with
dogs), the ability to easily identify them will become critical.
For permanent identification purposes, consider tattoos or
microchips. At a minimum, while make sure they wear tags that show
their name, your current phone number, and the date of their last
rabies vaccination.
4.
When Camping with Dogs Clean Up After Them
The biggest complaint
about camping with dogs has nothing to do with their bark,
their bite, or their behavior. If you pick up after your dog, you’ll
be helping dog owners everywhere.
5.
Learn How to Provide First Aid to Your Dog
If a medical crisis
occurs while at home, you drive to your local veterinarian. But if
you’re heading down a dark highway in a strange town, it will seem
like a bad dream. Although there are ways to get help while on the
road and camping with dogs, it always takes more time. In the
meantime, your ability to provide competent first aid could save your
dog’s life.
6.
Involve Your Dog in Everything You Do
If you really want
your dogs to have a good time, when you go camping with dogs,
include them in your activities. Take them with you on long walks.
Buy a cheap plastic wading pool and let them play in the water. Throw
a ball. Cook them up a hamburger. If you do stuff like that, they’ll
do cartwheels the next time you decide to take them camping.
7.
Call the Parks Before You Go Camping with Dogs
Even if a park claims
they’re pet–friendly, always call ahead to confirm their policy
regarding your dogs. We’ve arrived at parks (with our two Doberman
dogs) after a long day on the road only to discover that
“pet–friendly” meant dogs weighing under 20 pounds.
8.
Plan for the Unexpected when Camping with Dogs
Have a plan (for your
dogs) in case of a flat tire, a serious accident, or a fire in your
RV. Start with a few extra leashes, a pet carrier, and an extra fire
extinguisher. Then have a fire drill to identify potential problems
that could occur while camping with dogs.
9.
Learn About Your Camping Environment
When planning to go
camping with dogs it is important to remember that the U.S. is
a huge country. With a vast assortment of dangerous wildlife,
treacherous plants, unpredictable weather conditions, and demanding
environmental challenges. If you don’t know what you’re doing,
you might inadvertently be putting yourself and your dogs in
danger.
10. Recognize
and Respect the Views of Others
While some of us can’t
imagine traveling without dogs, others can’t image traveling with
them. If you keep your dog under control and clean up after them, you
won’t give others much to grumble about. This will ensure a great
experience when camping with dogs.
Happy Camping with Rover!
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