Camping is a great way to relax while enjoying the outdoors and being able to share the experience with your dog, or even your cat, can make it even more enjoyable.
It is important to realise that taking your pet away camping with you is something that requires some thought and preparation. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for a camping trip with your furry friend to ensure that you all enjoy yourself and stay safe while camping.
* Make sure your pet is up to date with their vaccinations, intestinal worming and heartworm treatment. Treat them for fleas and ensure that if you are going to be camping in an area with ticks that they have tick protection on board. If you are going away for a long time make sure you take any of these treatments with you that may be needed. Also make sure you take ample supply of any other medications that they may take, whether they are daily medications or periodically, it is much better to have them with you.
* Just like you take a first aid kit for yourself, be sure to take one for your pet. It should contain some emergency supplies like bandages, wound cleaner, nail scissors/clippers, tweezers, antiseptic ointment, a towel, sunscreen, fly and insect repellent and a bottle of shampoo just incase they need a bath.
* Take them a bed, blanket or collapsible kennel and ensure that they have somewhere comfortable, dry, shady and out of the weather to sleep. If it is cold make sure they have a coat.
* Fresh water is a must have for your pet. Depending on your destination you may need to take water with you. They should not be drinking sea water or from dams, creeks and rivers because even if the water appears fresh it could still contain harmful bacteria.
* Don’t forget their food. Biscuits are the easiest option to take away as if stored correctly in an airtight container they should not spoil, get wet or have insects get into them. Don’t change their food when you go away as it may cause upset stomachs or for them not to eat.
* Take some poo bags, pooper scooper or shovel with you so that you can clean up after them.
* Make sure your pet is wearing a collar with an id tag clearly listing your phone number, preferably a mobile number that you will have with you. They really should be micro-chipped as well and make sure your details are up to date with the Australasian Animal Registry.
* Take their lead or harness that you use to walk them with. You should take a long lead that you can use to tie them up with when you need to. Also take a spare collar and lead just incase one breaks.
* Don’t forget that cats can go camping too and will often enjoy the change of scenery and the great outdoors. Use a cat harness to safely walk them, so they can’t get away and climb a tree. Be sure to take their litter tray with their normal cat litter. A specially built cat enclosure, like the Happy Habitat Cat Enclosure, is a great idea when camping, it allows your cat to explore outside while staying safe and protected from other animals.
So why not go and enjoy your camping trip with Man’s Best Friend, they will love it and so will you!
Until next time,
