Camping is a great way to experience Canada with the family, including the furry, four-footed members. Campers with dogs are a common sight at campgrounds across Canada, and if a little planning is done ahead of time, camping with your pet can be very rewarding. Here are some tips for camping with a pet.
Before Leaving Home
Before heading out on a camping trip, pack enough food and water to last the pet the entirety of the trip. If this isn't an option, try to ensure that the same brand and kind of food is purchased throughout the trip. Changes in food can result in an upset stomach in some dogs, and a dog with an upset stomach on a camping trip can mean upset campers. Pack plenty of toys for the pet to keep it from getting bored. Be sure to pack any special medications the pet may require as well, and in a location where they can be easily found.
It is also a good idea to put together a first aid kit for camping trips, and many items like bandaging and tweezers are usable both on humans and on minor injuries to pets. Always check with a vet before using human medication for your pet. A pair of small sharp scissors is also a good idea, as they make the removal of tough burrs or pitch much easier. Having a muzzle packed with a first aid kit is also a good idea; even the best behaved dog may bite out of pain and fear if injured. Don't forget plenty of towels as well. They can help clean up muddy and wet paws, dry the floor, and dry a wet pet. Having plenty of towels along can prove crucial to having a smooth camping trip.
