How to Keep Your Dog Safe While Camping

Taking your dog camping can be a great experience for both you and your pet. Not only will your pet almost certainly enjoy the experience, but also you are likely to be reluctant to leave your dog at a kennel or to be looked after by friends while you are out having fun in the outdoors. You would far sooner have your pet enjoy the outdoors with you.

A recent survey by PetSmart found that more than six in every 10 pet parents believe it is important to take their dog with them on outdoor adventures over the summer. The most popular adventures are camping, hiking, water activities, and road trips.

Taking your dog camping or hiking, however, can present its own dangers.

Here are tips from Dr. Jennifer Bruns of PetSmart Veterinary Services to help keep you and your pet healthy and safe on your adventures:

Go At Your Pet’s Speed

If your dog is unaccustomed to outdoor activities, be aware that swimming or hiking can take a great degree of energy from your pet. Of course, the degree of energy depends on the breed of the dog and the extent to which your dog is accustomed to high-energy activity such as running for long distances.

Be aware that your dog might not be used to the rigors of a long hike up a mountain trail or swimming in a fast-moving river, for example.

Keep a close eye on your pet. Be watchful for any signs that indicate stress.

Keep Your Dog Safe in the Water

Even if your dog is a strong swimmer, always fit it out with a life jacket when you are close to a body of water, particularly a fast-flowing river. Dogs are inclined to jump suddenly into the water and clearly will not inform you of their intentions in advance.

A life jacket is especially important when you are on a kayak or other boat and are far from the shore.

Be Aware of the Heat

Similar to people, dogs also can suffer from heatstroke. The symptoms, however, can take hours or even days to become clear.

It is important, therefore, that you watch for any signs of distress, such as difficulty breathing, excessive panting, increased heart rate, weakness, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Keep Your Pet Hydrated and Fueled

Your pet needs additional water in the hot summer months, just as you do, too. Remember to take regular breaks for water and snacks to ensure that your pets are fueled and hydrated so that they can continue the adventure.

Pets Also Can Suffer from Sunburn

Being outside all day on a hot summer’s day can expose your pet to too much sun. Protect them by taking frequent breaks in the shade. Apply sunscreen that is safe for pets to their noses and other areas where their coats do not protect their skin.

Ensure Your Pet Has Proper Identification

It is possible that your dog can run off and become lost in an area where there is dense undergrowth or many trees. The possibility of your dog becoming separated from you at any time is real.

Make sure, therefore, that your dog is wearing an identification tag on its collar. Also make sure that the information is up to date. Your telephone number, address or even your email address might have changed. You probably have updated the information in most places, but perhaps you have forgotten to update the dog’s collar.

In addition, make sure that you update the information on the dog’s microchip as well.

New Collection of Gear

In order to help your pet enjoy the outdoors even more, retailers are producing new gear for outdoor excursions that includes clothing and toys as well as other items that are strong enough for outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and water play.

New items include an inflatable dog raft, a new type of pet wagon, a quick-dry dog harness, a waterproof car seat cover, and a portable dog shower head.

Among the new durable dog toys are an adjustable ball launcher and a water-repellant canvas duck dog toy.