Have you ever brought your pet along for your camping trip? This can be a fun experience for them as long as you are prepared! Before you head out to explore the wilderness, check out these three tips to ensure that your pet enjoys the trip into the woods as much as you do!
#1: Practice sleeping with your pet in a tent
If your pet has never experienced a tent before, there’s a good chance they will be startled by this odd “house,” which may make sleeping impossible if your four-legged friend cannot relax. So, first set up your tent in your home or yard, and acclimate your pet to entering and sleeping in a tent before you head outdoors. Use positive reinforcement (i.e., tasty treats) to convince your pet the tent is safe to enter, and then encourage them to relax inside, using a food puzzle or stuffed rubber Kong to keep them occupied while resting in the strange contraption. With delicious bribes, you can help your best friend become a perfect camping companion, rather than one who brings the tent down around you.
#2: Keep your pet well away from campfires
Enticed by the scent of roasting hot dogs or other campfire goodies, your four-legged friend may wander too close to your campfire, and scorch their nose, whiskers, or paws. When cooking or enjoying the warmth of the fire, keep a close eye on your pet, or confine them far enough away to prevent accidental injuries.
#3: Protect your pet from wildlife
When venturing into the great outdoors, you may meet some wild animals—they may be beautiful, but don’t get close. Wild animals rarely have the benefit of veterinary care, and may be carrying infectious diseases and a variety of parasites. Ensure your pet’s safety before you go camping by boostering their necessary vaccinations, such as distemper, rabies, and leptospirosis, and stocking up on heartworm, flea, and tick prevention products.
Are you planning a camping trip with your furry companion? Contact us and we can ensure that your pet is current on their necessary vaccinations, and will be safe out in the woods.