Fido Gone Wild:
Camping with the Family Dog

Most dogs like nothing more than being outdoors with their people. So why not pack up the water dish and take Fido along on your next camping trip? The folllowing tips will help you ensure that the adventure is as much fun for your dog as it is for you.

1. Be Healthy: A visit to the vet is highly recommended before taking your dog out in the wild. Be sure he or she has had all of his shots—especially the rabies and Lyme disease vaccines—and that his or her ID tag is up to date. Be sure to bring along any medication your dog needs as well as your vet's phone number in case of emergency.

2. Start Slowly: If your dog is a city dog, unused to the great outdoors, try taking him or her on some daytrips to nearby state parks or hiking areas. Be aware that your dog's foot pads may be tender and may need some extra time to adapt to the uneven surfaces found in nature. These day trips will also help to acclimate your dog to wide open spaces and new sights, sounds, and smells.

2. Plan Ahead: be sure to check the regulations at the campground or any parks you plan to visit as many do not allow dogs or have specific rules that must be adhered to. Some campgrounds charge extra for dogs, for instance, and some parks have special trails designated for use by people with dogs.

3. Choose a campsite with ample shade for your pooch.

4. Be sure to supervise your dog at all times—especially when young children or other dogs are present.

5. Keep your dog quiet. Frequent and continued barking disturbs the wildlife and other campers.

6. Allow your dog ample time to adjust to the new surroundings, and make sure he or she gets plenty of time to rest

7. Bring zipper lock bags to clean up after your dog, and properly dispose of waste in appropriate trash bins.

8. Provide water often as the increased activity and exposure to sun and heat may cause dehydration.

9. Use tick/flea collars or other insect repellants and check for ticks and fleas.