Viewer Viewpoint
And now, a few words from our viewers...

Camping With Pets
by Lianne McLeod
Guide to Exotic Pets

See Also: Camping With Pets
How to have a fun (and safe) time in the backcountry

Although we now only have one dog, we have been camping with as many as 4 dogs at a time (2 huskies, a German Shepherd, and a wolf dog).

My first tip is to bring something to de-skunk your dog if necessary.  Once, camping in the remote mountains we were foolish enough to let the dogs off leash and were rewarded with a severely skunked husky.  We had nothing, and had to throw him in the lake several time to dry and remove the smell, which did nothing to relieve his fear of water.  We ended up staying where we were for a couple of extra days to let the odor die down before letting him back in the vehicle.  We now carry a commercial skunk smell remover with us!  We also carry the stuff we need to remove ticks.

It is also imperative to keep identification tags on your pets.  The same dog that got skunked ran away another time when he got off his lead, and boy did he run.  The following day we went into town and started asking around and somebody amazingly knew where he was.  He had appeared at a farm 10 miles from our site - no wonder we didn't find him by driving around the campground and immediate area.  Although we found him by fluke, the people who found him had already left a message on our answering machine after getting the information off his license.

After the skunk and the runaway incident, we learned to be extra careful about having a secure lead on him and all the dogs at all times.  One time we camped at a campground that had fireworks (after a terrible thunderstorm) and the dogs were all terrified, and I'm sure if they hadn't been securely tied, we'd have lost all of them!

While we've had some real "adventures" camping with the dogs, they really are a part of the family and it is nice to be able to include them.   Despite the problems, some of the best memories I have of our dogs are the times we all enjoyed the outdoors together!

More...
Camping with a Dog and Cat
From Sheri Stritof, Guide to Marriage

Join the Discussion
Pet Camping

Related Reading
Book Review: Pet First Aid - Cats & Dogs
A review of a pet owner handbook on pet first aid and emergency care, published by the American Red Cross and the Humane Society of the United States.

Veterinary Q & A - Poisoning in Pets
How to recognize potential poisoning, what to do in an emergency, and how to poison-proof for your pet.

How to Remove a Tick
Forget about the match technique. Learn how to safely remove a tick from your pet or yourself.

Summer Fun - Pet Safety
Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and our pets. Keep these safety considerations in mind to make this a stress-free, enjoyable summer.

Pets and Loud Noise Phobias
Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and our pets. Keep these safety considerations in mind to make this a stress-free, enjoyable summer.

Heartworm Disease
All about Heartworm - including life cycle, disease condition, prevention and treatment.

Around About
Camping
Everything you need to know about camping!

Family Camping
Recipes, crafts and links for camping with your kids (and pets).

Page 1, 2

Back to Viewer Viewpoint Table of Contents

Do you have something to say to the VetMed viewers?
Click here to read the User Agreement and
submit your work!

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in the Viewer Viewpoint
are not necessarily your Guide's views and opinions.

Previous Features
Check out other articles from your Guide

Previous Features - Check out other articles from your Guide

Veterinary Medicine Home Page - Main page for VetMed at About.com

Library of Topics - Browse the site library of topics