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Camping
With Pets
How
to have a fun (and safe) time in the backcountry with pets
Summer is almost here,
and for many people, that means dusting off the camping gear! The fresh
air, recreational activities, camp food, campfire, and some well-deserved
relaxation are all part of camping. Unfortunately, insect bites, burned
or soggy camp food, lumpy beds, and bad weather conditions may also be
part of the camping experience. Some camping experiences, like a soggy
campground are just part of camping. Emergencies and accidents should
not be considered routine camping. The purpose of this article
is to learn how to avoid (or at least minimize) accident and emergency
situations while camping.
First Aid
This seems obvious, right? Out in the wilderness,
away from the local doctor or pharmacy, one would expect to know something
about First Aid. But how many people have actually taken a class in First
Aid? The American Red Cross offers
training in First Aid and you can now find
your local American Red Cross conveniently online. Some local organizations
of the American Red Cross and some veterinary offices also offer pet First
Aid classes. A First Aid class is a very wise investment! It could actually
save your pet's (or family member's) life.
First Aid kits are
readily available at your local pet supply store, online
pet supply vendors, or you can make
your own. Be sure to check the kit contents regularly to make sure
that nothing is out of stock or out of date. Know how to properly use
each component in the First Aid kit, especially products like activated
charcoal and syrup of ipecac. Used incorrectly, they can be dangerous.
Camp Nutrition
Camping is often a good excuse to indulge a
little - s'mores by the fire and all sorts of snacks and treats that you
would not normally eat at home. This is fine for humans (well, maybe not,
but that isn't my subject area!), but a huge no-no for pets. Even in the
best of circumstances - at home on a steady, well-tolerated diet - pets
have sensitive digestive systems. Camping, with all of the activity, good
food, and lack of routine can be very dangerous to pets. Ingestion of
fatty foods can lead to Pancreatitis, and
picnic foods, such as corn-on-the-cob may be eaten cob and all, and then
become lodged in the intestines. These "dietary indiscretions"
are not just a belly ache - they can quickly
turn into an emergency situation! And a First Aid kit won't
help in these cases, either. Prevention of "dietary indiscretion"
is a must while camping.
Exercise
and Fitness - Don't Overdo it!
Just like humans, pets
can become out-of-shape and overweight. A common misconception about dogs
is that they are always in shape and are natural athletes and swimmers.
This is not always the case! Sore muscles, stiff joints, difficulty
swimming, and heat
exhaustion happen to pets, too. Be aware of your pet's activity levels
and do not push your pet to swim, mountain bike, hike, etc., if they are
not in excellent shape and used to the activity. Consider a pet
life jacket if water activities are on your agenda. Dogs can tire
easily while swimming if they are not used to it (much like their human
companions!).
Miscellaneous
Cautions
- Loud Noise Phobias
- Is your pet afraid of fireworks, thunder, or
gunshot? Most campgrounds require that pets be leashed anyway, but
take special care to make sure your pet is safely leashed or crated
if any of these loud noises are expected. A frightened animal can become
a lost and injured animal very quickly!
- Insect Bites
and Encounters with Other Animals - Know the potential dangers of
the area you will be camping in. Bears, ticks, cougars, bees, spiders,
and more may be threats to you, your family, and your pets. Learn more
about venomous
bites and stings here.
Camping
Stories
Camping with a Dog and Cat 
From Sheri Stritof,
Guide to Marriage
Camping with Pets
From Lianne McLeod, Guide to Exotic Pets
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
Text:
Copyright © Janet Tobiassen Crosby. All rights reserved.
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