Taking your dog camping can be a great experience for both of you. Your dog will be fascinated with all the new sights, sounds and smells. And you'll love knowing that your best friend is sharing your love of the great outdoors. If you are thinking of bringing your dog along with you on your next camping trip, there are a few things you need to consider.
 
Is your dog up to it physically?
In an outdoor environment, your dog will most likely experience an increase in his physical activity. What's more, the terrain may be dramatically different from what he's used to (steep hills, rocky paths, etc.) That's not to say that your dog has to be in star-athlete condition. Just be sure that it's not going to be too taxing for him. The best thing to do is take your dog to the vet for a check-up to ensure that he's up to it physically.
 
You should also take your dog's personality into consideration. While you might not be bothered by your dog's early morning barking, your fellow campers might be.
 
Make sure vaccinations are up to date
First of all, it's very important that all of your dog's vaccinations are up to date especially if your dog is going to be in contact with other pets. You might also want to talk to your vet about giving your dog a lyme vaccination in case he comes in contact with ticks.
 
Bring the leash
Even though you're far away from sidewalks and city streets, there will still be times when you need to keep your dog on a leash. This is especially important when you're close to other campers who may not be dog lovers like yourself, or in an area where your dog could wander off a path and encounter less than friendly wildlife. Also, make sure your dog has his identification tags in case he gets lost. You should also bring along a recent photo should you need to show other campers or a park ranger in the event your dog goes missing.
 
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