Outdoor Vacations 101 - Going Camping with a Pet

How to Take a Pet Dog Along on a Family Adventure Vacation

Oct 9, 2009

A pet dog is often a family member nobody wants to leave behind on an outdoor vacation. Some tips on how it might be possible to take the family's best friend camping.

Taking a pet along on a vacation is a dream for many, though it’s not often possible on most holidays. A family adventure vacation, however, might be just what the vet ordered - provided certain conditions are fulfilled.

Before making any plans, check around to see which locations allow pets to be brought along on a camp holiday. While wilderness areas might not allow dogs or other pets, there may be holiday camping parks that do not mind a well-behaved dog. Remember, well-behaved is the operational word. If the dog in question is disobedient, even if only on account of high spirits, it might be safer all round to drop the plan of taking him along.

Obedience and discipline is essential when a dog is taken out of his usual surroundings, and an immediate response to commands like heel, stop, stay, and no are mandatory for safety.

Traveling with a Dog on an Outdoor Vacation

Once permission is got, there will be some vehicular travel to the start point of the camping holiday - this will need to be by car in order to carry the dog along. If she has a tendency to get car-sick, keep her meals light the evening before departure, and skip the morning feed. Traveling on an empty stomach means there will be no question of soiling the car, nor will there be a need to keep a constant watch on her and be ready to step on the brake the minute she retches. Once the car travel is over and the walking or camping begins, give her a hearty meal and plenty of water.

It’s a good idea to get the dog used to the idea that one particular couch, or rug, or mat, is home. Carrying this along and placing it in a vehicle or tent tells the dog that this is now his temporary home, and that he should not wander from there. If the dog does not understand this immediately, command him to sleep on the rug, and tell him to stay. Do this a couple of times till he understands. It is extremely important to get the dog to understand this, as wandering alone might be unsafe for him.

A couple of his favourite toys will also make him more comfortable and at ease. Keep him in the tent with one or more of the family members at night.

Feeding a Pet on an Outdoor Adventure Vacation

It would be advisable to carry dry food that he usually eats at home, since new food in a strange place might affect his digestion. If milk is a favourite, carry powdered milk: even if he becomes fussy and goes off food, this alone can see him through a couple of days. Supplement with doggy treats and crackers.

Carrying a pet along can be a bit of an effort, but it's not too difficult on a driving camp holiday, and the joy of the experience makes it worthwhile. Have at least one family member stay with him at all times, and watch how he opens up to the great outdoors!

The copyright of the article Outdoor Vacations 101 - Going Camping with a Pet in Backpacking, Hiking & Camping is owned by Kalyani Candade. Permission to republish Outdoor Vacations 101 - Going Camping with a Pet in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.