Taking a vacation to go camping is a great way to get away from the stresses of home. Take a break from work, life responsibilities, and the city by deciding on a trip to the wilderness. Whether you prefer cabin camping, tent camping, or RV camping, it’s a way to get closer to nature and away from the world. One of the many perks related to taking a camping vacation is that it’s a great vacation that can include your family dog. Many dogs love new places and adventures. Camping with your dog is a great way to include the whole family on your trip, even the animals.

When you’re planning on letting your pup tag along, there are some things to remember. Camping with your dog includes keeping them safe and busy. Always be prepared to keep them safe, do your homework on the area, consider your pups personality, bring comforts from home, and maximize their fun. That way, your dog is sure to have just as much fun as you will.

Safety First 

Safety should be your number one priority when it comes to camping with your dog. This means keeping a puppy first-aid kit, making sure they wear an orange collar or vest so they aren’t mistaken for a wild animal. Make sure you have a leash, ensure they are chipped, and keep your eye on them at all times. Each type of camping experience is different, but one thing they all have in common is the tendency to be in the outdoors. As a result, this can mean a ton of fun adventures for your dog, and also many safety hazards.

Things like wild animals, rough terrain, ticks, hunters, and an unknown environment can lead to many things. Some common issues to consider are your dog being in an altercation with a porcupine or skunk, lacerated paws, or getting lost. By preparing for those situations, you can ensure your pup will be safe and that you have the tools to handle a safety issue.

Do your Homework

Before camping, do your research on your surroundings to better prepare your dog. If there is a tick problem in the area, be sure to check your dog for ticks regularly. If it will be snowy, pack them some puppy booties. Keep your dog on a leash if there are leash laws or large animals in the area. Knowing what your dog will encounter will  be really helpful in terms of keeping them safe and happy. 

Consider Your Dog’s Personality

Not all dogs are created equal. When preparing to camp with them, be mindful of your dog’s personality and needs. While large dogs love running around in the wilderness, some smaller dogs may prefer to lounge inside. Some dogs love the snow, some detest it. Long-haired breeds tend to overheat easily in the summer. Some short-haired dogs get colder in the winter. Older dogs may have issues with uneven terrain or a lot of stairs. Don’t assume your dog will be a burst of energy and love all aspects of camping. Some dogs get anxious with change and prefer to lounge. This doesn’t mean you can’t bring them along, it just means you may want to remember these things when packing for them or planning for their trip.

Comforts from Home

Don’t forget to bring your dog’s comforts from home. In the same way that you may prefer to bring your slippers, a book, or hiking boots, they will appreciate their favorite things as well. Bring them a bed, food and water bowls, a lead, some treats, and any other amenities and comforts they are used to. You don’t have to go overboard, but bringing comforts from home will help them feel less anxiety and keep them busy. Many dogs are adaptable and will work with any environment or situation. New environments are fun, new experiences that help them to be well-rounded and socialized. However, other dogs thrive on routine and feel overwhelmed with new experiences. Whichever kind of dog you have, consider those needs when remembering what to pack for them.

Create Some Fun

Fun will probably happen regardless. New places and the outdoors are full of one of a dog’s favorite things: new smells. New smells are like sightseeing for dogs. It’s also a way to get to know their surroundings and what to expect from them. There will be a ton of trees to pee on, new people to meet, and maybe a critter to chase. In order to maximize their fun, be sure to bring some of their favorite toys. Tennis balls, a Frisbee, or chew toys are all great options to ensure that they have fun. Be sure to include toys for the car ride, outside, and indoor toys to keep them busy and free from anxiety or boredom.

At Broken Bow Cabin Lodging…

At Broken Bow Cabin Lodging, there are a selection of cabins that allow families to bring their dogs to stay with them. Some cabins allow small pets at 25 pounds or less, and some cabins allow large pets. Depending on the size of the animal, there is a nonrefundable fee of $50 – $100 and all animals require approval. A selection of cabins do not allow pets at all. However, for those that do decide to bring their fuzzy family members along, the area is a great place to explore with your pup. Just be sure to find the right cabin for you that provides a pet-friendly policy.

 

Some people choose camping as their go-to vacation. For some, relaxation is found in a cabin in front of a fire. Others love the rustic feel of tent camping. Some love the versatility of an RV experience. Most dogs don’t really have a preference, but they do benefit a lot from taking in new experiences and most love spending time in the outdoors. If you do plan on having your dog tag along on your next camping adventure, be sure to follow some tips to make life easier. Know how to keep them safe, do your homework on the area, take your dog’s personality into account, bring some comforts from home, and don’t forget their toys. In some families, it’s not a family camping trip without the family dog.