Camping is an exciting and rugged adventure
for you and your four-legged best friend to embark on, but preparation is key
when taking a pet out of his or her normal routine and into the wilderness. So,
grab a pen and paper and jot down these useful tips and buys before you hit the
great outdoors with your furry friend this summer.
Do Your
Research
Above all else, it is imperative to call ahead
and make sure that the campsite that you intend to visit allows dogs. Many
enthusiastic campers have experienced being hours from home and exhausted, only
to find a “No Pets Allowed” sign upon arrival at their desired site. Once
you’ve gotten clearance, make sure to ask about dog-specific rules and any
extra precautions to be aware of in the area (i.e., snakes, bugs, bears,
dangerous terrain, etc.).
The
Essentials
Being outdoors in the summertime is going to
make your dog extra thirsty. Make sure to bring plenty of water and don’t
forget to pack a bowl for it. There are some great collapsible and easily portable bowls on the market,
specifically for traveling with pets. Also on the list, of course, is plenty of
food, but consider packing it in an airtight container, so
that potential predators in the wild don’t get a whiff of Fido’s food.
Most campsites require dogs on leash in the
common areas, and a good option for those late night adventures is an LED-leash and/or collar to limit confusion and allow you to easily
keep your eyes on your pet in the dark. Other things to remember include a pet
bed, a towel for cleaning off muddy paws and some toys to play with. If you
plan to camp a lot with your pet, check out this one-stop camping bag,
equipped with many of the items suggested above.
Be Prepared
Writing your campsite on your dog's collar can
be a lifesaver while camping. Cell phone service is spotty at best in many camp
destinations, so this will allow people to find you even if they can’t reach
you by phone. Also consider bringing along your pet’s important documents, like
their vaccine records, proof of ownership, and any licenses required by your
state. Lastly, make sure to protect your dog from fleas and ticks with
medication prior to leaving on your adventure.
If camping isn’t on your radar this summer,
Habitat Apartments has a multitude of alternatives for you and your pal with
our wonderful pet-focused amenities.
Located in beautiful Boulder, Colorado, animal lovers and pets alike will feel
at home in our spacious floor plans. Residents will always have a place to
enjoy and explore with our close proximity to Boulder’s best parks and
reservoirs. Contact us to schedule a tour
today!