CAMPING WITH DOGS

Camping is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors and spend quality time with your furry friend. Whether you are an experienced camper or a first-timer, camping with your dog can be a fun and rewarding experience.

However, there are a few things to consider before heading out into the wilderness with your pup.

CAMPSITE

When planning your camping trip, it’s crucial to choose a dog-friendly campsite. Not all campsites allow pets. So, you will need to do a bit of research before booking your spot:

Look for campsites that explicitly state they are pet-friendly
Call the campsite to double-check their pet policy prior to making a reservation
KOA is a great resource for pet-friendly destinations

PACKING FOR YOUR PUP

When packing for your camping trip, don’t forget the dog! Ha! In addition, here are some essential items you will need to pack in their kit:

Enough dog food and water for the duration of your trip, plus a little extra just in case
Food and water bowls
An upgraded, sturdy leash and collar (even if your dog is trained and/or well-behaved). This is essential for their safety
Bring a comfortable bed or blanket for your pup to sleep on
Pack your dog’s favorite toys to keep them entertained during downtime
Plenty of poop bags to clean up after them
First aid kit specifically for dogs which should include tweezers (to remove ticks) and any medications they need
A sturdy tie-out anchor and leash
Make sure your dog has ID and/or is microchipped
Take a printed photo of your dog, including any distinguishing marks
Dog brush and extra towels
Booties and/or paw protectant
Dog rain coat
Keep your veterinarian’s contact information handy, as well as the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Hotline (888-426-4435)

PREPARING YOUR DOG FOR CAMPING

Before heading out on your camping trip, it’s important to prepare your pup for the experience. Here are a few things you can do:

Practice camping at home. Set up a tent in the backyard and spend the night outside with your dog to help get them used to sleeping in a tent.
A well-trained dog should be able to follow basic commands like, “sit,” “stay” and “come.”
Visit the vet for a check-up before your trip and make sure they are up to date on vaccinations and have plenty of their prescribed medications (bring a copy of vet records and vaccinations with you).
Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise in the days leading up to the camping trip to help them burn excess energy.
Pick the right tent size to include your pet

CAMPING WITH YOUR DOGS

Now that both you are your pup are prepared to go on a camping trip, here are a few more tips:

Follow campground rules, including leash requirements and pet restrictions.
NEVER leave your dog unattended. This helps to ensure they do not wander off or get into trouble. Using a dog tracker is a great idea!
Clean up after your dog and dispose of waste in the proper receptacles.
Keep your pets safe by providing them with plenty of shade and water and keeping them away from potential hazards like campfires and wildlife.
Be respectful to other campers
Plan dog-friendly activities while camping such as hiking, visiting the beach or water, boating, kayaking and/or exploring local parks.

HAPPY CAMPING!

You’ve planned and prepared for an amazing outdoor adventure with your fur baby! Have fun! Including your pet is another way to strengthen your bond and further build trust. In addition, you are also helping your pup remain active and learn social skills!

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Called this morning to see if they could see my Hazel for allergies because her regular veterinarian could not after calling several times this week. IVC told me to come right in, and they would fit me in. The BEST experience we ever had. Not only is Dr. Michelle incredibly thorough and took so much time with Hazel, the office is immaculate. No pet smells or smells from heavy cleaning products. Loved our entire experience, and Hazel is on the mend. The staff was also very helpful and super friendly! We just found our new veterinarian clinic!

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posted 8 months ago

My husband found this veterinary clinic about a year ago when we first got our pups, and he stated he liked their service. It's been about a year, and it was time for a follow-up, so this time, I came and brought my Chihuahua for his yearly follow-up. This location is super close to our home. The appointment was set for 8:30 am and walked in around 8:20 and was immediately brought to an exam room. The receptionist was super nice and welcoming. This is located in a business park so there are plenty of parking spaces to choose from. The inside was super clean and modernly decorated. They had plenty of treats located conviently around the office and exam rooms. The Dr. I believe it was Dr. Benjamin, and she was super nice and knowledgeable. She explained exactly what my dog needed and what she recommended. I loved that before I agreed to any treatment, medicines, etc., they offered to let me know exactly how much everything was going to cost before I accepted. They help you out, and if for some reason you can not get everything done right away, she let's you know what's more important now and what can wait. I definitely recommend this place and will continue to bring my doggies here.

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I cannot say enough good things about these fabulous doctors and their top notch staff. My pets are always well taken care of and I am always able to get an appointment quickly. They have handled complex medical issues for several of my dogs and taken excellent care of them. Thank you for the fantastic work you do for our pets!

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Been taking my kitten here for 2 years. They treat her the same as they would their own. Staff are caring and considerate. They are willing to answer all your questions.

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For my thirteen year old dog, Ella, vet visits have always been extremely traumatic for her. It hasn't ever been a fault of the vets or staff I have encountered, she is simply an anxious dog with severe animal aggressions issues and she gets easily overwhelmed. However, this last visit with this clinic was the first time she has had a good experience. The staff went above and beyond to meet her needs in a way that she was comfortable with. They greeted her like a guest of honor and treated her like the princess she is. And the relief it gave both me and her cannot be put into words. Previously, I had to make judgement calls on whether it was more harmful to bring her in for regular visits than it was worth and this visit has taken the anxiety out of vet visits for both me and Ella. I genuinely cannot thank the staff enough for their bedside manner and the regular check-ins they made after our visit and their patience with my excessive questions. It really shows that they care about the animals they treat and the pet parents that fret over their babies, not just the money they get for doing so and I genuinely cannot give them enough praise for all they did. 10 out of 10, would definitely recommend.

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