Summertime is the perfect season to embark on outdoor adventures, and what better way to enjoy the great outdoors than by going camping with your furry friend? Camping with dogs can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it does require some extra planning and preparation. When going camping, consider the following things for the best experience for you and your furry friend!   

Choose the right campsite. Make sure to research one that’s dog friendly to meet your needs as well as the needs of your dogs. Make sure there’s plenty of space to run, and access to water sources for both drinking and swimming if it’s going to be especially hot. Pack the essentials! Make sure not to leave home without a collar, leash, food/water, bedding, and any medications to make sure you can properly care for your pet during your adventure. Practice basic training! Camping can be overwhelming for people, much less a dog. Make sure your dog listens and listens well to commands such as sit, stay, and come. This can help you maintain control to keep yourself, your dog, and other campers safe.   

Protect against pests! Summertime means an increase in pests such as fleas and ticks. Check your dog for these pesky insects regularly (and stop in at Hungry Hound to stock up on Earth Animal herbal prevention against fleas and ticks!). Stay hydrated! Bring plenty of fresh water for yourself and your dog to drink in shaded areas to help your pup cool down. Avoid stagnant water sources that might contain harmful bacteria. Also, make sure to limit activity during peak heat hours!   

Finally, be respectful of wildlife and other campers. Be mindful! Keep your dog on a leash, dispose of waste properly, and respect quiet hours. Not everyone will be comfortable with dogs, so always ask before approaching other people. Camping with your dog can create lifelong memories adn strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend. Embrace the adventure (while staying safe) and enjoy your next exploration!