If you’re like me, you do everything you can with your dogs! So, since it’s NATIONAL CAMPING MONTH, why not consider taking your puppers with you on your next camping trip?

If your dog is a first-time camper, here are some tips to keep things safe and fun for him.

1.        Select a location that is not far from civilization. Your first time out with your dog, you don’t want to hike to a remote location, set up camp, only to realize that this is a “What was I thinking” moment.
2.        Make sure the campsite is dog friendly. If you’re interested in going to a National Park, visit the website: NPS PET POLICIES . It’s the definitive source as to what each park allows with pets and each parks “pet experiences.” The NPS also offers a “BARK Ranger” tag for dogs (and their humans) who complete their BARK ranger program. Another good source for locating pet-friendly campsites is www.BringFido.com.
3.        Make sure your pupper is up to date on her vaccinations.
4.        Choose the best flea and tick treatment for your dog and use it. Even with a good product, still check your dog for ticks while you are on your trip, before you travel back and once you are home. You can never be too safe.
5.        Practice an overnight trip – in your own backyard. Sleeping in a tent is a new experience, which your dog may or may not find as a fun experience. Try it out first and see how it goes! Same recommendation goes for a camper – pop it open and spend the night.
6.        Practice BARK: Bag your pet’s waste, Always leash your pet, Respect Wildlife and Know where you can go.
7.        Fit your dog with a comfortable harness and leash.
8.        Bring a dog first aid kit. There are many on the market but a solid kit is the Adventure Medical Workin’ Dog Canine First Aid Kit with QuikClot.
9.        Don’t forget food and water for your dog. According to PetMD, without heat or exertion, your dog should be drinking about 1 ounce (1/8 cup) of water per pound of body weight. So, a schmedium 40-pound dog should receive 5 cups of water a day. Remember, you will need to bring that with you to the campsite for your dog. If he’s hiking, playing and having fun, he will need more water.
10.    Have fun!