Summer is in full swing and one my pack’s favorite things to do this time of year is to go camping! And why not? Los Angeles is close to some of the most amazing natural wonders on the planet...
Is there a better way to escape the heat of the city than to spend some quiet time in the Eastern Sierras or rolling around in the cool, wet sand at Big Sur? I doubt it.
To make sure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure, here are some things to consider before camping with your you canine companions:
*** BEFORE YOU LEAVE ***
- Make sure our rabies vaccinations are up to date. There are critters in the woods that might be rabid and getting bit by one of them is bad enough... getting rabies from them would really ruin the trip.
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| I know the shots are necessary but that doesn't mean I have to like them. |
- Apply your preferred flea medicine or get us a flea collar. Make sure that whichever method you choose also works on those nasty ticks. And don't forget to pack a brush so you can find the little buggers and a tick spoon to remove them. (Check out my blog about how to deal with ticks and other common outdoor hazards we canines might have to deal with.)
- Make sure we have some sort of ID on us like a tag or a collar with your cell number on it in case we become separated from the pack.
- Don't forget to bring any medications we are currently using.
- Find the address and phone number of the nearest animal hospital to your campsite.
- Research for activities that the whole pack can participate in - know your dog's capabilities and limitations and plan accordingly.
(Hint: National Forests are usually the most dog friendly places to camp, have the same features as many National Parks, and are usually much less crowded).
*** IN THE CAR ***
- To get to your campsite often involves a long ride in the car. To make life easier on all of us, make sure the dog has a comfortable space where they can lie down and nothing will fall on top of them if you have to hit the brakes.
- Water, a dish, and a snack or two are absolutely essential.
- Have some easily accessible poop bags for the inevitable pit stop.
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| That was a long ride. Let me know when you guys are done setting up camp... |
*** AT THE CAMPSITE ***
- A weather-proof, outdoor bed is always a good thing to have. Of course most of us canines will just lie in the dirtiest spot we can find under a shady tree, but its nice to have a comfortable place to rest after a long day of outdoor fun.
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| You shall not pass... |
- Bring your dog's regular food that they eat at home so they don't get an upset stomach; and of course dishes for that food and water. Its very important that you don't leave any uneaten food around as it will attract unwanted visitors (I've heard bears love dog food).
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| Sure I'd rather have one of your cheeseburgers, but its best for me to eat my regular food. |
- Take a couple of our favorite toys along to keep us occupied while you're lounging around the campsite.
- A shade canopy is a great addition to your camping gear. It gives all of us a shady spot whenever the sun is beating down on the campsite and keeps leaves, pine needles, etc. from falling onto the food while we eat.
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| Everything seems to be in order here. |
- A long tie/lead if your dog tends to roam into other people's campsites.
- A bed for inside the tent, unless you want us to share your air mattress with you. (Full disclosure: I have a bed in the tent but I sleep in pack leader's bed anyway...its nice and warm there.)
*** ON THE GO ***
- Hiking is one of the best parts of any camping trip. See my previous blog for details about what you need for a fun and safe hiking adventure.
- If you plan to go boating or even just swimming a lot, a life jacket is essential. Many models come with a handle on the back so you humans can just pick us up like a brief case and carry us to shore (or help us back into the boat).
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| I'm queen of the world! |
*** MISC ***
- Towels...lots of towels. Every dog's mission on a camping trip is to get as dirty and wet as we possibly can; that's the most fun part of the trip as far as most of us are concerned. Unless you want a dirty wet dog in your tent, on your mattress, in your car, etc..... bringing plenty of towels is a must. And don't forget some rope to make a clothesline at your campsite so you can dry those towels.
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| I'm not quite completely covered in mud and dirt, but I'm working on it... |
- If camping is a regular activity in your pack, start introducing a new puppy early. It can be a stressful situation for an inexperienced dog. I went on my first camping trip at 6 months old and now I'm an expert...its my favorite thing to do in the whole world.
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| My first trip was to the Sequoia Nat'l. Forest. Surrounded by the world's biggest trees and all I wanted was this little stick. |
I hope you found my short checklist of camping tips useful. These things will make a good time with the whole pack even better.
If you have any questions or are looking for suggestions on places to go, visit my website (www.CanineAngeleno.com) and use the contact page to ask your question or just say hello.
See you at the campground!
Chloe Canine-Angeleno
All photographs were taken by my pack leader, Jim Gross
Everything else was discovered by getting my paws dirty and the extensive use of my nose.
