If you've recently welcomed a canine companion into your life, you're undoubtedly looking forward to spending many happy years with your furry friend. Dogs are great activity partners for outdoor recreational pursuits, but you'll have to take precautions to keep your dog safe and healthy while enjoying spending time in the wilderness. If you're like most people, you'll be taking your dog camping, and while dogs certainly love being in the great outdoors, there are several precautions you should take to keep your dog safe on camping trips -- the following are five of them.
Keep Your Dog on a Leash
One of the biggest reasons dogs love being out in the woods is all of the strange and delicious smells, and it can be tempting to let your furry friend run wild while camping. However, following the trail of these smells might put your pup in peril. For instance, if your dog excitedly follows a black bear trail, it might find itself on the receiving end of an angry mother bear protecting her cubs. Even if nothing quite that dramatic takes place, your dog could end up simply getting lost if allowed to run free in the wilderness.
Get Your Dog a Lyme Disease Vaccination
Although Lyme disease is mostly found in the northeastern part of the country, it also occurs in certain western and southern states and has recently cropped up in the Midwest. This bacterial disease is hard to treat once it gets a foothold, and many dogs end up going into kidney failure and dying as a result. Lyme disease is carried by ticks, so you should always make sure to check your dog's coat thoroughly for ticks on a regular basis, but don't skip the added protection of a Lyme disease vaccination. It may make the difference between life and death for your furry friend. Talk to a vet, like those at Pet Medical Center Of Vero Beach, to learn more about the Lyme vaccine.
Get Your Dog Its Own Personal Flotation Device
What would a camping trip be without a boat ride on a lake or river? Whether you'll be enjoying an early morning canoe or rowboat ride or an afternoon fishing trip on a motorized vessel, your dog will love being included in the fun. However, many people don't realize that their pets should be equipped with personal flotation devices in the event of a mishap on the water. Even though canine instinct will kick in if your dog ends up in the water, that won't be enough to save it if undertows, rapidly moving water, or very cold water is a part of the picture.
Share