Friends of the Riney Canine Health Center,
Thank you for joining our pack! I’m Brian Collins, an extension associate for the Cornell Richard P. Riney Canine Health Center, and I’m pleased to share this month’s “From the Vet’s Desk” monthly health tip with our members.
Some of my fondest memories involve camping and hiking with my dogs. Spending time in nature is enhanced by the company of dogs. For me it started with indoor camping, making tents with blankets and furniture, and then finding any opportunity to “camp” outside. Whether it was on a screened-in porch, the 6’X6’ shack I made with scrap lumber from around the farm, a tent in the backyard, an old camper, or the small log cabin my father and I built when I was teenager, the one constant was a dog.
Over the years trips have included the Grand Canyon, Nova Scotia, Maine and the Adirondacks. So many photos! Sure, that’s a lovely mountain and the ocean is breathtaking, but check out my dog carrying that big stick!
I’ve learned a lot over the years, and as a veterinarian I can’t help but offer advice and safety tips! Whether you’re camping with one dog or several (I’ve taken three!), I’m going to focus on warm weather camping (my favorite), though much of this would also apply to winter camping.
Veterinary planning:
- Is your dog up to date on vaccines? Rabies vaccination is essential (bring a rabies certificate, either a paper copy or on your phone). Ask your vet if vaccinations for Lyme and Leptospirosis are right for your dog.
- Parasite preventives for heartworm, intestinal parasites, fleas and ticks are recommended.
- Ensure your pup is identified with an ID tag and microchip.
- Have an adequate supply of whatever medications your dog is on regularly. Does your dog need antinausea drugs for the car? Anti-anxiety medications for fireworks, thunder, or unfamiliar settings?
- Research options for emergency care wherever you’ll be traveling.
- Do any of your dogs have medical conditions that will affect the activities they can participate in? For example, dogs with arthritis can still go camping, but you may have to modify how far they can hike or how long they can swim. Even a young, healthy dog may have limitations if they haven’t been training for more vigorous activities. One year I had to carry my dog the last two miles after summitting a mountain because her front legs became sore during the hike down. We both needed a dip in the lake and a nap after that.
- First aid supplies (also good for people!). It’s always important to seek veterinary attention, but time of day, distance and location can make that challenging. Here are some basic essentials:
- antibiotic ointment
- bandaging material (gauze, cast padding, non-adherent dressing, self-adhering bandage)
- thermometer
- Nail trimmers and styptic powder (for broken nails)
- Antihistamines (like diphenhydramine) in case of allergic reactions such as bee stings (ask your vet for your dog’s dose)
- Antiseptic wipes for cleaning wounds
- Tweezers for splinter and tick removal
- Instant ice packs
- Saline eye flush
- Hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting if your dog eats something harmful (only under veterinary guidance)
- Skunk odor shampoo
Location:
- There are websites that can help with planning destinations when traveling with dogs.
- Factors to consider:
- Are dogs allowed? Is there a limit to how many dogs you can have?
- What will you be staying in? Tent? Lean-to? Canvas cabin? Camper?
- Some campgrounds will have dog-friendly amenities like dog wash stations or fenced-in dog areas.
Wildlife:
- Always keep your dog on leash to reduce wildlife interactions and to prevent your dog from disappearing into the woods.
- Porcupines: somehow one of my dogs came to bed with four quills in her nose and she never left our campsite!
- Skunks – it will be a long night in the tent if your dog meets one in the dark.
- Rattlesnakes – check your area to see if this is a concern.
- Bugs like black flies, mosquitoes and deer flies can make for an unpleasant trip. Consider time of year to avoid bugs (I like late August). Pyrethrin-based sprays for dogs can help repel bugs.
- Bears – I’ve had one run through my campsite! Keep all food items including dog food locked in your car or in a bear-resistant canister.
Protection from weather:
- Provide plenty of water and shade. Consider a beach umbrella or portable shade/canopy.
- I like to bring at least one battery powered fan. It can get quite warm in a tent.
- Towels to dry off if raining (and after swimming). A raincoat can be helpful.
- Be cautious that your dog doesn’t become too warm with exertion. This can be a concern especially with dogs with heavy coats or dogs with short snouts.
Water safety:
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My dogs are always obsessed with water, but I take a number of precautions.
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Know your dogs’ limitations – are they good swimmers?
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Be familiar with blue-green algae in bodies of water before allowing your dog to enter. Don’t allow your dog into water that appears unclean.
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Avoid current or waves which can overwhelm your dog.
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Keep your dog on leash when near water and use a flotation device especially if your dog joins you in a boat, canoe, or kayak.
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Watch out for fishing hooks, sharp stones and shells, and other debris.
On the trails:
- Pace your dog carefully on longer hikes or steeper trails.
- Strenuous hikes can lead to sore muscles and joints as well as injuries to foot pads.
General safety and comfort:
- My dogs wear comfortable harnesses at all times, and I keep them safely tethered so that they can’t wander away. Some dogs may do well with portable exercise pens if you are in an area where that will work.
- Never leave dogs unattended.
- Bring a bed for your dog to rest on after a busy day.
Preparing to take your dog on a camping trip can seem daunting but it’s well worth the effort to have a safe and memorable opportunity to bond with your dogs. I also highly recommend finding a local spot to treat your dogs to a dog-friendly ice cream or frozen treat.
Please contact us if you have any questions about camping with your canines and send us photos of your trips!
As always, thank you for being a Riney Canine Health Center member. We look forward to catching up with you next month!
Dr. Brian Collins, D.V.M. ‘94
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