Although we’re still seeing snow on the ground here in the Metro Vancouver area, planning for camping in our beautiful province has already begun. One of the best ways to plan for a camping trip with the family pet is to connect with a Vancouver animal wellness hospital to discuss tips on how to prepare. In the meantime, if you’re looking forward to a camping trip with your pets when the weather warms, here are some things to consider before you hit the road!

Warm days and cold nights

Depending on which season you choose to camp in, weather extremes can be challenging both during the day and at night. Much like we humans need to come prepared with tools to stay cool and hydrated during the day and warm and cozy at night, as a responsible pet owner it’s your job to ensure your pet has access to the same considerations. Packing proper bowls and enough water (if the water at the campsite is not potable) for your pet is essential to their health and wellness while camping. Staying warm at night is also important. Every breed of dog is different as some may need more warmth than others. If you’re not sure what the appropriate temperature thresholds are for keeping your critter cozy, you can always reach out to a local Vancouver animal wellness hospital to learn more about weather safety with your pet. Your dog may be just fine in the tent with you, while others may need an added jacket fit to their body size.

Forest adventures

The Lower Mainland is home to some of the most beautiful forests in the province, but forests come with wildlife. Hiking with your dog can be a playful and uplifting adventure but it can also pose challenges to you and your pet. Learning to identify ticks and certain poisonous plants is essential to ensuring a safe and happy hike with your fur baby. Common plants like Lily, Jimsonweed and Branching Ivy can make your pet seriously ill if ingested. Before heading into the forest with your pet, familiarize yourself with the nearest animal hospital in case anything goes wrong. If you are unsure how to safely treat tick bites or are not sure which local plants could harm your pet, it’s a great idea to talk to a Vancouver animal wellness hospital that can give you more information on outdoor safety with hikes- particularly how to respond to challenges with local flora and fauna from poison ivy to bears.

Keep them close

Even though most campgrounds are pet friendly, they are not without their rules and restrictions. Most campsites require that pets be leashed and always supervised, or at least contained to your individual campsite. If you have a pet that loves to wander and socialize, it’s important to consider how best to keep them close while you camp. Wandering pets may find themselves in danger from traffic on camp roads, wildlife, dangerous plants, cliffs, ravines, and any number of other surprises in the wilderness. If you’re going to bring your pet camping, it’s important to understand you’re committing to keeping them with you and out of harm’s way.

Camping with your family can be an exciting and breathtaking adventure. Including your family pet can make the experience even more special. Before you pack the car, connect with a Vancouver animal wellness hospital to make sure you’ve got everything you and your pet need to have fun safely this camping season.