Canine Camping Expeditions

Camping with your dog is one of the most enjoyable experiences a pet owner can have. Pet Insurance Australia takes a look at the increasing trend of Australian families camping with their four-legged friends.

“Across the nation there has been a sudden increase in camping grounds permitting dogs,” Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says. “This is wonderful for dog owners as now more than ever; their canine companion can join them on their great expeditions.”

Cathryn Fennell Owner of Camps Australia Wide and Author of Camps9 agrees.

“We have over 4000 sites listed in the latest Camps9 book and over 3,200 of those are pet-friendly,” she says. “We have noticed that approximately 80% of the new sites we’ve added since going to print are also pet-friendly.”

This is great news for Australian pet owners, however, before heading out on any camping adventure, it’s important to be prepared.

“Having the basics in check can ensure you have a wonderful camping trip alongside your beloved pet,” Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says. “Planning ahead and also touching base with the local vet in your visiting area to ensure you are prepared for things such as tick treatments and any other common hidden dangers, like snakes.”

TIPS FOR CAMPING DOGS

Vaccinations, Ticks & Fleas – make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date and that if you are travelling into a tick zone, the right preventative treatment has been organised and administered to your dog at least 24hrs before you leave.

Tags – have a special tag made up containing the place where you are staying or a contact back home that can reach you, just in case you and your dog a separated. Remember that some locations may have bad mobile phone reception.

Double check – it’s a good idea to call and check you are allowed pets. As sometimes this can change from certain times of the year. Also, remember that dogs are not permitted in National Parks.

Behaviour – your dog has to be well behaved and under control at all times. If you have a dog that has aggressive tendency towards other animals or people, it is best to leave them in the care of someone else when you head off camping. It is very important to remember that not everyone will appreciate having a dog at the campground so ensuring your dog is very well behaved and that their ‘humans’ are very respectful of others will allow pet-friendly campsites to continue to exist.

Poop bags – take plenty and make sure you dispose of them correctly. It is really important to always pick up your dog’s mess.

Hazards – Also be very wary of where you are and keep your dog on a leash. Call the local veterinarian and check for common problems such as ticks or snakes in the area. Being prepared is the best way to ensure you all have a great time, without any medical emergencies. Also, have a pet first aid kit on hand.

Nadia Crighton

Nadia Crighton is a renowned and accomplished professional in the fields of Journalism, Public Relations, and Writing, with an extensive career spanning over 25 years, 20 of which have been dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of pets.

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