We all know camping is a great outdoor adventure filled with fun. Families and friends gather for some time in nature. Furry kids big and small, all love the outdoors.

This past long weekend of Labor Day, I camped in one of my favorite spots, it is much like being way up North but, we are an hour from home.  It is a great conservation area and it is full of trees, has great walking trails, wildflowers, fishing, boating, and has a big sandy beach. The park is just a natures paradise a true forest retreat.

I am really taking it easy this weekend relaxing and just enjoying each moment. I sat and read a book by an open fire and enjoyed the crackling sound of each log I burned. I took a short hike snapped some pictures. I watched children riding bicycles and families out walking about. Normally when we camp our toy hauler has our motorcycles and we are away most of the day out riding. This camping trip was totally different for me, usually the fire is only burning in the evening hours.

I injured my hamstring so basically, I am grounded, and camping is a great way to heal, does not matter physically or mentally being outdoors and in nature is an excellent healer.

Here is some observations I made while on this trip.

5 Simple TIPS when you go camping with your Pets.

• Leash, for the most part, I see all pets on the leash, I do believe this is a rule at most campgrounds. Watch your dog, be sure they are not wandering from your camping area, a long tie is always something that would work especially for those moments when you are busy it only takes a minute for your pet to wander away.

• Clean your doggie’s do do’s ……. seriously, I cannot stress this enough. Nothing worse than hiking along a trail only to discover something that was left behind by your pet. I think for the most part you need to carry a bag, for the pet’s business always when you are walking with them.

• Do not leave your dog unattended for long periods of time, I have seen pets being left in the campers and the owners driving away. I think if your dog is content and happy in the camper then it is a great idea. For some it is their home and they are happy there, and can handle some time for resting in the air conditioning of the mobile home, but for some this is a time of stress and I have heard dogs crying and barking and very unhappy when left alone. Some are quiet but as soon as someone is walking by or a car passes, they can get excited or alarmed and bark because they are not sure what is happening outside. Some pets cannot get up high enough to see outside a window, that too can cause them to be very unhappy.

• Be aware of the temperature, if we are hot and uncomfortable in the heat then your furry baby is also, walking your pet earlier in the day or later in the evening is much easier on their paws then in the mid day when the pavement or sand is hot. Having extra extra water bowls for inside and outside is a good idea and maybe even some ice cubes in one bowl outside to keep the water temp cool.

• Barking! Excessive barking, like some dogs are very protective they bark each time a car goes by, some bark at people passing by and some just bark! This isn’t something your neighbours will want to hear for their camping adventure, for the most part all dogs bark, but excessive barking needs to be controlled.

We need to be mindful of those around us. Some of us are furry kid lovers, and some of us are not. Some travelers had to leave their furry pets at home. Some of them are not the best travelers.  Some of our neighbors are missing their pets, so being respectful of the noise your furry kid can make is something to consider. I know there is many more tips on pet travels and I only wanted to touch lightly on some of the ones I noticed. Can you share an experience of a trip where you had your pet with you?

The best part is that we all love to camp, which is why we do it, for rest, for relaxation, for family memories, for the fishing, the hiking, the swimming. Whatever our reasons is, let’s make it a nice comfortable one for all of us including our pets.