Getting in touch with nature is a great form of medicine – for us and our houndies too! If you’re planning a camping trip and thinking about taking your greyhound with you, here are a few things to consider.
Should I Take My Greyhound Camping?
The first thing to think about is whether you should take your greyhound camping with you. While some hounds absolutely love a camping trip out bush, others aren’t such fans. Flies, busy camp sites, long car rides and no respite from the heat… like people, it’s not every hound’s cup of tea. We always recommend a short trial with your best friend (think picnic or hike) first to get a gauge on how they cope.
Check The Weather
This may sound like a no brainer – after all who wants a soggy and wet campsite! But it’s important to monitor the weather and factor in things your hound might be afraid of. For example, does your hound hate storms? Well it’s going to be even worse being caught in one in a tent. Some hounds find windy weather very frightening, while some don’t cope well in the heat. If you’ve taken all of this into consideration and you think your hound will enjoy the experience, then you’re on your way to a successful trip!
Keep Your Hound And Wildlife Safe
There’s a good chance you’ll see some wildlife during your camping trip, so please keep your hound and the local wildlife safe by keeping them leashed and secure. It could be a great opportunity to practise the engage / disengage game if they are becoming reactive to wildlife.
A portable fence might be a good idea if you are travelling for an extended amount of time.
Make Sure Your Tick Treatment Is Up To Date!
Ticks can be dangerous for our houndies, so before heading out into the bush make sure your tick treatment is up to date. You can grab some over at the Greyhound Rescue shop. It’s a good idea to take a tick remover with you too. Here’s some more information on what to do if you spot a tick on your hound.
It Can Get Cold At Night – Pack A Coat!
We know how important it is to monitor our hounds in high and low temperatures, and one thing people are often unprepared for is how cold nights can get when camping. Be sure to pack some blankets and a coat for your hound.
Anything Else To Consider?
- If you’re travelling in an area where there is any chance baits have been laid, take your hounds muzzle along to ensure they don’t eat anything that is going to make them sick.
- Pack a first aid kit, always better to be safe than sorry!
- Watch our for our slithery friends, and be familiar with the signs and symptoms of a bite.
- Plan ahead with your travel – dogs aren’t allowed in national parks so you’ll need to have a Plan B if you plan to travel in these areas.
And last but not least, we hope you and your hound have a great time exploring our beautiful country!