We all love taking our dogs camping with us and they blend right in with the family. They love being part of the activities, whether we are taking early morning walks around the campground or relaxing around the table with our neighbors. Some like to wrestle and chase things, and others like to snuggle up and have their belly rubbed. It seems most are happy just to be with you, regardless of what you are doing.
It can be easy to get caught up in the activity of the day and inadvertently overexpose our dog’s paws to things that can cause them to become tender. Walkways can get hot in Texas, so it’s important to make sure you walk your pets during cooler hours, and avoid the higher temps of mid-day and afternoon. Keep a close eye on them around the campfire. Be sure no embers have escaped that they might step on.
There may also be grasses or weeds that are not native to them, and you may find they are allergic to them. If you see dogs doing a lot of licking around their paws, there could be a problem they need help with. It’s best to check paws regularly when you are traveling. They might have small pieces of gravel imbedded between their foot pads or they could be developing a rash.
Check with your vet before you leave home and find out what they recommend you carry with you for your camping trip. They will know your pet best and will probably have several things they can suggest you keep on hand.
It’s also possible your dog could be bitten by small insects. Some campers keep a paw washing kit on hand for all the reasons above. You can dip your pet’s paws in a container of nice, cool water and dry them thoroughly. While doing this, take the time to check between paw pads for any redness or debris that could be irritating. Doing this a couple times a day will keep you and your camping pet happy, healthy, and having a wonderful time on your camping vacation.
