I admit it. My family did everything wrong when camping with our dog. Well, not quite everything – our treasured spaniel ‘Brandy’ was well fed, well loved and mightily entertained on our camping and boating excursions in cottage country Ontario. It’s just that we didn’t prepare properly, and with a curious, foolhardy fella, we found ourselves in a few unsettling situations, miles from civilization.

Think waking up to your dog bounding on you in the close quarters of a one-man tent, burrowing his head under the sleeping bag for a good-morning lick, fresh from a roll in week-old fish guts he blissfully discovered on the beach. Or, arriving at a campsite after a five-hour drive only to encounter the ‘No dogs’ sign at check-in. And, what about a high-speed houseboat race, jetting away from that dream remote island toward the nearest vet clinic, your beloved dog perforated with porcupine quills and howling at your feet? Twice.

Still, camping with your dog makes for a mountain of memories. You’ll see Mother Nature like you’ve never seen her before and be piloted to some of her most secret hideaways.

When it comes to camping, keep in mind the old adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This is where Dr. Sarra-Bournet, D.V.M., comes to the rescue, a vet with a small-animal clinic and kennel in Mascouche, Que., and a camping aficionado. She learned to walk with a German Shepherd Dog as a baby, had her first Alaskan Malamute at 18 months old, and dogsledded with her mom as a kid. She ought to know how to rough it in the bush with a dog in tow.

Together we mapped out a helpful guide to ensuring a happy summer with your best buddy in the great Canadian outdoors.

“My dogs’ luggage is usually bigger than mine,” admits Dr. Sarra-Bournet when I bring up our first topic: packing. We start with the essentials: food, water and treats. She cautions to bring ample dog food and water (store the items in your car or a special bear-proof container, if needed). “Intestinal upset is frequent when switching foods. Sources of water can be contaminated with small parasites like giardia, causing diarrhea, so a dog should never be allowed to drink water from rivers or lakes.” Some dogs will also have problems with strange water, so bringing your own is a good idea.

For the same reasons, bring treats that your dog is accustomed to – comfort food can be just the thing to calm a nervous dog or lure a curious one from danger. In hot weather, dry food is more resistant than canned food to bacterial growth, so leave the moist food at home or put it in a cooler. Don’t forget a dog dish or try a collapsible travel bowl found at most camping equipment outfitters, along with an abundance of state-of-the-art canine travelling gear.

One common sense tip is to update your dog-tag identification. What good will your home phone number be when you’re out in the wild searching for your pet? Be sure to include a rabies tag, Dr. Sarra-Bournet advises, plus a tag with your name and cell phone number, campsite number, or at least the number of someone who knows where you are. Also bring your dog’s tattoo or microchip numbers.

Don’t forget to have your vet’s number on hand for telephone assistance, plus suss out the coordinates for the nearest vet to your destination.

With raccoons and skunks aplenty at every site, ensure your dog’s vaccination schedule is up to date, especially for rabies. “Don’t forget to bring the vaccination certificates, as some campgrounds will require it,” adds the vet. “Some areas represent a high risk for diseases such as leptospirosis, Lyme disease and giardia.

Ask your vet if your dog should be vaccinated, and don’t forget it takes about seven to 10 days before a new vaccine is effective.” In addition, she recommends giving your dog preventive medication for ticks, fleas and heartworm beforehand.

Pack a first-aid kit and don’t forget to bring a sufficient supply of any medications your dog takes.

Any camper knows that bugs can be the bane of a woodsy romp – the same goes for your dog. Because dogs lick themselves, a non-toxic insect repellent is best. Dr. Sarra-Bournet uses a natural citronella mix found in specialty stores.

Bring plenty of bags to pick up your dog’s stool and be sure to discard it properly. You should never leave it behind, even in the wild.

If you’re not planning to keep the dog in your tent at night, bring a pen with a cover to protect against inclement weather and wild animals. Bring some bedding and a ground cover, such as an extra mattress.

Another item you’ll be glad to have remembered is a 25-foot leash (or longer) and stake, or a specially designed tether that can be fastened around a tree for when you cannot let your dog roam free.

If you plan to swim, bring along a dog life jacket. Don’t forget to bring a coat or sweater for short-haired dogs during spring or fall, or even rain gear if your dog is of a particular nature. Booties are also a good idea to protect your dog’s paws on uneven or stony terrain. And lastly, spoil the little fella, because any change of routine can cause some stress. “I always bring some new toys for my dogs to chew on in the evening and a ball to play with them,” says Dr. Sarra-Bournet.

Always phone the campground in advance to ensure dogs are permitted, and ask about any restrictions. For example, some campgrounds have rules against excessive noise at night, so if your dog is a problem barker leave him at home.

Others allow dogs only if leashed at all times. If this constraint is too much for your footloose and fancy-free pet, don’t book at this location.

Choose a site away from the garbage drop-off to avoid temptation and encounters with wildlife, and far from ‘party central’ to avoid a long evening of rocking out to heavy metal. Unless, of course, that is what your dog is into.

It’s important to be mindful of the weather. Dr. Sarra-Bournet offers some good advice for our increasingly humid summer days. “High temperatures can easily cause heatstroke if no precautions are taken. Be sure to offer plenty of fresh water to your dog.” Freeze extra water bottles and “don’t forget that dry food has no water content, so your dog will need to drink more. Make sure your dog has a spot in the shade. Don’t over-exercise her if it is too hot, especially for breeds with short noses.” A quick and easy cool-down remedy for a hot dog is to spray fresh water on the paws and genitals using a spritzer bottle.

Cold temperatures are also a consideration. If your dog isn’t used to staying outside at -10°C, it’s not wise to bring him camping during the winter. “Frostbite can affect all breeds of dogs,” says Dr. Sarra-Bournet. She also advises to protect your dog from the rain and not to leave its coat wet for too long to prevent hot spots.

The first weekend of most summer months often means fireworks. If the blasting is too much for your dog’s sensitive ears, don’t go to a crowded campground over Canada Day, for example.

First off, says Dr. Sarra-Bournet, if your dog has motion sickness, ask your vet for some medication and try it out before your trip.

Whenever you travel, crate your dog or use a body harness and seat belt in case of an accident. Take breaks every two to three hours, even if just for a walkabout, and give your pet some water. “If the temperature is really high in the car, you should give water more frequently and, of course, don’t leave your dog alone in the car, even for five minutes,” reminds the vet.

Also, although it is a high-flying thrill for your dog, don’t allow him to hang his head outside the window en route “as he could develop conjunctivitis.”

On arrival, scout out the site for glass, food left by other campers, and oh-so-tempting animal feces that some dogs just can’t resist rolling in. Then, before you set up camp, assemble your dog’s pen or attach his line and give him a much-needed drink.

Respect the rules, especially leash laws. Dogs can be not only predators and harm wild animals, they can all but scare away or destroy the very nature you have travelled so far to encounter. Remember, too, that dogs can also be prey so keep a watchful eye!

Keep your dog away from campfires. Common sense, no doubt, but unless you have footwear on the pup, those embers can burn a nasty patch through footpads.

Does your dog swim? “Don’t assume that all dogs do,” says Dr. Sarra-Bournet. “Some sink like a rock while others will be tired out very quickly, especially those short-legged dogs. Ideally, try swimming out at home first, and if your dog hates water, you should not force it to swim.” Remember, this trip is supposed to be fun.

The beach is also a prime location for those sand-throwing toddlers, splash-happy preschoolers and Frisbee-flinging youth. If you spot any of this type of wildlife, make sure your dog is child-friendly, or on a tight leash.

In general, know your dog’s language, what sets him off, and how to calm him down.

A life jacket is always a good idea. If you need to wear one, why wouldn’t your dog? A dog can easily panic and both of you can go overboard. It’s best to practise in an empty vessel before you load up your gear. “Some dogs will prefer to swim next to the boat,” says Dr. Sarra-Bournet, “but be sure to keep a close eye on it.”

A camping mate of mine, Jen Gordon of Elora, Ont., has her avid trail dog ‘Ella’ sport her own doggy backpack. “She struts proudly when she wears it. It gives her a job and makes her feel part of the team.” It’s also a handy place to keep a leash, food bowl and toys for those afternoon jaunts – just nothing too heavy, though.

Be careful to ensure that your dog doesn’t bolt after a squirrel near a cliff edge, sending both of you tumbling down. Be well aware of uneven ground and make sure you’re physically able to restrain your dog – for both you and your dog’s safety.

Don’t let these cautionary tales turn you into the Woody Allen of doggie camping. There’s no need to be paranoid or overly protective in the wilderness, just be aware and prepared.