Camping vacations in Quebec are popular these days. COVID-19 helped with that, but why not take advantage of the many camping and hiking locations in Quebec and even include your dog in your vacation or camping plans? Our previous blog post;  3 hikes less than 2 hours from Montreal to do with your dog already gives you some ideas for activities, today we are talking about camping!

The province is large and there are many places to visit. Here is a short guide that will be useful if you want to initiate camping with your dog.

Getting to your destination

Before even thinking about camping, you have to get to your destination!

For travel by car, a harness or a safety strap is highly recommended. This will prevent your dog from walking around the vehicle and being a nuisance to the person behind the wheel. If your dog is smaller, there are also carriers  that can be installed in the car.

A car seat cover is also a must to have to protect your seats from the dog hair and dirt that are inevitable during a road trip.

Some dogs are less fond of car travel, which can even lead to unpleasant surprises like vomiting, excessive panting and overall discomfort for you and your dog. It is therefore important to check before your big trip to see whether your dog is comfortable in the car. 

If it is not, it’s better to take it slow and teach your dog that the car is good:

1.  Start by getting the dog used to getting in and out of the car when the engine is off. Reward the dog when he jumps in so that it associates being in the car with something positive.
2.  When the dog is happy to see the car, we try step 1, but with the engine running. We continue to reward the dog when it is in the car.
3.  You can now ask the dog to stay in the car for a short period of time (while you are there too). You can bring a chew toy (like a kong filled with frozen food) to keep your dog busy. Start with short sessions, then gradually increase the duration.
4.  Once your dog is comfortable in the car for several minutes, the movement is introduced. Start slowly, making short (or very, very short) trips. Just minutes! Remember to include the toy you gave your dog in step 3. Gradually increase the length of the trips.
5.  Some products can help with anxiety while driving (like CBD oil), but it’s always best to pair them with positive reinforcement training.
6.  If you have trouble getting your dog used to the car, don’t hesitate to contact a canine trainer who works in positive reinforcement.

You are now ready to hit the road! Don’t forget to bring water and take lots of pee breaks if you’re going for a long car ride. Your dog will appreciate it!

To see our essential products for Road Trips, click here!

At The Camp Site

Camping is an activity that many dogs enjoy. They’re in nature, can sniff new smells and they’re spending most of their time outside! To make the most of your camping trip, here is a small list of essential equipment and resources:

1. Food and water: Obviously, your dog will need to eat and drink during your vacation. For food, there are lighter alternatives than kibble or raw, especially dehydrated, freeze-dried or air-dried food. These are good alternatives if you want to reduce the weight of your luggage, but it will often be necessary to rehydrate it with water before feeding the dog.
2. Collapsible bowls: They are easier to transport, are lighter and take up less space, perfect for camping!
3. Cooling vest: If it’s supposed to be very hot and your dog cannot stand the heat, a cooling vest is a must! If there’s one thing you can’t have when camping, it’s air conditioning, so plan accordingly!
4. Toys: They keep your dog busy on the campsite while you are eating or relaxing by the fire.
5. Cushion / sleeping bag: There are several sleeping bags on the market for dogs. Whether you decide to go for one of them, a regular old sleeping bag or a cushion with a blanket, make sure your dog has his own space to relax and sleep. To help your dog be even more comfortable you can get him used to sleeping on this cushion or sleeping bag at home first.
6. A first aid kit: Because prevention is key, a first aid kit for pets is essential when camping. Be sure to familiarize yourself with first aid techniques before your vacation.
7. A mosquito repellent spray: Avoid your dog the inconvenience of mosquitoes, allowing him to fully enjoy the holidays!
8. A guide with 5 camping and hiking spots in Quebec to enjoy with your dog: In the form of a PDF document, this guide allows you to discover new places in Quebec and to facilitate planning your vacation.

To see our camping essentials, click here!