With the warm spring weather just around the corner, many outdoorsy dog owners are already planning this season’s outside adventures!

The American Veterinary Medical Association has created a series of disease prevention tips for dog owners who take their pets hiking, backpacking, and camping.

Here are some highlights, but be sure to check out the AVMA website for the full list!

• Make sure your dog is up to date on all her vaccines, especially rabies.
• Avoid feeding your dog raw or undercooked meat while camping.
• Report signs of sick wildlife to your state fish and game agency, and never let your dog consume dead wildlife.
• Wash cooking tools and equipment thoroughly and wash your hands between handling animals, equipment, and food.

• Apply flea and tick prevention treatments to your dog and avoid areas known to be tick infested. Check your dog for ticks often.
• Carry a pet first aid kit in addition to a human first aid kit, and consider getting some basic pet first aid training.
• Talk to your veterinarian about getting stool samples from your dog checked for intestinal parasites.