Exploring Western Australia

Submitted: Friday, Jul 05, 2013 at 19:45

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Travelling with Dogs

This article highlights the precautions and planning considerations that go into a making a holiday away with your dog comfortable and safe - for them, your family,

Bush Camping with Dogs

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This is the essential guide to camping your way around Australia without leaving your four-legged friends at home.This guide contains all the information you need to get away from it all with your

islandmick

Travelling for 6 months next year with the wife and daughter. Would like to free camp if possible. We would love to be able to take the beloved German Short haired pointer dogs but not sure if this is a good idea. Has anyone travelled with dogs successfully? We are taking swags and tent plus the boat. Hoping to stick to the coast as much as possible. What is everyone's previous experience of this?

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Reply By: The Explorer - Friday, Jul 05, 2013 at 20:56

Friday, Jul 05, 2013 at 20:56

Hi

As far as national parks go - check out the WA Department of Parks and Wildlife "park finder"

A quick look suggests that only ~18 of the ~145 parks/reserves allow dogs (click on the "dogs allowed?" filter.)

No idea of "free" camps that would allow dogs ..suspect most legal options would be on the side of the road or in areas away from the coast.

Also be aware of dog/fox baits ("1080") - commonly used in WA for control of feral carnivores (e.g. foxes)..could result in the gruesome, untimely death of your pooch if you let them loose in an area where 1080 is in use.

Cheers
Greg

I sent one final shout after him to stick to the track, to which he replied “All right,” That was the last ever seen of Gibson - E Giles 23 April 1874

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Follow Up By: Grumblebum and the Dragon - Saturday, Jul 06, 2013 at 10:26

Saturday, Jul 06, 2013 at 10:26

We travelled for 6 months down the coast with a lab and a big bitzer with no problems. Most free parks are OK with dogs but only some caravan parks allow them. Most pastoralists do not bait close to roads or waterholes likely to be accessed by the publioc due to the obvious risks. This does not guarrantee a bait will not be present. Foxes can regurgate them as do eagles and crows will carry them and drop them someplace else.

Muzzles are recommended in risk areas as a bait can be taken even with a dog on a lead - gulped down in a flash and then its all over.

We stuck pretty close to the coast and did not muzzle and did not have a problem. Just be aware.

John

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Reply By: Member - The Crow - Saturday, Jul 06, 2013 at 16:36

Saturday, Jul 06, 2013 at 16:36

Grab Camps 7 Australia Wide it has the free camps that allow dogs. We have been on the road since November 2009 and have had no trouble traveling with our Jack Russell. You just have to plan ahead a little bit more. This book is our free camps bible.

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Thanks for the Rest Flying West and Flying Very Low along the track not coming back. The Crow

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Reply By: islandmick - Monday, Jul 08, 2013 at 07:02

Monday, Jul 08, 2013 at 07:02

Thanks for the info guys. We will do a bit more research before we make our final decision. Would prefer to take them if we can but don't want to be held back by them. Not that interested in going inland unless someone can convince us there is a good reason to. Happy to get more info from anyone.

Cheers,

Islandmick

AnswerID: 514469

Reply By: Daisy G - Thursday, Jul 11, 2013 at 15:49

Thursday, Jul 11, 2013 at 15:49

When taking a boat camping with your dog, there are a few matters you need to keep in mind.
First, keep it secure. As dogs like sun, he/she like to chase the bird. So just image the situation, the dog just into the sea when chasing a bird.

AnswerID: 514615

Reply By: Daisy G - Thursday, Jul 11, 2013 at 15:51

Thursday, Jul 11, 2013 at 15:51

Secondly, give a frequent drink to your dog. It is critical near the beach because dogs like to swallow saltwater, which will increase his/ her dehydration. Give the dog a bowl, so that you can frequently offer him a drink.

AnswerID: 514616

Reply By: Daisy G - Thursday, Jul 11, 2013 at 15:56

Thursday, Jul 11, 2013 at 15:56

IN thunderstaorm days, remember to keep your dog secure. As the loud and unfamiliar noise will frighten the animals, like dog which will cause them jump fences.

AnswerID: 514617

Reply By: Daisy G - Thursday, Jul 11, 2013 at 16:00

Thursday, Jul 11, 2013 at 16:00

When the sun is bright, remember to avoid "burns" of the dog. Provide some protection against the sun, pets just like humans, they will get burnt. Offer a shelter or long time exposure under the sun. The ear, tips and nose are the areas the pet are most likely to be burn, so keep sunscreen if possible.

AnswerID: 514618