If you're like most people who share your life and home with a canine companion, you prefer to include your dog in as many activities as possible. To that end, you may be considering taking your pet with you on your upcoming vacation — which is a great idea. Dogs love outdoor-based vacations, and some cabins are pet-friendly. To get the most of your vacation with your dog, follow the advice below.

Have Your Dog Groomed Prior to Your Vacation

Outdoor-based activities tend to cause mats and snarls in dog fur, so get ahead of the game by having your pet groomed a few days before you're planning to set off on your adventure. This will also minimize shedding within the cabin interior, and as an added bonus, it'll make it easier for you to check your pet with ticks — something you should do at the end of every day when enjoying outdoor spaces.

Pack a Bag Just for Your Dog

You probably already know that you'll need to bring along food and treats for your furry friend as well as a favorite toy or two and whatever medication your pet may be taking, but other items should be packed as well. For instance, outdoor vacations come with a variety of risks for dogs, such as insect stings and a variety of cuts and scrapes that can easily happen while enjoying outdoor activity. Affected areas can become infected if not given the proper attention, so pack along a basic first aid kit specifically designed for dogs. 

Bring Vet Records and Photos

If you're like most dog owners, your pet is microchipped to maximize the chances of being reunited with it if it's returned to you, and you probably have a variety of photos of your pet on your smartphone. However, having hard copies of photos on hand provides you with instant posters to tack up on local bulletin boards and hand out to local storekeepers and campground and cabin hosts. Having vet records on is important in case your pet falls ill or becomes injured and needs care from a veterinarian who isn't familiar with your dog's medical history.

Keep Your Dog Leashed

Visitors have a wide range of outdoor spaces to explore, and some are tempted to let their dogs run off-leash. However, the state parks require that all dogs be kept on a leash not more than 10 feet in length. It's also safer for the animal that way — few dogs can resist chasing after rabbits or other wildlife and may become hopelessly lost as a result.   

If you're planning to visit broken bow cabins or other interesting campsites, be sure to read about their pet policies.