Camping With Your Dog: The Ultimate Guide for Pet-Friendly Adventures
You and your furry friend may already enjoy spending time together in nature, going on hikes or long walks. You have probably also seen a number of people posting cozy Insta photos of themselves and their dogs camping, and want a piece of that action.
However, camping with your dog can be a big responsibility.
How do you go about organizing a camping trip that’ll remain stress-free and help you both enjoy the wild?
Let's take a look.
Is Your Dog Camp Ready?
You have probably already checked if the campsite you are interested in is dog friendly. Those that do let animals in tend to be a bit more understanding about barking and so on, but you still need to make sure your dog is going to be ok.
Most state and local parks should indicate on their website what areas are open to dogs, which are closed off, and which require leashes. Please try to respect these rules for your own safety, as well as the enjoyment of future doggy campers.
If your dog is a heavy barker or reactive, then they may be a nuisance to other campers, which can be embarrassing and put both them and others at risk.
Reactive and untrained dogs might also endanger wildlife and sour potentially friendly locations. Dogs that are very anxious and can’t handle disruptions might also be happier at home.
Your dog should also be healthy enough to handle a camping adventure. Dogs that are elderly, pregnant, sick, or injured may not be ok roughing it in the wild. You also don’t want to risk them suddenly getting worse when you’re far from your usual vet.
Your dog should be well trained for their own safety, and come when you call them back. They should also be able to handle the unusual sights and smells of nature, and be ok with other dogs.
It's better to go camping with one or two dogs rather than a big pack.
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Prepping Your Dog
Before you head out, there are some things you must make sure of.
Make sure your dog is vaccinated
Your dog is at risk of being exposed to diseases while out in the camp. They are likely to come across animal and dog feces as well as dirty water and other hazards. They can also become a risk to other dogs and wild animals if they spread a disease you didn't know of. It's a requirement for entry into a lot of campsites.
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Decent grooming can dissuade ticks or fleas from attaching, and from thorns or burrs getting tangled. Just avoid cutting too short if your dog is going to sleep in the tent.
Microchipping
It's a good idea to have a tag with an ID on it on your dog at all times, but this can be difficult on small dogs and can also come off. Having an up to date microchip can save you a lot of stress in the worst case scenario.
Tick and flea prevention
Talk to your vet about making sure that your dog is safe from ticks and fleas. Some medication can take a while to kick in, so do this ahead of time.
Dog Camping Gear
When you take your dog camping, there are a few doggy items that you are going to need to bring along.
Food and Water
Naturally, food and water are going to need to be important. It's not the best idea to let your dog drink from natural resources unless you are 100% certain they are safe. Make sure to bring a pet friendly water bottle or collapsible dish for the campsite and walking.
Bringing clean cold water to let your dog cool off and splash around can be a lifesaver in a heatwave.
Plan your sleeping arrangements
If you are doing tent camping, then you will need to make arrangements for where your dogs sleep. Sleeping outside can be dangerous, cold, and leave your dog vulnerable to wild animals.
Even dog friendly sites do not want your dog running around in the early morning.
You should let your dogs sleep inside the tent, preferably making sure they have a sleeping bag or blanket for cold weather, and leave extra room on your air mattress.
Small dogs can also sleep inside your sleeping bag if they are used to it. Dogs should not be outside in weather colder than 45 degrees for extended periods.
Bring high-quality clothing
When taking a dog camping, it's important to consider if their temperature needs are being met. Brachycephalic and overweight dogs will struggle with heat, while many dogs may become uncomfortably cold in a tent. Whether in a forest or desert, nighttime temperatures can drop unexpectedly.
It is a good idea to include some warm doggy clothing in your dog camping gear. Warm, brightly colored clothing will keep your dogs safe, help your dogs sleep comfortably, and allow them to be easily spotted if you become separated.
For some comfortable, warm, and stylish options, consider checking out Sparkpaw’s Dog Hoodie Collection for a variety of options.
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A good pair of dog shoes for your dog camping will also come in handy if you are planning your camping trip somewhere with hiking or trail running. It will also keep them safe from any broken glass or hot ash at the campsite.
Leashing
Pet owners should always have a leash in their dog camping gear at all times. While some state and national parks allow off-leashing, the regulations can change from one area to another. A solid leash can also help you keep your dog close and away from dangers like a fire pit or rowdy campers.
First Aid and safety
Your canine companions need you to look out for them, whether car camping at the beach or tent camping in national parks, accidents can happen.
Try to keep your dog inside at night to reduce the chance of theft or wild animal encounters.
Always check what wildlife is around when in unfamiliar territory. Don’t leave unattended dog food around the tent or car, and keep an eye on park warnings and animal sightings. Keep an eye out for signs of a snakebite such as vomiting, tremors, and puncture wounds.
Do not assume that all OTC medications you’ve brought on your camping trip first aid kit can be used on your dog. Many doses are also unsafe for dogs, so try to clear them with your veterinarian first.
Avoid all kinds of aspirins, and stick to antihistamines that only contain antihistamine.[2] Make sure to bring bandages, dog-safe topical ointment, as well as 3% hydrogen peroxide if you need to make your dog throw up.
It's also a good idea to take a recent photo when camping with your dog, as well as an ID that you can attach to their harness or collar.
Bring toys
Most campgrounds aren't designed with dogs in mind. While they will be busy with you most of the day, they might become bored or agitated around camp, especially if they have to stay in or nearby the tent.
It's best for both you and your dog if there is something to keep your dog quiet and distracted. Make sure to bring a selection of toys that you know they enjoy, as well as some treats and snacks.
Plan ahead and do a trial run
The best way to enjoy camping with dogs is to plan ahead. Make sure the weather is alright for your dog and plan your itinerary. You will need to know ahead of time when your dog can and can’t go, and what you can do if you have to leave them behind.
Make sure your dog has had their nails clipped, you don’t want dog nails puncturing your air mattress on the first night.
While it's not good to be anxious, take some time to think about what you can do in an emergency and what numbers you may need to call. Including an emergency contact on your dog’s ID can be a useful step.
Take your dog on a day walk through a national park and see how they react to being there. Take longer walks to get their fitness and leash training up to speed, and take them to dog parks to see if they can socialize well with others.
You can even try a trial run by camping in your backyard. This will give you the best idea of how your camping equipment is going to hold up against your dog and their plans.
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Final Tips
You should have everything you need, but there are a few things you might not take into consideration if you’ve never been camping with your dog.
Does your dog get carsick?
Don't plan a lot of driving trails, or go camping too far away, if you know your dog gets sick. Very anxious dogs may also find riding in the car to be a stressful experience.
Plan your camping spot
Human needs are different from doggy needs. You might choose a spot near the bathrooms for your own convenience, but remember that many people will walk past your tent and get barked at.
Choosing a spot near a trail or parking lot may also cause your dog to become agitated.
Don’t put dog beds, toys, or food near any tent ropes or other equipment that your dog may run into or get tangled in. Try to make sure that they’re not going to overheat by being too close to a campfire, either.
Go to the bathroom before dark
It can be dangerous for your dog to go out to potty at night, so try to encourage them to do their business before coming in for the night.
Conclusion
Make sure your dog is healthy, well-trained, and able to handle unfamiliar sights, sounds, and other animals. Reactive, anxious, or sick dogs may be better off staying at home. Always follow park rules regarding dogs, such as leash requirements.
Grooming helps prevent ticks, fleas, and burrs. Take precautions before your dog gets lost, such as microchipping and having an up-to-date photo. Use flea and tick prevention before your trip.
Bring a dog-specific first aid kit, including safe medications and bandages, and keep your dog inside at night to avoid wild animals or theft. Don’t leave dog food out, and watch for dangerous wildlife like snakes
Bring enough clean water, food, bowls, treats, and warm bedding. Pack clothing for cold weather and shoes for rough or hot terrain. Always have a leash, and know the local leash rules.
Camping can take a little extra planning, but it can be a wonderful experience for both you and your dog.
Happy Walking!
Ext Links
[1] https://www.welgelegendierekliniek.co.za