Camping is one of the most popular pastimes for people with dogs. Dogs are happy to rough it out at any campsite you choose, so long as they have plenty of time to sniff around and explore their surroundings. You can take your dog camping at any time of year, but it’s best to find a site that has trailer hook-ups or amenities like pet-friendly cabins or recreation vehicle (RV) sites. Camping with dog is a lot of fun, but it isn’t always easy. Before you take your furry friend on an adventure in the great outdoors, there are some things you will want to consider.
Planning Your Trip & Packing List
Research Dog-Friendly Campgrounds
- Check out the pet policy for the campground to see the size and breed restrictions.
- Make sure you read up on local leash rules before taking your dog for walks so you know if there are any restrictions you need to follow. Spend some time going over this checklist and you’ll be well-prepared to take care of your dog.
- Ask for information about veterinary clinics in that area and contact them to confirm that they accept emergency cases.
- If your pup is new to camping, consider taking them on a short trial run before you go all out – this way they’ll be familiar.
Prep your dog gear before camping adventure
- Before taking your dog anywhere, talk to your vet first. They’ll be able to give you some tips on making sure he stays healthy during his trip. And if your dog gets sick, they may even know something about treating him. In addition, make sure that your dog has been vaccinated against rabies and distemper and consider vaccinating him/her against Lyme disease and Bordetellosis if he/she will spend time outdoors in groups of animals.
- Identification tags with a phone number and/or an emergency contact number attached to them
- Collar or harness with an extra one
- You need to keep an up-to-date picture of your pet, his vet record, and/or health insurance card handy at all times.
- To be safe, be sure to have a first aid kit available. It should contain eyewash that is pet-safe and a clean towel or blanket in case of injury.
- Bring plenty of water and food for when you’re traveling, plus some extras just in case.
- Portable dog bowls: water bowls and food bowls
- Tent Camping
- Pack a tick removal tool, dog shampoo, including a de-skunk kit and dog towels
- Poop bags and Wipe (Environmentally-friendly products)
- Paw protectors/rain or cold-weather gear
- Dog life jacket
- A small non-skid pad for inside the RV or campground and a carpeted flooring surface you can easily wash and wipe down for outside use.
- Traveling with a dog can be difficult and that’s why we recommend taking less urban routes to provide them with the space and privacy they need. Events with plenty of people and commotion might scare dogs so it’s best to avoid them.
How to Keep Your Dog Happy and Safe at Campsite
Traveling and camping with your dog is a great way to spend time bonding and exploring the natural world. Your pup also gets to experience an environment that will be new and different for it. If you think your dog smiles when you go for a walk, wait until he or she goes hiking!
Camping with your dog can be a great experience for both of you if done safely and responsibly. Here are some tips for camping to make sure your pup is having a good time:
HEALTH AND SAFETY
- Pay attention to your dog’s health and behavior and be observant for any signs of anxiety, stress, or fear.
- Understand the potential dangers associated with encountering wild animals, plants, and insects before going out into nature.
- To protect your dog from ticks, fleas, intestinal worms, and mosquitoes, buy a tick collar for dogs, an insecticide spray, and a repellant made especially for pets.
- Make sure your dog has plenty of opportunities for physical activity and relaxation. Make sure that its sleeping space is ventilated and that it has access to fresh air.
- After feeding your pet, remove any leftover food from its bowl and dispose of it properly so that no animals get into it.
- Dogs should never be left unattended or allowed to roam without a leash.
- It’s important for dog owners to know that taking their pets into wilderness areas isn’t always safe. In addition, certain parks don’t allow dogs at all. Some wilderness areas may be unsuitable for dogs because they’re too rough, there might be dangerous animals present, or there could even be bear encounters.
Campground Pet Rules and Etiquette
These are some common general rules for camping and etiquette that campers should be aware of.
- Always respect park rules concerning off-leash dogs and leashes, and be sure to keep your dog under control when he’s not on his leash.
- If you’re going camping, don’t leave your dog unattended outside your RV or anywhere else for long periods of time without first training him/her to stay by himself/themselves.
- While camping, keep your dog leashed so he doesn’t run off and cause trouble for others. Also, be sure to keep him safe from wild animals.
- Don’t allow your dog to bark constantly. If your dog barks continuously it may disturb not just your neighbor but any wild animals who might hear him/her.
- When picking up after your pet, always use biodegradable dog poo bags. Put away any pet waste into an appropriate trash container.
Leash Regulations
- When camping at a park or campground, tethering your pet’s leash to a strong tree branch or post is an easy way to keep them safe when they get out of control.
- You must keep an eye out for any obstacles when walking your dog because they can easily trip up and injure themselves if not careful enough.
- Away from the campfire! If your dog is afraid of smoke, it’s crucial to keep them away when there’s a fire outside. Make sure the wind isn’t blowing the smoke towards your home so that they don’t get worse.