Camping with your dog is a great experience and one you should take advantage of. However, it can be difficult to know what you need to do in order to make the camping trip safe and enjoyable for both of you. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss everything from what you need to take with you in order to make your trip successful, what activities are appropriate for both of you and how long the camping experience should last.
Table of Contents
Plan Ahead
If this is your first time camping with your dog, it’s important that you plan ahead of time. You should determine what kind of trip it will be and whether or not you’ll need to do any special training in order for the experience to go smoothly.
Remember: Dogs are creatures of habit so if they can’t find a comfortable spot to lay down, they may be grumpy for the entire trip.
- Take any necessary camping equipment with you. Your dog might need a tent or crate in order to feel comfortable and safe during their time away from home
- If they are not used to sleeping in a tent, be sure to bring their bed with you. This will make it easier for them
- Determine what activities they can do and which ones aren’t appropriate. For example, if your dog loves the water but isn’t trained for swimming yet, then bringing them on a kayaking trip may not be the best idea
- Dogs should not stay outside for extended periods of time. If you plan on going out in order to do activities, make sure your dog is comfortable staying inside a tent or crate while you’re away
- Pack their favorite toys and treats in order to keep them occupied while you’re away. You can also bring whatever they need in order to eat during your trip just make sure it’s appropriate
- Prepare some kind of identification in case they get lost while out on your trip.
Camping With Dogs Essentials
- Their favorite toys
- Appropriate food and water bowls
- Collar with your contact number/Identification tag
- Dog bowls
- Poop bags (please dispose of these were designated by campsite owners)
- Towels
- Blankets
During The Camping Trip
Once you’ve set up your tent and supplies, it’s time to focus on making sure your dog is comfortable during the trip. One of the most important things that you can do in order to make your dog feel safe and secure is to bring along their favorite toys. Playing with them will help release any pent up energy that may have built up over the past few days
If they are not used to sleeping in a tent, be sure to leave an open area for them where it’s comfortable enough so they can go lay down if they want to. You can also bring their bed if they prefer that over the ground
Once your dog feels like their space is secure, they will be more comfortable when you’re not around and won’t feel anxious about letting out any excess energy
You should always set up a place for them where they can eat so make sure you pack whatever food and water bowls they need for the trip. If they are used to eating outside, this shouldn’t be difficult
Activities Idea For You and You’re Dog
- Swimming: Most dogs love the water so taking them to a lake or even just having fun playing in puddles is an excellent way for your dog to stay cool during hot days
- Fetch: If you’re both well-trained, then fetch can be a great game that allows you to exercise and bond with your pup at the same time. Just make sure you bring plenty of water
- Hiking: If your dog is in good shape and well-behaved, then hiking or walking trails can be a great way to get some fresh air. Just make sure they are on a leash at all times
- Trail running: This can be a great way for you and your dog to stay in shape while also enjoying the outdoors. Just make sure they are on a leash
- Kayaking/Canoeing: If your pup isn’t afraid of water, bringing them along is an excellent idea as both of you will have lots of fun exploring rivers or lakes together. Just make sure they’re wearing a lifejacket for safety
- Fishing: This may not be the best pastime for you, but if your pup loves to fish then bring them along. It will help keep them occupied and out of trouble during long days on the river or lake
- Bicycling: Most dogs love running alongside bikes so this activity should come naturally for both of you. Just remember that when biking, your dog should wear a leash with an attached identification tag
Note: Don’t let him off his leash unless it’s safe and he has a good recall command down or else there may be some trouble
Food and Water During Your Trip
If you’re bringing along food and water, be sure to bring enough for your dog as well. You don’t want them getting dehydrated or starving during the trip so make sure they are always well fed and hydrated
Just like us, dogs need a lot of fluids when it’s hot outside which is why giving them a constant supply of water is so important.
It’s also important that both of these things are given in an appropriate manner that won’t cause any problems such as them vomiting or having diarrhea
Remember that it’s important for both of you to stay hydrated and fed during the trip so take care of yourself too by staying well-fed and hydrated
Keeping Your Dog Safe Outdoors
Make sure they are wearing their collar or necklace at all times with your contact details to ensure that you can find them if something happens. If your dog is not used to having a leash on, this might be difficult so practicing in the backyard beforehand will help make things easier for both of you. Just remember never let them off their leash unless you can see them and it’s safe
While camping is a fun activity, the outdoors come with many risks such as people that are not dog lovers or animals that could cause your pup harm. Just make sure to keep him on his leash at all to ensure his safety
It’s also important that you keep him on a leash when he is around water to prevent accidents. It’s very easy for them to get pulled away by the current or even worse, get their paws stuck in between some rocks and drown
Note: Make sure they have a good recall command, or let them on the leash when around other people and dogs for their safety. Also, make sure to clean up after your dog while camping! Don’t forget his poop bags (just like you would do at home).
What To Avoid
There are some things that can be difficult for your dog to do while camping such as long hikes or walks. Just like us, they need time to rest and recover in between activities so make sure not to overdo it
- Avoid letting them eat anything they find as some plants and berries can be poisonous to your dog. Also, try not to let them drink from any standing water to prevent them from getting sick
- If you’re going on a longer hike or one that’s very difficult then it might be best if he stays at home. Many dogs aren’t used to long hikes so just make sure the activity is suitable for their age and health
- Try to avoid bringing them along if you’re going on a trip where there’s very little shade. While they can handle the heat better than us, it will still be uncomfortable for him and he may get overheated
- You should never leave your dog in a car or tent while you go out drinking at night. You never know what could happen.
- If your dog is not used to the sound of shooting guns, it’s best if you avoid bringing him hunting with you. Just remember that most dogs aren’t used to loud noises such as gunshots and fireworks so just make sure he stays in a safe place while you’re out.
FAQ
Q. What is the best way to make sure they stay hydrated?
A. Give them fresh clean water at all times to ensure they stay hydrated in a proper bowl. Make sure not to let them drink from standing water as this can cause illness.
Q. What is the best way to keep your dog safe?
A: Make sure he’s wearing a collar with your contact information and always on his leash when around other people or dogs for their safety
Q. Is there anything I should avoid doing while camping?
A. Avoid long hikes or activities that are too difficult for your dog to do, and try not to let them drink from any standing water.
Q. What should I do if there are no trees or shade available?
A. Try to avoid bringing them along if you’re going on a trip where there’s very little shade
Q. Should I avoid bringing him along if I’m going on a trip where there’s very little shade?
A. Yes, just make sure that the activity is appropriate for them as long hikes can be difficult for dogs that are not used to them.
Q. How do I keep him safe when he is around water?
A. Always have them on their leash and never let them off unless you can see where they are. If your dog doesn’t know how to swim, make sure not to throw sticks or balls near the water for him to fetch.
Q. What should I do if he gets tired during a hike?
A. Take it slow and make sure to stop and rest if he gets tired.
Q. Do I need to take a leash with me when camping?
A: He should always be wearing his collar and make sure that your contact details are on there in case something happens! You might also want to bring along some poop bags just like you would at home, but only clean up after
Q. Is it okay for them to be off their leash if they are around people and other dogs?
A. It’s best to keep him on a leash so he doesn’t run away and get in trouble. Just make sure to have a good recall command!
Q. Is it okay for them to go swimming?
A: Make sure they have a life vest on which is designed for dogs, or keep him close by when around water just in case something bad happens!
Q. What should I do if he gets lost?
A. Make sure to set up some signs around the area asking people to call you if they find him or if they see anyone with a dog matching his description. You can also contact your local animal shelter and tell them the situation so they are on the lookout for him, just make sure to include some photos of what he looks like!
Q. What should I do if he is scared of thunder?
A. Keep him inside while it’s storming outside and try to keep his mind off of it by playing with him. If he gets too scared you might want to consider an anxiety wrap or giving them a natural supplement that can help calm their nerves.
Q. What should I do if he is scared of fireworks?
A: Try to stay away from loud noises such as gunshots or firework shows while you are camping, and make sure your dog isn’t in the middle of playing with other dogs when they start setting them off! If it’s too much for him try giving him some natural supplement that can help calm his nerves.
Q. What should I do if he gets overheated?
A: Make sure to keep him in the shade and bring along a little water bowl for them! If they get too hot you might want to consider putting on some sunscreen just like humans would, but only put it on the parts of his body that are exposed to the sun, and never on their face.
