This guide will tell you everything you need to know for camping with dogs. If you’re an avid camper, you know that dogs make great companions while you’re in the wilderness—so much so that they are often referred to as man’s best friend. If you want to bring your best friend along on your next camping trip, though, there are certain safety precautions that you need to take into consideration before embarking on your journey.
To ensure that your dog has a safe and fun time during your camping experience, keep these simple tips in mind when planning your trip with him or her by your side!
What Should I Pack?
Pack the essentials, including a spare leash, poop bags, food bowls and water bowls, and ID tags. Bring toys for your dog if you think they’ll want something to occupy their time. There are also some camping-specific items you may want in your pack like a camping bowl or bottle opener.
These are things that may not be on your mind but will definitely come in handy while at camp. If you’re using a portable potty system make sure to bring enough bags so there’s always one available.
Remember to keep your pet well hydrated during hot days by bringing plenty of fresh water along with coolers filled with ice. And lastly, make sure all vaccines are up-to-date before taking off on an adventure with Rover.
Type of Dogs To Consider For Camping
Now that you’ve got your gear figured out, it’s time to take a closer look at the pets coming along with you. Make sure that everyone’s on board with the decision of bringing Fido on your trip (since dogs can scare wildlife and even other campers).
If your dog is more than 40 pounds, camping might not be the best idea. Try opting for an overnight stay in a hotel instead. Some hotels will let pets stay as long as they have a kennel so you won’t have to worry about lugging one around all day or night.
Make sure that your pup isn’t going to get stressed out by his surroundings or feel cramped by packing them inside of their tent because they’ll most likely leave some evidence behind.
What Other Items Are Necessary For Camping with Dogs?
The four most important things that you will need in order to be fully prepared are: food, water, poop bags, and a way to carry the dogs. For starters, make sure you have enough water and food for each of your pets. This includes preparing a meal that is safe for dogs as well as getting a container large enough for your pup’s meal.
Make sure that you bring fresh poop bags so that if you’re in an area where there is no waste disposal (due to wildlife or space constraints), you’ll have something on hand to clean up after your dog and keep the camping site free of any accidents.
The last thing on our list is a carrying case or leash specifically designed for transporting the dogs with ease.
Preparing Your Dog Beforehand – Spaying/Neutering, Vaccinations, Identification Tag
Your dog should be spayed or neutered before going on any camping trips with you. This will not only help your dog live a longer, healthier life, but it also reduces the chances of the dog getting into breeding behaviors.
Some vets might recommend booster shots of vaccinations against diseases like rabies or distemper as well before your trip. It is best to use an identification tag that has the phone number of your vet and some other phone numbers in case an emergency happens while you are away from home.
Preparing Your Dog For The Trip
Your dog has just as much right to enjoy the great outdoors as you do. But that doesn’t mean they can just waltz into the woods without preparation. There are many things to consider before letting your pup venture off into the wild, and being well prepared can be the difference between a fun camping trip and a traumatic one.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about going camping with your dog. What to pack, what not to forget, safety tips, and more.
We’ll start by packing all of the necessary supplies for both you and your pup in an accessible place in the car or RV so that there’s no unnecessary hassle once you’re at camp. Next, make sure your dog is up-to-date on their vaccinations and parasite prevention.
Then take some time with them before leaving to make sure they have some personal items like toys and treats along for the ride (just don’t forget to pack these in the car!). If your pup is a picky eater, it might also be worth packing some food too so that you don’t end up trying to scavenge scraps from campsites or get caught up at fast food restaurants trying to find something healthy for them.
The next thing you want to think about is health hazards while out on the trail; bring plenty of water and stay hydrated!
Helpful Tips To Keep Your Dog Happy and Safe While on the Trail
- Be on the lookout for wildlife, especially if you are in bear country. It is best not to leave your dog alone as this can often lead to tragic results and an injured or dead pet. If your dog does have a tendency to chase after wildlife, use a leash that allows you to retrieve it if it does, otherwise it will run away and you will have no chance of finding it.
- Stay at campgrounds that allow dogs and make sure there is ample water available, but avoid stagnant ponds if possible as these can lead to intestinal distress in some dogs. Your pup will need at least 3-4 gallons of water each day so plan accordingly and don’t let them drink more than one gallon per hour or risk renal failure which could potentially result in death by dehydration.
Preventative Measures Against Threats to your Dog’s Health in the Wild
At the top of the list, bugs can pose a serious threat to your dog. Mosquitoes can carry heartworm, ticks can carry Lyme disease and other diseases, and flies transmit horseflies that irritate the skin. Choose your campsite wisely and avoid shady areas during times when mosquitos or flies are at their peak. Wearing mosquito-repellent is also a good idea.
Secondly, animals are likely in the wild so be mindful of what time of day you hike or camp out so you don’t disturb any animals who may have been nesting or have recently given birth. If a bear encounter happens while camping with dogs, do not run because it will trigger their predatory instinct.
The Final Word… So Go Out There And Have Some Fun!
This completes our Complete Safety Guide for Camping with Dogs. We hope that this has been helpful and that it helps keep your dog happy, healthy, and safe when you’re out camping. The most important thing we can say is be sure to have a leash on your dog while they are in the tent.
Even the friendliest pup will grow anxious when they hear strange noises in the night and have no way of escape.
FAQS
Where should my dog sleep when camping?
I find that they sleep best in a tent, especially if you’re tent camping with dog. They have access to fresh air and are able to see the world around them while they sleep. Some will like sleeping in a hammock or staying close to you if you’re hammock camping with dog. It all depends on their personality and preference!
Are dogs OK in tents?
While not everyone is a fan of the idea, tent camping with your dog can be a great experience. The key to success, however, is planning and preparation. Tents offer little protection from bugs or predators, so you’ll need to plan how your pup will spend the night and make sure he has easy access to water throughout the day.
Do dogs need sleeping bags camping?
Sleeping bags are generally not required for dogs camping in a tent. If your dog needs an extra layer of protection from the cold, you can keep a baby blanket next to him during the night and use it if he becomes chilly. For hammock camping with dog, make sure you have a pet sleeping bag or just put another blanket under your pup to add warmth.
Can I leave my dog alone in a tent?
Dogs are very social animals who need their human family members nearby in order to feel safe. Keep your dog inside the tent with you, either on a cot or dog bed, if you want them to feel calm and comfortable. Dogs that are left alone outside of a tent tend to experience separation anxiety and will bark all night long. This could attract unwanted attention from other people camping in the area as well as wild animals like raccoons, which can be hazardous for both your pet and those around them.
How can I calm my dog down in a tent?
There are many ways you can keep your dog calm while camping, but if they seem like they’re being overwhelmed by everything, try bringing a blanket and placing it under their feet. Give them a bone or toy to chew on and make sure they get plenty of water. Try leaving them with somebody who is calm themselves so that they can spend some time together while you go out with the group and enjoy yourself.
How do campers keep dogs warm at night?
If your pup loves curling up in the tent with you, it can be hard to keep them warm at night. Luckily, there are a few ways of doing so. You should buy or make a dog sleeping bag. This will help them stay cozy while they’re snoozing, and it’ll also keep their paws from getting cold during the night when they might otherwise leave your tent just to get away from being cold.
What temperature is too cold camping?
The best rule of thumb when deciding what temperature is too cold camping with a dog is if the temperature falls below 15 degrees Fahrenheit, it is too cold and you should go indoors. The dog might be able to handle colder temperatures than humans but they will feel the effects of the weather much faster, so stay safe by going inside if it’s below 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
