With summer time upon us, everyone I know is going camping. Personally, I don’t find camping all that interesting – but it could be because I live in the country. I already have chickens to feed, a garden to tend, and plenty of outdoor time with the dogs. One thing I do know is that camping is much more fun with a dog. When I was a kid, my hound dog Jake went with me on every Girl Scout trip, and he was always the star of the show.
But camping with your dog does require a little bit of preparation. Dogs need food, clean water, and shelter just like we do – and they also need to be kept safe near the campsite without having to be chained down the whole time. So I got together with a friend of mine who goes camping regularly, and did some research online as well, and we came up with a checklist of all the things you need to go camping with your dog.
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If you are preparing for that last summer hurrah, maybe a 4th of July camping trip, or you’re just interested in what you need to do next time you go, here are some things to bring along.
Leash and Collar
Of course, your dog should have their leash and a good collar with them on this trip. You’ll need to give your dog exercise, and unless you are going to private, fenced-in property, you will need a leash to do this. Be sure it’s a very strong leash that will control your dog should they lunge after a wild animal, for instance. Be sue that the collar includes your dog’s ID with your contact information and their name clearly stated, as well as their rabies tag. If they get separated from you, this will let anyone who finds them know that they are safe to approach, and how to get in touch with you.
A Long Tether
If you are camping in a regular campground, or just in the wilderness somewhere, you’ll need something to keep your dog at the campground when you are resting. This is not the best solution for all day every day – but when you are eating or napping and want to make sure your dog stays where you are, a tether is a good idea.
Be sure it is at least 20 feet long so they have room to move around to shady areas or sunny areas if they want to. And check that the cable and stake are both rated for at least your dog’s weight if not more. Another option is to string up a running line between trees that your dog can be attached to by a second lead.
If you are dead set against the idea of a tether, consider bringing along a large portable pen othat you can set up to keep your dog safe. This may be a good idea if you intend to camp for an extended period of time.
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A Crate or Carrier
Some dogs can sleep in a tent or on the floor of an RV just fine. But if your dog is used to sleeping in their crate, you may want to bring along a portable carrier or crate to make them feel more comfortable. This can also double as a way to keep them put away if you have visitors stop by your campsite, or as a way for them to ride in the car.
If your dog is just going to rough it with you, a harness for the car is a good idea. This will keep your dog safely buckled in on the way to the campsite, and also gives you yet another way to restrain them if need be.
Baby Wipes and Air Freshener for the Car
Many dogs get car sick on road trips, and even if the campsite is close, you don’t want to be without a way to clean up any messes. This can also be helpful if your dog accidentally ingests something they shouldn’t have at the campground. The wet wipes can take care of the mess temporarily, and the air freshener will keep your nose happy!
Another important thing to bring along for the campground is doggie bags. If you are camping in a place where other people camp, you don’t want to leave behind random piles of mess for them to step in later. If you are going to hike on maintained trails, these may be a necessity.
Food, Dishes, and Clean Water
If you aren’t going to a campground where there is a water source for drinking, you do need to bring clean water for your dog. Lake or pond water is typically full of bacteria that your dog shouldn’t be ingesting. If you plant od some hiking or exploring while you are there, bring along a collapsible water bowl so that you can give your dog a drink. Another option is a water bottle with a bowl attached to the lid.
You will also want to bring along whatever treats they like to eat or respond to for commands. Even if your dog is well trained to respond without treats, consider bringing a few anyway to get their attention in a new situation.
A Glow Stick
Here’s something you may not have thought of before! My camping friend suggested that you bring a glow stick to put on your dog’s collar at night. Just slip one end through the collar and then make it into a loop, like an extra ring hanging from the collar. This will help you see your dog at night so you don’t lose track of them.
Brush, Towel, and First Aid Kit
Dogs often go exploring in brush when they are out in a remote area. This can lead to them getting thorns stuck in their fur, getting covered in mud, breaking a nail, getting a deep scratch, or other small injuries. Bring along the tools you need to deal with these things, and your dog will be a lot more comfortable. You can even grab a pre-made dog first aid kit for hiking and camping, and then you will be good to go.
Toys
The last thing on the list is a few good toys to keep your dog busy. Bring along a fetch toy, a ball, a puzzle toy, a tug o’ war toy, or anything else they like to play with. This will help them stay occupied when you are relaxing, and gives you a chance to take advantage of all the room you have to run and play together.
Things to Consider When Going Camping with a Dog
Now that you have your doggie camping checklist all ready to go, you are probably ready to hop in the car and get going. If you’re still in the planning stages, here are some things to consider about camping with your dog:
- Is the campground or area you are going to dog-friendly? Not all campsites allow dogs. If they are dog-friendly, do they have a specific area they want your dog to use as a bathroom? Do they have a dumpster on site for waste bags? Is there a fee to pay for bringing your dog?
- Get your dog’s vaccinations updated if they need to be, before you go. Your dog could be exposed to wild animals with rabies or other viruses while out camping. It is best to ensure that they are protected before you go. Additionally, you’ll probably want to give them a fresh dose of any flea and tick medication you use if it is time.
- Have a list of all the closest vets or emergency care spots near the campground. If there is an emergency, being prepared ahead of time will be a life saver.
- Check that any contact information registered with your dog’s microchip is up to date. You can do this online with the microchip manufacturer, and this will ensure that if your dog does get lost and found, they can be traced back to your current address and phone number.
- Check the weather and be sure you are bringing appropriate items. If it will be extremely hot, you’ll need extra water at the very least. You may also want to consider doggie sunscreen and some UV-resistant booties to keep their feet protected from hot sand or fire ants.
- Keep in mind that tents trap heat just like a car. Never leave your dog alone in a tent, even with water and the “windows” down. This can get extremely hot very fast, and that is bad for your dog’s health. If you are in a situation in which you’d need to leave your dog behind at the campground while you go do things, it may be best to leave your dog at a boarding facility instead.
- Be sure to check your dog for ticks every evening before you go to bed. The sooner you can remove ticks, the less of a chance there is that your dog may catch a disease or illness from these pests. Be sure to use something that will remove ticks safely, not just a standard pair of tweezers.
Should You Take Your Dog Camping?
If you’ve considered everything, packed your dog’s supplies up, and are ready to go, congrats! I hope you have a great time with your dog camping. But if you’re still unsure if camping with your dog is a good idea, here are a few things to keep in mind.
What is your dog’s behavior and demeanor like? Is she generally calm, easy going, and good with directions? This would make her a great camping buddy. However, if she tends to get excited easily, if she can’t resist barking her head off at squirrels, or if she isn’t the best at being around strangers, she may have a hard time with camping. Remember that many campgrounds will ask you to leave if your dog gets noise complaints from the “neighbors”. An unpredictable dog that isn’t fully trained may not be the best camper either – if you can’t trust without any doubt that they’ll be ready to follow every direction you give at all times, then you risk them getting injured or lost.
Also consider if you are a good camper to control a dog. Are you physically able to restrain your dog if they decide to take off after a wild animal? Do you have a good handle on how to handle emergencies? Do you know how to use the doggie first aid kit, and are you able to find ways to keep your dog quiet and calm when needed? If so, then you are probably a great person to take a dog camping with you. However, if the idea of cleaning up your dog’s waste and keeping them occupied instead of relaxing in a hammock ruins the idea of camping for you, consider if you would have a better time leaving Fido at home.
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The Final Word
If you or your dog isn’t ready to go camping together yet, don’t worry. You can always start working on the commands and training that you need to go camping together in the future. Obedience training is a must for a dog that will be in an unpredictable situation, so consider enrolling together in a class. This will give you both the confidence you need to go camping.
If you’re ready to camp together, great! Use this article to help you pack up everything you need and consider all the little details for camping with your dog. While I won’t be taking Janice and Leroy away from this madhouse any time soon, I do love the idea of taking an off-the-grid vacation with your dog. It’s a great way to bond together and I think anyone who likes to camp should give it a try at least once!
Related Content:
7 Tips for Taking a Road Trip with Your Dog
How to Turn an Outdoor Dog into an Indoor Dog
9 Dog Toys That Will Make Your Pup Pay Attention
Normal Dog Play vs. Aggression – Know the Difference and Keep Your Dogs Safe
Sources:
http://www.camptrip.com/camping-with-a-dog/dog-camping-checklist/
https://www.vetbabble.com/dogs/camping-with-dog/
http://www.camptrip.com/camping-with-a-dog/take-my-dog-camping/