Do you love the outdoors and would you like to bring your dog on your next camping adventure? Here are 17 useful tips to go camping with a dog, written by Tadej Kozar.
Spring is knocking on the door and nature is calling you to join! You’d love to go camping but you have a dog at home. Will he stay at home or will you take your companion along? I’d say you should go camping with your dog!
In this article, I’ll explain what you have to prepare before you go camping with your dog, what equipment you should bring along so your dog feels safe and satisfied, and what things you can do to have a fun camping trip.
Here are my tips that will help you to have a wonderful time while you explore the outdoors together!
Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!
Things to prepare before camping with a dog
These are some things you should prepare before going camping with your dog:
1. Make an appointment with the vet
Your dog should be vaccinated to stay protected from rabies and other viruses. Take him to a vet so he is current on all vaccinations.
Tell the vet that you are going camping and he will give additional tips on how to protect your dog.
2. Get a tick collar
Get your dog a collar that will protect him from ticks and fleas.
Ticks live in the grass, bushes, and leaves so it is best to buy your dog a new collar to protect him from these annoying little creatures.
3. Get a dog ID tag
Your dog should always wear a collar with a tag showing mentioning his and your name, your address, and phone number. This way, if your dog gets lost, the finder can easily reach you.
4. Take a photo of your dog
In case your dog is lost, having his picture will help people to find him.
This is especially helpful if you are staying at a campground where there are more fellow campers.
If he is lost, go to the campground staff and let them make copies of the picture to hang them around the camp.
5. Don’t bring your dog camping in following situations
There are situations in which it’s better to leave your dog at home in the proper care of friends or family instead of taking him outdoors.
When your dog is still a puppy
Don’t go camping with a puppy.
Young dogs bark constantly, don’t recognize danger, and don’t know how to behave so you better teach them some rules so they won’t jeopardize the wild animals and their own safety.
When your dog is sick or injured
You shouldn’t go camping with a sick or injured dog. If you still intend to go camping, find a good dogsitter your dog is in good hands.
Choose a person that he knows and who will give his medications on time.
When your dog is pregnant
What would you do if your pregnant dog goes into labor while you’re camping?
This isn’t a situation that you want to experience. Newborn puppies wouldn’t have proper care out there and would be exposed to danger so stay home with your pregnant dog until she welcomed and nursed her pups.
Camping with your dog guide
Leaving your best friend at home would be wrong – unless for the situations mentioned above – as you two can spend the best camping experience together.
Here are some useful tips for camping with a dog and what dog camping gear you should bring.
6. Choose a dog-friendly campground
If you intend to camp on a campground, make sure you are visiting a dog-friendly one. Not every campsite allows dogs or pets.
Before heading to your destination check if the place allows dogs and what are the rules that you two should follow.
7. Be aware of the rules
No matter where you go, make sure to know the rules for staying outdoors with a dog.
Some parks, beaches, hiking trails, and campgrounds don’t allow animals or have limitations so read all of them and obey to avoid unnecessary penalties.
8. How to choose a tent for camping with a dog
How to choose the right tent for your dog and you? Here are some tent features to consider:
- seasonality
- size
- material
- waterproofness
- thickness of the floor
- interior features
I recommend opting for a quality tent from a well-known brand so you have a safe and dry camping experience.
Look for a tent that is waterproof, easy to pitch, has a thick floor (so your friend won’t tear it), and features that will come in handy for both of you (pockets, vestibule, etc.).
The market offers tents that are specially made to have dogs inside so you can also choose one of those.
If you choose an ordinary model, you can place a tarp over the floor to make sure your pet won’t tear it.
9. Camping with your dog in a motorhome
If you don’t want to share a tent with your dog, you can also look into the options of renting a dog-friendly motorhome.
10. What dog camping gear to bring
1) A strong leash
A strong leash is basic dog gear that you should have with you at all times. Use it while collecting some firewood, cooking a meal or even when you go sleeping.
It’s also very important to leash your dog while going hiking!
2) Dog fence
Bring a portable dog fence so your dog stays in one place. I like these fences as your pet still has room to move around inside. Make sure that your fence is high enough so your dog can’t jump over it and run away.
3) Food and water + bowls
Bring enough food supplies for him and keep them in a container so it will stay fresh. Dog briquettes are the best option since they are dehydrated and won’t spoil. You can also bring a few dog cans.
Make sure that your doggo has clean and fresh water throughout the day. Give him/her the same food as you would at home.
4) Dog sleeping bed
To provide your dog with the best camping experience ever, (s)he should lay on a soft, dry and comfortable bed. You have many options on the market to choose from, just make sure the bed is big enough to fit your furry friend.
5) Dog boots
I recommend bringing dog boots, especially if you have an indoor dog. His paws are gentle and the sticks and rough terrain can make them sensitive.
Right-sized size boots will help your dog to wander happily without pain and protect them from sharp objects.
6) Dog grooming kit
Bringing a grooming kit is important as your dog will get dirty. Use a grooming brush after taking a refreshing bath in the river.
7) First aid kit
You never know what happens while exploring nature so make sure you have packed a dog’s first aid kit to give him proper care in case of an injury.
8) Dog poop bags
Keep the environment clean and take enough poop bags with you. Be consistent and clean up after your dog whenever he relieves himself. Put the used bags in an appropriate container afterward.
9) Toys
Does he have a favorite toy to play with? I am sure you have some space left in the backpack to store it. With it he will feel relaxed and happy.
Reading Tip: How to prepare yourself for hitchhiking and camping in winter
Fun activities to do while camping with your dog
The true meaning of a camping trip is to have fun, right? Here are a couple of tips for activities that will make your dog happy.
11. Play fetch
I am sure that your pet loves to play fetch. Pack his favorite ball or just find a stick in the woods to play. It is a well-known game that will keep him active and will make him have a good rest afterward.
12. Go for a hike
Going for a hike and explore the surroundings is great as you can see beautiful places. Don’t forget to bring a small backpack to store water, food and some basics for your four-paw friend. Hike with your dog on a leash so he won’t wander away and scare the animals.
About the Author
Tadej Kozar is the founder of Camping Valley. The site is an extension of his lifestyle and passion for the outdoors. Everything that he learns, experiences, and finds valuable is on his website. We live in a technological era, but nature reminds us that we should go to places where our hearts and souls feel at home.
Follow Tadej on Pinterest