6 Practical Tips for Camping With Dogs

Author: Janine DeVault

If you’re an outdoors enthusiast, you’re probably excited about the prospect of bringing your dog along with you on your next camping trip. While camping with dogs can be a fun and rewarding experience, it requires some extra planning and precautions. 

Whether you’re brand new to camping with your pup or are simply looking for ways to make the experience easier for both of you, these tips for camping with dogs will set you up for a safe and rewarding experience.

1. Reserve A Dog-Friendly Campsite

Camping with your dog will be much less stressful if you know your pet is welcome, so don’t leave it up to chance. Reserve a pet-friendly campsite in advance to ensure you and your dog have somewhere safe to rest your heads at the end of the day. 

Since there will likely be other campers with dogs, be prepared to supervise your dog closely. Even though your dog may be friendly, it’s essential to respect the boundaries of others who may not be. You can’t necessarily count on other pet parents to be as vigilant as you are. 

2. Pack Plenty of Water For Your Pup 

Dehydration can be dangerous for dogs, so ensure you always have plenty of water on hand for your pup. If your camping trip involves hiking, your dog will likely be exerting more than usual and thus require more water.

Dehydration can be challenging to reverse, and may even require medical attention, so don’t risk it. Pack a collapsible water dish and a dedicated bottle of water for your pup to ensure water is always easy to access. 

3. Prepare A First-Aid Kit

Traveling with a doggy first aid kit is always wise. This way, you’ll be prepared to treat your pup’s minor injuries, which could save your dog a lot of discomfort and a trip to the vet.

Whether you opt to purchase a ready-made pet first aid kit or prefer to assemble your own, ensure the kit includes:

• Tweezers
• Gauze for protecting wounds
• Adhesive tape for securing gauze
• Anti-septic spray
• Scissors
• A thermometer
• Soft muzzle

You should also keep a copy of your dog’s medical and vaccination records on hand, should you need to reference them in an emergency. 

4. Bring Along Some Tasty Treats 

Being in an intriguing new environment like a campground can make it difficult for your dog to settle down at the end of the day. That’s when treats and toys come in handy.

Natural Farm’s Gourmet Collagen Sticks have an enhanced beef flavor and are a great source of collagen and amino acids to promote a shiny coat and nurture joints. In addition to those benefits, the Gourmet Collagen Sticks last 20% longer than the average bully stick, making them a great source of prolonged entertainment for your pup.

Offer your dog one of these chews to help them settle down while you work to prepare dinner, set up your campsite, or rest in the evening. 

5. Keep Your Dog Close

Not only should you take care not to disturb fellow campers, but you’ll also want to ensure your dog doesn’t get into something they shouldn’t. After all, campsites offer a wealth of forbidden substances that dogs are sure to be drawn to. From digging through other campers’ food stash to investigating the outhouse, there’s a lot your pup could get into.

Not to mention, there’s always a risk that your dog could come across toxic or dangerous items while foraging around the campground. 

With this in mind, keep your dog close at all times. If you don’t trust your dog off-leash, find somewhere convenient to tether them within your campsite. This way your pup still feels like part of the group. The leg of a picnic often works great for this purpose.

6. Be Aware Of Fleas, Ticks, And Environmental Dangers

Fleas and ticks are common in some regions, so ensure you follow a flea and tick regimen before and after your camping trip. There are many options for prevention, both medical and natural, so speak to your vet if you need guidance. It’s wise to perform daily tick checks on your pup to spot and remove these pesky insects before they harm your dog.

You should also research other regional hazards, including poisonous plants or snakes that could pose a risk to you or your dog. When in doubt, ask your vet for tips on what to do if your dog comes into contact with any of these dangers. 

Have A Wonderful Time!

Camping with your dog can be a fun and rewarding experience. There are many benefits of taking your pup with you on an outdoor adventure, including increased exercise (especially for highly active dogs), company when it’s just the two of you in nature, quality time to bond, and more! Following these simple tips will help you and your pup have a memorable time– even if there isn't any cell phone reception!