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Camping with Dogs

Do you want to spend some time outdoors with your favorite furry companion? Camping with dogs can be a lot of fun. Getting out in the big outdoors could be liberating for you and for your dog as well if you take the time to plan ahead.



Do you want to take a camping trip with your pooch but don't know how to prepare? If you're thinking about it, then you're in luck because here are five tips for your own canine camping expedition.

5 Tips for Camping with Dogs

1. Find a campground first of all, that is dog friendly. Do online research to find a campground near your destination where they allow dogs. (Be sure to check to make sure they allow your dog breed.) It's a good idea to choose a campground that is as clean as possible, well cared for and with a good water supply (bring your own water to be safe).

black lab

2. Don't forget the dog food. Take extra food and treats and keep in a watertight/sealed container. You don't want to get all the way out in the bush and realize Bowser's food has gotten soaked by overnight dew. Also, if you are camping in a bear area, be sure to place your dog's food in with your own, in one of the provided bear-safe devices.

3. Be prepared for potential potty breaks - and they will happen. Be sure to pack all the gear your dog will need. Some campgrounds have poop bags available, but even if they do provide bags, they could be all out at the most inconvenient times.

Be sure to bring lots of poop bags to clean up after your pet. You might think "Why do I have to clean up poop in the outdoors!?" The answer is, because you want to keep the area nice and clean for others, and also keep unwanted pests away from where you and your pet are sleeping.

4. Be aware of the temperature wherever you're camping at. Depending on where and when you're camping, you need to be prepared for huge variations in temperature – both during the day and at night. You are acutely aware when you are cold, but might not always be so attuned to your dog's needs. Remember they are warmer than us, but especially thin short-haired varieties can lose heat rapidly.

If you're camping with dogs in the mountains or cooler times of the year, be sure to have a sweater on hand. When bedding down at night, provide generous blankets for your dog to nest in, to keep warm. On the other hand, if you're in a hot or desert area, find or create shade for your dog, and ALWAYS provide lots of clean water for them.

5. Be aware of basic camping safety issues. Once you have all their basic needs attended to, keep in mind that dogs are dogs, and they can get into trouble when you least expect it. Keep your dog near you at all times, don't let them wander off by themselves. Pay particular attention to any large predators that may be in the area and be smart about where you take your dog.

Dogs don't have shoes either, so be aware of your environment. Hiking over rocks, around scratchy, thorny bushes can be easy for you, but your dog is lower and may be more susceptible to low-lying bushes that could easily grab onto their coats. Also be aware that the pads of their feet may become sore or tender if walking over rocky terrain so you can even take along a pair of All-terrain Dog Shoes just to be safe.

Once you're sure you have everything packed and you're ready for your big camping trip, remember to most importantly have fun! Camping with dogs can be loads of fun! Most dogs love the outdoors, let them enjoy it with you.



Return from Camping with dogs to Dog First Aid Kit

"I like them all — pointers, setters, retrievers, spaniels — what have you. I've had good ones and bad of several kinds. Most of the bad ones were my fault and most of the good ones would have been good under any circumstances." - Gene Hill