Tips for Camping with Your Dog

Camping with your dog can be an enriching experience with adventure and bonding opportunities. However, it requires careful planning and preparation to ensure you and your furry friend have a safe and enjoyable trip. In this blog, we’ll explore the essential steps you must take when heading into the great outdoors with your canine companion. We’ve got you covered, from packing the gear to understanding campsite etiquette. So, grab your leash and get ready for an unforgettable camping journey with your dog!

Find Pet-Friendly Campsites & Activities
Before you can plan your camping trip, you need to find out if your campground allows dogs and, if so, if there are any specific rules they may have, such as how many dogs are permitted at a campsite, leash laws, if there are designated K9 potty areas, etc.
Additionally, you should check if the hiking trails or attractions you have planned for your trip allow dogs. Leashed dogs are usually permitted; however, checking beforehand and planning your trip from there is always best.

Pack The Right Camping Gear
When camping with dogs, packing the right gear is critical for ensuring your trip is a success. Let’s break down some of the basic essentials:
Tent—Make sure your tent is big enough for everyone to sleep comfortably. When deciding what size tent to bring, consider the size of your dog (or dogs) and how many people will be camping with you.
Floor Mats—Dogs have sharp claws that could potentially poke holes in your tent flooring. Lining your tent floor with inexpensive indoor/outdoor floor mats can prevent holes and make tent cleanup much easier!
Sleep Setup—The key to a great night’s rest while camping is ensuring everyone has a comfortable place to sleep! If you’re not keen on sharing a bed with your dog, give them their own place to sleep – whether it be a dog bed from home, their own inflatable sleeping pad or a cot with blankets. Make sure they’ll be able to keep warm if the temperature drops overnight and bring a cooling pad for them in case it gets hot. Find your dog a cozy bed to keep them comfy at Feeds’n Needs!
* Pro Tip—Ensure your dog gets lots of exercise during the day to help tire them out for bedtime!
Tie-Outs—Since most campgrounds require dogs to be on a leash at all times, a tie-out for the campsite makes it easy to keep your dog from running off without you having to hold a leash. Tie-outs can be attached to ground stakes or a tree (if there are any on your campsite), or you can create a “zipline” by attaching a tie out to 2 trees and clipping another tie out to it; that way, your dog has more freedom to move about the campsite. Consider placing your dog’s bed or camp chair outside so they can rest comfortably off the ground. Stop by your local Feeds ‘n Needs and check out our selection of tie-outs and ground stakes!
* Disclaimer—Never leave your dog tied up for prolonged periods of time or unsupervised at the campsite.
Food, Water & Accessories—Portion out each meal your dog will eat while camping in Ziploc baggies to make mealtime quick and easy – especially when you’re on the go! Store the baggies of food in a rolltop storage bag or airtight container to keep unwanted critters away from it. Collapsable food and water bowls are great for camping as they take up little space, and some can even clip to your backpack! Be sure to bring lots of drinking water for you and your dog, and try to avoid letting them drink from streams or puddles as they can be host to disease.
* Pro Tip – In the event you run out of clean drinking water, you can purify water from rivers, lakes, or streams by boiling it and making sure it stays at a rolling boil for at least one minute.
Leashes, Collars & ID—Make sure you pack your pet’s collar, leash, and harness before you go. Consider packing an extra collar and leash as a backup. Additionally, make sure your pet’s collar has an up-to-date ID tag. If they’re microchipped, ensure that information is also up to date. If you have a GPS-tracking collar for your dog, you can bring that along, too. If your dog gets lost while on your trip, making sure they can be identified when found is important. Be prepared by getting your pet ID tags made at Feeds’ n Needs! (Select Locations)
First Aid & Safety—Their safety is a top priority when camping or doing anything outdoors with your dog! Before you leave for your trip, research where the nearest 24-hour emergency vet is and write down their contact information. It is also recommended that you bring a doggie first aid kit with you. You can purchase these or easily make your own, including things like gauze and self-adhering wound wrap, antibacterial wipes or spray, tweezers, a tick remover, hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting if your dog ingests anything harmful, children’s Benadryl for allergic reactions (ask your vet about dosage), and any medications prescribed by your veterinarian. It may also be a good idea to include special paperwork such as your dog’s vaccination records and proof of ownership with your first aid kit in case you need it. Check out the selection of animal health and first aid supplies at your local Feeds ‘n Needs and start building your own K9 first aid kit!

Other Things to Pack:

• Poop Bags (Lots!)
• Dog Treats to reward good behaviour
• Dog Toys to keep them occupied at the campsite
• Dog backpack so your dog can help carry their own supplies
• Bug repellant (Dog safe)
• Lighting (headlamps, glow collar to see your dog at night)
• Cooling vest to keep your pooch cool in the heat
• Raincoat for your dog in case it rains
• Dog boots to protect their paws from rough terrain, hot pavement, or hot sand
• Towel to dry your dog off if they get wet or dirty

Practice & Prepare Before You Go
Being well-prepared for your trip before you leave is the best way to ensure you have everything you need once you get there. Make a list of all the supplies you need to bring and double check that you’ve got everything before you head out. If your dog has never been camping with you before, they may benefit from some practice at home. Set up your tent in your backyard and camp out for the night with your dog to get them used to the sounds and experience of being in a tent. You can also plan a few day trips hiking or adventuring with your dog to get them better prepared for the big camping trip! At the end of the day, patience will be essential when taking your dog camping. New surroundings and smells can overwhelm them, so give them time to adjust and reward them with lots of treats and praise along the way!

Camping Etiquette
Once you arrive at the campground, it is important to be respectful of your fellow campers and hikers. Being mindful of your dog’s barking at late hours, respecting leash laws, and picking up after your dog are all ways to practice good camping etiquette while on your trip.
Camping with your dog can be a fantastic adventure. With the right preparation and our expert advice in mind, you and your furry friend are sure to enjoy a safe, fun-filled trip, making memories to last a lifetime! Stop by one of our 14 Feeds ‘n Needs locations across the Maritimes to pick up some of these K9 camping essentials! Stay safe and happy camping!

Ready to explore more expert advice topics? Check out these similar posts!
Road Trip Safety for Your Dog
Animal Welfare During a Heat Wave
Water Safety for Dogs

Sources:
25 Camping With Dogs Tips, Tricks, and Top Gear (countryliving.com)
Camping With Dogs – A Beginner’s Guide | GoPetFriendly.com
A guide to camping with your dog – She Gets Around
How to Camp With Your Dog: What To Know and What To Bring (rover.com)
How to Make a First Aid Kit for Dogs, Cats & Other Pets | Tractor Supply Co.