Whether you’re going into the great outdoors with your dog for the first or four hundredth time, we will help you plan ahead to make it an amazing experience for both you and your pet.
Will You Doggo Be A Happy Camper?
We have had several dogs over the years, and their reactions to camping have varied as much as their distinct personalities. One dog loved it and wasn’t fazed by sleeping in a tent surrounded by woods, campfires, and wildlife. Our second dog was not what you would call a “happy camper.” She was a fiercely protective dog, and the few times we took her camping completely stressed her out, putting her on the verge of a nervous breakdown. She just couldn’t relax. Every voice that carried into our campsite, every chipmunk chirp, or snapping branch made her hackles rise, and she was ready to go on the attack. (Fortunately, our current dog loves camping but insists on investigating every stick, pinecone, and squirrel.) The moral of this story is that as much as you want to bring your favorite four-legged companion camping, understanding their personality and how they might handle the experience is vital.
Protective or timid dogs might not be the best candidates for camping trips. It’s a good idea to do a trial run to see how your dog reacts to the camping experience before embarking on a larger adventure in the great outdoors. If possible, consider spending an overnight camping trip in your own backyard. You may also want to start gradually by planning a few day picnic trips to help your dog become accustomed to being in nature. become accustomed to being in nature.
Dog-Friendly Campgrounds
I think you will find that there are plenty of dog-friendly campgrounds that will welcome well-behaved doggos. Most campgrounds will usually state very clearly on their website whether they allow dogs or not. Each destination will probably have its own specific policies, but the following are fairly universal.
Proof of Rabies – This will always be a requirement, and campgrounds will not allow your dog to stay without a valid rabies certificate. Rabies tags do not count as proof.
Leashing – Most places agree that dogs must be leashed at all times with no more than a 6-foot lead.
Walking – Of course, anywhere you venture out with your pup, you are always prepared to pick up after them anyway, so this should come as a surprise. Just make sure that you follow the campground procedure on how they would prefer you to dispose of the poop.
Campground Etiquette
Our previous dog was, as some might affectionately say, a barker. She barked at everything from falling leaves to anyone walking within a square mile of our home. As I mentioned before, she was quite protective. We tried camping with her a few times, but we quickly realized that having a growling and barking dog made us poor neighbors. As much as I would have loved to take her with us, it simply wasn’t fair to those around us.
Our previous dog was very loving towards us, but she could be aggressive with strangers who entered what she considered her territory. This trait made her an unsuitable choice for camping, as a campground is not a safe environment for an aggressive dog.
This might seem like a given but never leave your dog unattended. Most campgrounds are very firm about this rule.
Protect your Dog From Other Animals & Insect
When you are taking your dog camping and into the woods, you need to protect them from the perils of the great outdoors.
Keep Your Pets Food Locked Away – This is camping rule #1, regardless of whether you’re bringing along your four-legged friend. Keeping your food locked away will help keep the wildlife at bay. If your campsite comes with an installed bear box, utilize it. Critters are more innovative and ingenious than we sometimes give them credit for.
While camping in the Adirondack we didn’t put our dry foods like bread and chips in the bear box, we simply locked them away in our vehicle. In the morning, we found that tiny mice (or chipmunks – haven’t ruled them out as the culprits either) found their way into our vehicle and had a late-night snack. Take my advice keep your food sealed in plastic containers and use the bear boxes if they are provided.
Wild Animal Encounters -Keeping your dog leashed at all times and never leaving them unattended is essential for their safety and for the safety of local wildlife. Always ensure you can see your dog when they are leashed, especially at night. Seasoned campers know that the smell of food often attracts all kinds of wildlife, including raccoons, weasels, mice, minks, and occasionally skunks and bears. Nothing can ruin a camping trip quite like a dog that has been sprayed by a skunk.
Protect From Biting Insects – Ticks are unpleasant pests that we encounter when venturing into the wild. They aren’t just a concern for humans; ticks can also pose a threat to our pets. It’s important to consult your veterinarian to find the best flea and tick products that will keep your dog safe and protected. I also recommend getting your pet vaccinated for Lyme disease.
Packing for your Pooch
- Water & Food Bowl (perhaps invest in a portable collapsible water bowl for any hiking you plan to do)
- Dog poo disposal bags
- Dog Tie-Out
- Dog first-aid kit
- Your dog’s favorite toys
- Their leash
- Vaccination records
- ID tag
- Your Dog’s favorite treats
- Towels & dog bed
Neat little extras you might consider purchasing:
- LED Collar and Leash – This will make it easier to see your dog in the dark.
- Portable Dog Shower – In case you need to clean up your dog on your camping trip.
- Raised Dog Cot
- Dog Travel Bag
- Leak Proof Travel Dog Waterbottle
- Dog Life Vest
Be prepared for Emergencies
Emergencies happen, so when you head out camping, it is best to be prepared. Here are some simple ways you can be prepped for your outing:
Take a Picture of Your Dog -While it’s unfortunate to think about, if your dog goes missing during your camping trip, it’s important to have a current photo in good lighting saved on your cell phone.
Have a Dog First Aid Kit – You can buy one already assembled or create your own. Here is what it should include:
- A muzzle
- Tweezers
- Sterile Gauze Dressing
- Sterile Non-Adherent Dressing
- Irrigation Syringe 10cc. with 18 Gauge Tip
- Elastic Bandage Self Adhering
- Antihistamine (Diphenhydramine 25 mg.)
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Triple Antibiotic Ointment
- Antiseptic Wipe
- Alcohol Swabs
- Saline Wound & Eye Wash
Make Sure Your Dog Has ID on His Collar – If your dog gets lost during your camping trip, it’s important to ensure that anyone who finds him can contact you. Make sure the ID tag displays your current cell phone number.
Beware of Overheating & Dehydration – Dogs can become dehydrated just like humans, especially when camping. If your campsite is wide open without any natural shade for your dog to escape the sun on a hot day, it’s important to ensure that your dog stays hydrated and has a place to cool down. Tents can get extremely hot when exposed to sunlight. Consider setting up an awning or lean-to that offers shade without trapping heat.
Here are the signs of overheating and dehydration:
- Panting & Heavy Breathing
- Agitation or Disorientation
- Restlessness
- Weakness & Lethargy
- Dry gums, Nose, or Bright Red Tongue
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting, possibly with diarrhea
- Sunken, dry-looking eyes
- Thick saliva
Camping with your dog is more than just a getaway—it’s a chance to bond, explore, and make tail-wagging memories together. With a little prep and a spirit of adventure, you and your pup can enjoy the great outdoors safely and happily. So grab the leash, pack the treats, and get ready for your next paw-some adventure!
Happy Camping!