Tips for camping with dogs

camping with dogs

1. Introduction

The time when household dogs were called “pets” is long past. Not only have household dogs become as beloved as children in the modern world, but stray and abandoned dogs are viewed some way abandoned and orphaned children are viewed. Similarly, when people are going on vacation, extra care is given to the status of the dog. Many people still leave dogs behind in either foster homes or daycare centers until their return. However, more and more people are beginning to take their dogs on vacation with them as the logistical costs are on the decline with the introduction of the budget segment.

However, many people research the preferences of hotels, motels, and inns of the selected designation to ensure that their dog is allowed to lodge with them on the trip. Evolving alongside the tourism trade, many campsites are now equipped to facilitate dogs with their “parents” on their camping trip.

This article explores all the options and areas you must look at to ensure that you enjoy your trip when camping with your dog.

2. Finding a dog-friendly camping site

Many campers choose camping sites which are closer to walking paths or shorelines assuming that their dogs will be able to enjoy party breaks in these areas freely, not hampering the ambiance of the campsite.

However, there are some shorelines and walking paths as well as streets and abandoned areas which do not allow dogs or any pets around. Therefore, if you choose a camping site with this assumption you might be faced with greater difficulty when you get there. Hence it is essential that you conduct thorough research to ensure that the chosen campsite has ample space around where your dog can enjoy his party breaks freely. And it is also essential for you to have a best tent for dogs, you can prefer to buying guide to pick a best one by visiting new adventure camping

Even though some campsites state that dogs are allowed within the perimeter, certain limitations are attached to this freedom. For instance, some campsites allow your dog inside the tent without allowing the dog to walk around the camping area or even the trekking path. This is a serious point to miss as your dog will have to be stuck until you are done with your trip or you will have to cut the trip short and come back home. Hence, to ensure that you have all the fun you want when camping with your dog, make sure that you read the terms and condition of each palace carefully. It is better if you can call the place ahead and clarify this matter.

Another matter that must be looked into is the weather condition of the area when you are camping with your dog. If the conditions are too extraneous for the dog to bear, let it be heat, humidity, rain or the cold, you must make sure that it is a condition that can be borne by the dog without feeling strained. Furthermore, not only should you carry a tent big enough for both you and the dog, you must ensure that the size of your tent can be accommodated in the campsite.

camping with dogs

3. Traveling with your dog

Once you find a dog-friendly campsite, there are certain things you must ensure before camping with your dog to ensure that both you have a grand time. First and foremost, you must ensure that the dog has ample space in the car so that the dog does not get sick during the ride. To make the trip safe for your dog, set up a dog car seat or harness in the car. The space measurements are subjective as the requirements of each dog is different depending on their size and temperaments. For instance, a Beagle needs less space than a Labrador as there is a significant difference in size. However, a Japanese Spitz (the smallest dog of the Husky family) needs much more movement space as they cannot stay in one place for a long time even though they are small in size. They tend to get claustrophobic when traveling in an enclosed space. Hence you might have to travel with your windows down with this type of dog. For this, you must choose a time of the year during which the weather enables you to have your shutters down. In contrast, a Pitbull might need less leg-space as they are much more disciplined than the Husky family.

You must also consider the duration of the trip and the frequency of your dog’s mealtimes. If your dog needs snacks or main meals more frequently then you must prepare the food to be delivered in a container which helps the dog eat without spilling everywhere, which will make the dog uncomfortable. Similarly, enough amounts of fluids and other essentials must be prepared much in advance alongside their containers and other amenities. Similarly, you must plan your dog’s party breaks. Proper cleaning equipment and containers must be taken on the trip with you to ensure that both of you are comfortable after party breaks.

4. What to bring camping with dogs

One of the main things you must ensure to have with you when camping with your dog is warm clothes and comforters for the dog in case the weather turns unpredictable. Also, it is essential that you carry dog food with ample calories to replenish the dog at the end of a very active day as well as to maintain body heat during unexpected cold times.

Just as you make a camping pack for yourself, you must make a camping pack for your dog. This pack must include many leads/ropes, collars, portable and foldable bedding, foldable tie-out stake as well as toys. This will ensure you do not run into difficulty during trekking. You will be able to do what you want while leaving your dog on a long lead. Depending on the geography, you can tie two or more leads together and give your dog ample space to play in while you enjoy the scenery or trek into places where your dog can’t follow.

5. How to manage the dog camping

When you are trekking, you are in a different environment with your dog. This increases a sense of fear and insecurity in household pets. Hence, you can use this time to walk the shoreline or play catch with your dog to bond more Also, if you have a well-planned camping pack for your dog, space can be managed as mentioned in the previous section.

Conclusion

Camping with your dog can either be the most trying or the best bonding experience for both you and your dog, depending on how well you prepare for the trip. Hence, you must conduct thorough research beforehand to ensure that the environment and the campsite are the best for your dog. Furthermore, you must ensure that the trip to and from the campsite is smooth by ensuring that ample space, food, and equipment for party breaks are supplied to your dog. Also, having a camping pack for your dog can ensure that each trekking day is enjoyable while you are camping with your dog.

About the Author

Cindy Miller

Hi, friends! My name is Cindy. I love being outdoors, and If I’m not out on the town, you will most likely find me camping. When I began camping a couple of years ago, I didn’t have much knowledge about camping and made lots of mistakes. But now, I have gained lots of experience on camping, and that’s why I want to share with all of you – my readers.