On the surface, camping adventures seem like the ideal holiday for people with pets. Owners don’t need to find professional accommodation or pet sitting, and can easily include their furry friends on their trip. However, taking your dog camping requires preparation and planning to ensure you, they and the environment are safe during your stay. To assist, these are our planning tips for camping with dogs. Outlining what you need to know for safe pet camping, and how to accommodate for your furry friend’s needs.
1. Keep Your Dog Warm
Little dogs particularly can become quite cold during the night, especially in the cooler months. Even if your dog sleeps outside at home, you may need to consider keeping them inside your tent while camping to keep them warm and ensure their safety. Any dog bedding your pet uses to sleep with at home should also come camping with you; the familiar smells and textures will help anxious pets sleep quicker and quieter during the night.
2. Bring a Leash
Though one reason to bring your dog camping with you is because of the expansive space of the great outdoors. Some campsites may not allow unleashed animals in certain areas. These rules are in place to protect your pet, other campers and the surrounding wildlife, so you’re best to be prepared with a leash, collar and your regular walking accessories.
3. Hydration Station
Keeping your dog hydrated with clean water for the length of your camping adventure is essential. It can be easy to forget water supplies for your furry friends, such as their dog bowl. As well as something to keep the bowl safe from bugs and predators. Once you arrive at your campsite, establish where the dog water bowl will live, so you don’t trip on it in the middle of the night, and so your furry friend knows exactly where to find it.
4. Food and hygiene
Picking up after your dog is essential while camping. Despite any misconceptions, leaving dog poo around your campsite, or nearby to it, can attract unwanted wildlife and destroy the environment. You’re best to pack waste bags, more than what you think you’ll need for your camping trip, to avoid being caught short.
5. Bring a Pet First-Aid Kit
Be prepared by bringing a pet first aid kit on your next camping adventure. Anything could happen to your furry friend during a camping trip, much like being at home. Except when you are away in the wilderness you don’t have the luxury of a nearby vet on-hand. Most pet stores and vets sell various kit options and sizes. These usually include ointments, bandages and other emergency supplies for your dog.
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