7 Tips for Camping with Your Dog

As summer begins to wind down and fall is upon us, the best time of year to go camping is near. Camping during the early fall months is arguably the best time to go as the weather is perfect and the sights are beautiful. If you’re planning a camping adventure this year, consider bringing Fido along. Today I’m sharing 7 tips for camping with your dog.

Why Bring Your Dog Camping

Camping is an excellent trip for those who enjoy traveling with their dog. Finding a dog friendly campground is typically much easier than a dog friendly hotel or even beach. Camping is full of dog friendly activities from hiking to swimming and it’s quite possible your dog will enjoy the adventure more than you do! 

When camping you don’t have to worry about giving your dog bathroom breaks or making sure they’re quiet for the neighbors. There’s plenty for them to do and see to keep them entertained. Dogs love a good adventure, and a camping trip is sure to bring them so much fun!

Tips for Camping with Your Dog

Before taking your pup on a weekend long trip to the woods, you’ll want to be prepared. While camping will be a blast for your furry friend, there are a lot of precautions that should be taken to keep everyone safe. 

1. Bring a First Aid Kit

You wouldn’t go camping without a first aid kit for yourself, and the same rule should apply to your dog. Camping poses risks of injury no matter how careful you are. Snake bites, drowning, and falling on a hike are just a few of the hazards that come along with a camping trip.

Prepare for camping with your dog by bringing a first aid kit complete with:

• Gauze
• Styptic Powder
• Vet Wrap
• Scissors
• Tweezers
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Antibiotic Ointment
• Benadryl

And anything else that you think you may need in case of an emergency. You can read my full post on dog first aid kits here. 

You can also purchase a pre-made first aid kit if you’re worried about missing something when making your own. 

2. Keep them On a Lead

Even the most well trained dog can wander and the last thing you want is a lost dog in the woods. Keep your dog from running off after a squirrel by keeping them attached to a leash at all times. 

Use a sturdy rope lead for hikes. A 6 foot leash is a great length to allow your dog to explore while still staying close to you. Make sure this leash attaches securely to your pups harness and is also easy and comfortable for you to grip.

While at the campsite, consider a 20 foot lead that you can attach to a stake so your dog can walk around freely but not get out of your sight. 

If your dog has perfect recall, and you trust them to be off leash, make sure you research the leash laws for that particular campground. Many campsites require dogs to be on a leash regardless of obedience.

Note: Before going camping with your dog, make sure they are microchipped with your current information and have identification tags attached to their collar and harness. This will make it easier for them to be returned to you should they run off. 

3. Don’t Leave them Alone

When you go camping with your dog, plan to bring them along on all activities. Don’t leave them at the campground when you go off for a hike or a swim. You never know what kind of wildlife will enter your campground and endanger your dog. Leaving them alone also poses a risk of them getting free and wandering off. 

4. Sleep Together

Whether you’re sleeping in an RV, a car, or a tent, plan to have Fido sleeping right next to you. Wildlife roams around at night and you don’t need your dog encountering a coyote outside while you’re asleep in your car. 

Even during the hottest months, the air outside can become very cold at night. Don’t leave your dog to sleep outdoors in the cold while you’re warm and comfortable in your tent or RV.

5. Don’t Leave Food Out

Only put dog food out at meal times and pick it up if you’re ever leaving the campsite. Animals are just as attracted to dog food as they are to human food. If you’re constantly leaving dog food out, the wildlife will quickly learn that your campground is the place to go.

6. Clean Up After Your Dog

Just like you do in your neighborhood, clean up your dogs poop while camping. Leaving dog waste in the woods is harmful to the environment. Do your part and clean up after your pet and dispose of all waste properly. 

7. Savor the Memories

Camping with your dog is a great way to make memories. You and your dog will have a blast going on hikes, swimming in lakes, and sitting by the fire. Take this time to unplug from life, take pictures, and savor this time with your furry friend.

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