And for many of us, it’s an ideal season for camping with our four-legged best pals. Whether you’re a skilled backpacker or a casual car-camper, these ideas for camping with your dog will help you make the most of your summertime. Prepare your pet, research the campground, get the ideal gear, and have enjoyable.
Know your canine’s outdoor camping character
Prior to you embark on a wilderness experience, it’s crucial to assess your dog’s camp-readiness. Perhaps it’s time to take that weeklong backpacking trip you have actually been thinking about!
Be sincere about your pet dog’s character, and plan your journey appropriately. If you’re uncertain, try taking a couple of excursion and picnics prior to planning a campout.
Research dog-friendly websites
There’s nothing even worse than hitting the road with your four-legged good friend, just to arrive at your destination and discover a No Pets Enabled indication. Whatever sort of outdoor camping journey you have in mind, make sure to call ahead or research online to discover dog-friendly campgrounds and routes. Look at leash laws, too; some camping areas only welcome restrained pets, whereas others are okay with your pet being off-leash as long as she’s under voice control (and you get the poop, naturally).
Refresh your pet’s camp-friendly training
Whether you’re headed for a back-country trek or a camping area off the highway, your dog will need a dependable recall command to keep her out of danger (and far from other campers who might not be so into canines). You must also review the “leave it” command in case you encounter snakes, bears, or other wildlife on the trail.
It’s a smart idea to do some outdoor training sessions before your big camping trip.
Get ready for emergency situations
Prior to you leave on your camping trip, make a laminated card with your pet dog’s determining information, vaccination record, and health history, plus all of your contact information. You must also make certain your dog’s microchip information and tags are up-to-date.
Nature can be unpredictable, and so can canines, so it is very important to be gotten ready for anything.
The Australian Forest Service advises bring the following dog-specific emergency treatment items, many of which you most likely already have at home:
A bandana for a makeshift muzzle
Flat-bladed tweezers and a little container of mineral oil for tick removal
An emergency fold-up blanket (space blanket) for treating shock or cold
A folding tool that has needle-nose pliers for extracting a large thorn or a porcupine quill
Booties for securing hurt paws (toddler socks work fantastic!).
A small emergency treatment book with instructions for treating pets.
The name, phone number, and instructions of a nearby vet or animal emergency clinic.
Gear up (but pack light).
Camping with your pet suggests being gotten ready for anything, but you do not want to overpack and run the risk of having excessive to bring, or no space in the RV for your pooch! This outdoor camping packaging list for your canine will get you began:.
Committed doggy water bottle and collapsible/lightweight food and water bowls (remember to bring a packable filtering system if you’ll be relying on a water source at the site).
Dog backpack for day walkings.
Sleeping pad and blanket to keep your pooch cozy in the evening (a kid-sized sleeping bag from your local thrift shop is a great choice).
Reflective leash/collar and clip-on flashing light.
Emergency treatment set as explained above.
Keep in mind, you don’t have to spend a lot to get your pet dog got ready for camping. If you’ll be trekking, have a look at our trekking gear guide for some handy essentials. If you’re just headed out for a relaxing camping area stay, there’s a great opportunity you already have the “equipment” you require at house.
Practice good campsite etiquette.
Utilise a leash or that rock-solid recall command to keep your canine out of complete strangers’ camping sites, and be sure to select up and correctly dispose of your pet’s waste. For optimal safety and satisfaction, your pet dog needs to stick near you at all times, and ought to never ever be left unsupervised at the camping area, in a vehicle, or on the trail.
Obviously, often you might have to restrict your pup for safety or convenience (say, while you’re roasting hot dogs over the fire and a certain four-legged pal is figured out to snag a sausage of her own). If your canine is crate trained, a portable, light-weight, fabric-walled crate is an indispensable addition to your camp package!
Have a good time!
Camping with your pet is a fantastic way to get away from it all and bond with your best buddy. And nothing beats cuddling up with a pet in a cozy tent, the fragrance of campfire still remaining in the air.
