Camping With Your Dog

Every year I like to head out to my favorite lake and camp. I always take Sherlock with me. He loves all the new smells, sights, and sounds. Here is a list of a few things to keep in mind when you go camping with your dog. Make sure your destination allows dogs, most campgrounds are dog friendly but some national parks like Yosemite allow dogs only in certain campsites. Verify the trails around your chosen campsite allow dogs. You can go to www.GoPetFriendly.com to find an extensive list of pet-friendly campsites. www.hikewithyourdog.com offers a listing of trails in the United States and Canada that welcome dogs.

Is your Dog ready?

The first thing you want to do when taking your dog camping is to make sure your dog is ready to go. You’ll want to think about your dog’s age, energy level, and overall health. You want to make sure your dog’s physical capabilities will ensure you both will enjoy your trip. You may want to talk to your vet about your dogs’ health before taking them on a hiking or camping trip.

Tent

If you have a medium to large dog you’ll want to add them as a person to the size of the tent you pick out. If you have two people and your dog you’ll want a three-person or larger tent. I recommend putting a sheet or blanket down on the floor of the tent to protect the floor from your dog’s claws poking holes in it. REI has some really nice three person tents here is a link to look at some of them

Sleeping Gear

Just like you, dogs will enjoy a soft warm place to sleep at night. Look for a dog bed or sleeping bag that is made for camping which are often more durable. I bring a Therm-A-Rest Z Sol for Sherlock to sleep on with his sleeping bag.

All Natural Bug Spray

No one wants to get bitten by bugs when they’re camping including your dog. I use Dr. Karen Beckers recipe for bug spray but I also like Richard’s Organics.  Here is a link to Dr. Beckers video on how to make your own safe bug spray the ingredients are at mark 13:18 in the video for dogs.

Leashes/Harness/Backpack

Bring an extra leash just in case you never know when one might break or get left behind. Pack a harness if you plan on using a backpack on your dog. This will give you options you may want to have while going on day hikes or just a walk in the evening.

If your dog is fit enough I would let them carry some of their own supplies in a dog backpack. Talk to your vet to see how much weight your dog can carry because it can vary depending on many different things such as age, breed of dog etc.

Food and Water

Pack enough dog food and water for your pooch.  Pack a water filter and filter drinking water for both you and your dog. Water in lakes have been known to have blue-green algae which can kill your dog, better not to take any chances. Make sure your dog gets plenty of water and stays hydrated.

Collapsible bowls are light and work really well. Make sure to clean out your dog’s food dish when they are finished eating you don’t want to attract any unwanted insects or wildlife.

Cooling Vest

Ruffwear has a cooling vest (Swamp Cooler) that you dip in water and it will help keep your dog cooler as long as the vest is wet. Keep in mind once the vest drys it can work to insulate your dog and make them get hot faster. Cooling vests use evaporate cooling and work best in dry air they don’t as well with high humidity.  Here is a great article on Cooling Vests. 

Paw Protection

Dog boots are great for keeping your dogs paws protected. Keep in mind you’ll want to make sure to get the correct size and the style that is best suited for the type of camping/hiking you’ll be doing.

Some dogs’ paws are shaped so that boots will not stay on no matter what you try. If that is the case with your dog an alternative is Mushers’s Secret. It won’t protect as well as boots but it does a  pretty good job.

Off Lead Options

I like a high line for when you and your dog both need a break from the leash. This is where you sting a rope between two tall trees or another tall object then attach your dogs lead. The other option is to have a stake and lead. Hammer the stake into the ground and attach the lead. Never leave your dog alone at the campsite though.

Check for Ticks/Burrs/Thorns

When enjoying the great outdoors your dog is more likely to pick up ticks, burrs or thorns. You’ll want to check for these at least a couple of times a day. It may take a bit of time but is well worth it if you find a tick that can cause diseases. You’ll want to find any burrs or thorns before they become a problem.

Additional Gear/Items

• ID tag and/or microchip on your dog. If you’re staying at one campsite for any number of days stop by your local Wal-mart/Petsmart and create a dog tag with the name, location of your campsite, and a phone number where you can be reached.
• GPS Collar
• First aid kit for you and your dog. Make sure to include sun-block if your dog have light-colored nose.
• Lighting – headlamp, flashlight, LED Collar
• When picking out your campsite try to get one that offers your dog some shade.
• Make sure you are aware of other animals that may be in the area. Many people take their dogs camping with them so other dogs in the area are likely. There could be people on horseback, squirrels, rabbits, coyotes, the list is endless.
• Treats/Chews – Reward good behavior and give them something to do in camp. Also makes it much easier to get them to pose for pictures.
• Toys
• Poop bags
• Paw Balm
• Towel
• Spoon – I feed raw
• Brush/comb

Have fun

Camping with your dog is a great way to have fun and bond. You’ll both be able to take in new sights, sounds, and smells of nature and enjoy a change in your daily routine.  Just be sure you are prepared so you and your pooch will have a great time and look forward to the next chance you can get out.