Our dogs are an integral part of our family…why wouldn’t we take them camping with us? After all, they go everywhere else!
Spending time away from the madness of day-to-day life can be beneficial for you and your pet….but it does require a bit of preparation to make sure your trip runs smoothly.
Here are 6 tips you should know before camping with your canine friends.
Find a Pet-Friendly Park
Do your due diligence and research the pet policy at your park of choice. Policies often vary, so don’t assume that all parks in your area are pet friendly just because one is.
Be sure to ask about leash requirements and whether the park enforces a barking ordinance.
Consider Microchipping
No one likes to think about worst-case scenarios…but doing so could save you and your pet from disaster. If your pet isn’t microchipped, consider scheduling an appointment to have it done before your camping trip. If you fur baby happens to get lost, you’ll feel better knowing the good Samaritan who picks up your pooch can access the information needed to reunite you.
If your pet is microchipped, make sure your information is up to date with your current address, email, and phone number.
Keep Your Dog Close & Leashed
It should go without saying but, when camping, you dog goes where you go. Don’t leave your dog alone in a car or at your campground.
When you’re in camp, keep your dog on a leash. Even if you believe your dog is well trained and won’t run, a camping environment (particularly when it is new to your dog) is full of unfamiliar smells, people, and wildlife. Keeping your dog leashed keeps your dog safe (and may be part of the park’s leash laws).
Bring the Necessities
It’s a good idea to have the following items on hand:
- Dog food
- A dedicated dog water bottle
- A collapsible water bowl
- A brush
- A dog bed
- A collar light
And don’t forget to bring plenty of our treats! They’re protein packed, so they’ll provide plenty of nutrition while you and your dog are out on the trail (you can shop them now by clicking here).
Don’t Forget Fido’s First Aid Kit
While some of these items may be in your personal first-aid kit, it’s a good idea to have a dedicated kit just for your dog. Be sure to include:
- A bandana to use as a muzzle if needed
- Tweezers
- Emergency space blanket
- Folding multi-tool
- Booties for protecting feet
- A pet first-aid handbook
- The name and phone number of the nearest veterinarian or pet ER
Enjoy Your Time!
Do ALL THE FUN THINGS on your campout. Go for meandering hikes. Take a dip in the river or lake. Hop in a kayak. Play hours of fetch. Sit under the stars and soak up the stillness together.
Camping is about enjoying all that nature has to offer with the people you love most…and that includes pets. So, get out there…make memories, and enjoy the great outdoors.
Happy camping!
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