How To Go Camping With Your Pet Dog In 7 Easy Steps

Camping

And for numerous of us, it’s an ideal season for camping with our four-legged best friends. Whether you’re a seasoned backpacker or a casual car-camper, these tips for camping with your pet dog will help you make the most of your summer. Prepare your canine, research the campground, get the best gear, and have fun.

Know your canine’s outdoor camping character

Before you embark on a wilderness experience, it’s important to assess your pet dog’s camp-readiness. Is she a lounge hound? A relaxed trip to a family-friendly camping site might be the best choice. Is she a daring doggy athlete with lots of outdoor experience? Possibly it’s time to take that weeklong backpacking journey you’ve been thinking about!

Be truthful about your pet dog’s character, and plan your trip accordingly. If you doubt, attempt taking a few excursion and picnics prior to planning a campout.

Research dog-friendly websites

There’s absolutely nothing even worse than hitting the road with your four-legged buddy, just to reach your destination and discover a No Dogs Permitted sign. Whatever kind of camping trip you have in mind, be sure to call ahead or research study online to discover dog-friendly campgrounds and trails. Look at leash laws, too; some camping sites only welcome restrained family pets, whereas others are alright with your canine being off-leash as long as she’s under voice control (and you get the poop, of course).

Revitalise your canine’s camp-friendly training

Whether you’re moving towards a back-country trek or a camping site off the highway, your dog will need a trusted recall command to keep her out of danger (and far from other campers who may not be so into canines). You need to also brush up on the “leave it” command in case you encounter snakes, bears, or other wildlife on the trail.

It’s a smart idea to do some outside training sessions before your big camping trip.

Get ready for emergencies

Prior to you leave on your outdoor camping journey, make a laminated card with your canine’s identifying information, vaccination record, and health history, plus all of your contact information. You need to likewise make sure your pet dog’s microchip info and tags are updated.

Nature can be unforeseeable, therefore can canines, so it is necessary to be gotten ready for anything.

The Australian Forest Service suggests carrying the following dog-specific first aid products, a lot of which you most likely already have at house:

A bandanna for a makeshift muzzle
Flat-bladed tweezers and a small container of mineral oil for tick elimination
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 safeguarding injured paws (young child socks work excellent!).
A small emergency treatment book with guidelines for dealing with family pets.
The name, telephone number, and directions of a neighbouring vet or animal emergency clinic.

Prepare (but pack light).

Camping with your pet dog indicates being prepared for anything, however you don’t want to overpack and run the risk of having too much to bring, or no room in the Recreational Vehicle for your pooch! This outdoor camping packaging list for your pet will get you began:.

Dedicated doggy water bottle and collapsible/lightweight food and water bowls (remember to bring a packable purification system if you’ll be relying on a water source at the site).
Pet dog backpack for day hikes.
Sleeping pad and blanket to keep your pooch cozy in the evening (a kid-sized sleeping bag from your regional thrift shop is a terrific option).
Reflective leash/collar and clip-on flashing light.
First aid package as explained above.
Bear in mind, you don’t have to spend a lot to obtain your pet prepared for camping. If you’ll be trekking, have a look at our trekking equipment guide for some useful basics. But if you’re simply navigated a relaxing campground stay, there’s a good chance you already have the “equipment” you need in the house.

Practice excellent campground etiquette.

Utilise a leash or that rock-solid recall command to keep your pet out of strangers’ camping sites, and be sure to select up and properly dispose of your canine’s waste. For maximum safety and satisfaction, your pet should stick near you at all times, and should never be left unsupervised at the camping area, in a car, or on the path.

Naturally, sometimes you may need to restrict your pup for security or convenience (say, while you’re roasting hot dogs over the fire and a specific four-legged good friend is determined to snag a sausage of her own). If your canine is crate trained, a portable, light-weight, fabric-walled crate is an important addition to your camp set!

Have a good time!

Camping with your pet dog is a great method to obtain away from all of it and bond with your best pal. Far away from radiant screens and a million diversions, you’ll take in the sights, sounds, and smells of nature with a true lover. And nothing beats snuggling up with a pet in a comfortable tent, the aroma of campfire still remaining in the air. With a little preparation, you and your canine will be all set to observe the call of the wild and have a blast!