Top 8 Tips to Camp Safely with Your Dog
If you enjoy spending time with your dog, then a camping trip might be the perfect activity for you. Dogs are always ready to go on a camping adventure and love exploring new places. They make excellent companions when going into natural remote areas or just getting out for fresh air near home. But remember that being prepared will make the experience easier for you and your dog.
Here are some helpful tips to ensure you and your pup have a great experience while "ruff-ing" it outdoors.
1. Update your dog's vaccinations.
Prepare for the health requirements of camping with your dog. Your pup needs a rabies vaccination, and she must have all her shots, particularly ones which cover distemper since they can also affect humans. Campgrounds typically require proof of a dog's vaccination against rabies before allowing them on the property, it is in your and the pup's best interests to have this done as soon as possible. Make sure you keep all the vaccination records in a safe location.
There are other vaccination concerns to consider as well. Most campgrounds are thick with trees and woods, the perfect hunting ground for ticks who love hopping onto dogs. Talk to your dog's veterinarian about vaccination for Lyme disease. This tick-borne disease has debilitating effects on dogs and humans alike.
To be on the safe side, protect your dog against fleas and heartworm through monthly pills or topical applications for the perfect trip outdoors with you. Heartworm is a dangerous disease that can lead to life-threatening complications. The disease is in all 50 states, so be sure you check your dog for any symptoms and keep her protected at every turn.
2. Find dog friendly campsites.
Camping is always more enjoyable with your pup. Still, you want to ensure that the campground or RV site allows dogs before booking a campsite. Call ahead for information on what types of pet restrictions there may be at each location and what additional costs there may be for your dog. You may need to pay an extra fee for pet accommodation, and there could be restrictions on what types of dogs are allowed at campgrounds.
It's essential to know the rules of a campground before you go. Dogs are restricted from some trails or local parks, while other sites only permit dogs to stay within specific areas. Know the rules before going so your dog has a fun and safe time.
3. Update and secure your dog's ID.
Keep your dog safe by fitting them with a secure collar and legible ID tags affixed firmly to it with up to date owner information. Should you and your dog be separated, the ID information on the dog's collar should help you reunite with her. Pick a collar that is strong, reflective, and durable. You may also want to consider a waterproof collar or one with neoprene padding, which provides more long-term comfort. If you are worried your dog will run off, a GPS dog collar might do the trick.
Microchipping and registering your dog will ensure that it can be identified by someone when found. Take these extra measures before your trip to avoid the risk of being lost or separated from your pup.
4. Keep your dog close to you at all times.
It's best policy not to let your dog run loose through the campgrounds. Not only can your dog bother other campers nearby, but your pup could also run off, get lost, or tangle with a wild animal. Practice good campsite etiquette and keep your dog on a leash or a long lead line securely connected to a sturdy stake. Dog owners should be aware of the leash laws in their state and where they'll stay. The same goes for hiking or walking into national or state parks. Keep your dog close to you and safe in any new environment.
If your dog gets away from you, she should return promptly to your call. Don't take your dog on a camping trip without first training her on basic commands, such as stay and recall. If something happens and she breaks free of the leash, you'll need instant obedience from her to keep her and other campers safe. Without that training and bond between you both, your dog may become panicked in unfamiliar surroundings.
There are many distractions outdoors for your pup, including other people and animals, like squirrels or voles. Still, your dog needs to focus on you no matter what she encounters. The best way to have a safe and enjoyable camping experience with your dog is by keeping her close to your side.
5. Make sure your tent is the correct size.
To ensure the safety and security of your dog while camping, it is best if the dog sleeps with you in a tent. For this plan to work effectively, both parties need enough space to move freely without feeling cramped or uncomfortable. Medium and large breed dogs need to be in a spacious tent, especially if more than one person is sleeping there.
When you purchase a tent for your dog, know her sleeping style. Some dogs will curl up and sleep while others spread and stretch out in all sorts of directions. It's essential to consider the sleeping arrangements when making your purchase, or else there will be some tight quarters --- and maybe a dog paw in your face --- at night.
There are many reasons to invest in a tent for your dog, but one of the most important is that it protects her from wild animals during campground trips. Some campgrounds require that dogs stay in tents at night, so you need a comfortable and safe shelter for you and your pup. Also, bring a sheet, blanket, or sleeping pad to protect the tent floor from your dog's claws so she doesn't damage the material when walking on it.
6. Watch the water.
You may want to check ahead of your trip if the campsite provides access to fresh, clean water. If you don't have this luxury, bring more than enough water for you and your dog. Dehydration can quickly lead to dangerous medical conditions, such as heat stroke, which is a life-threatening condition.
To protect your dog from harmful bacteria, don't let them drink any standing bodies of water. Stagnant lake or pond water is typically full of bacteria, as are puddles and slow-moving creeks or streams. Letting your dog drink from these water sources can lead to gastrointestinal issues, such as Guardia and Leptospirosis, and in more severe cases, death.
Our water quality has become a national health concern over the last few years, with red tide and blue-green algae affecting humans and animals alike. Before you let your dog drink or swim in these waters, check with the local officials to ensure she's not entering any risky waters. Always bring water and a dog water bottle or bowl with you, especially if the area is rough terrain and will require physically strenuous exercise for your pup.
7. Stay green and clean.
As a pet parent, protecting the wild places we all enjoy so much is vital by leaving your camping location as you found it. Don't leave your dog's excrement to contaminate your camping location during her adventure in nature. It's always a good idea to have plenty of dog waste bags for when you're out walking your pup, especially in the woods where there are no trash cans. Don't forget that just because your dog is in the woods doesn't mean it is acceptable to leave her waste there.
The presence of dog waste in our environment is not only unsightly, but it can also be dangerous. The bacteria and parasites from it lead to soil contamination and increase weed growth, which competes for nutrients with natural plant life.
The more people love adventures outdoors with their four-legged friend, the greater the dog waste in our natural areas. It's critically important that we keep this environment clean and safe for dogs and humans alike!
8. Prepare for an emergency.
Have clear copies of your dog's identifying information, vaccination record, and health history. If she has an ID microchip, contact the company to verify the accuracy of the information they have on record. Update any changes in address or contact methods on their microchip tag and collar tag. Also, have the nearest veterinary hospital's phone number on hand.
When traveling with your pup, it is essential to have a first-aid kit to care for any medical problems while on the go.
Include these items in your kit:
bandages or vet wrap
an emergency fold up blanket
a recent picture
styptic powder
saline wound flush (avoid hydrogen peroxide!)
tick prevention and flea prevention
needle nose pliers
tick removal device or tweezers
non-stick bandage pads
blunt-tip scissors
duct tape
paw balm (for protecting injured paws)
absorbent and sterile gauze
alcohol wipes
Benadryl for insect bites, allergic reactions, or stings
a small bandana for a muzzle or tourniquet
cotton balls and cotton-tipped swabs
If you don't have time to put together a homemade first aid kit, you can quickly and easily find a pre-made kit for sale online or at your local pet store.
Have some happy tails!
Camping with your pup is a wonderful bonding experience. You'll spend quality time together and make new memories in the great outdoors. Follow these tips for camping with your dog so your trip is fun, memorable, and safe. Check out our store for pet safety gear that will protect your dog on your adventures.
