Good news for pet lovers! There is no need to leave your dogs behind when you go on your next outdoor adventure. You and your canine best friend will never be separated by distance since you can actually go camping with dogs.
That’s right! You can bring your dogs to your next camping trip. As you can imagine, camping with dogs will be a little different than camping with other people. For one thing, people don’t bark or walk on four legs. But seriously, camping with dogs is perfectly fine as long as you do some thorough planning and research before taking your furry companion out in the wilderness.
Where to Go Camping with Dogs
Most national parks allow dogs into their campgrounds. You should still check with them before proceeding just to be sure. Ask whether you can take your dogs camping in these parks and if they allow pets inside their facilities and trails.
Heads up, guys and gals! Some of these parks such as the Rocky Mountain National Park don’t allow dogs on their trails. You’re going to have to skip these parks if you intend on hitting the trails with your furry friend. Otherwise, you’ll have t stay behind with your dog as other campers take the trails.
Just like in national parks, rules on camping with dogs are different among state and local parks, national forests and public areas under the care of the Bureau of Land Management. Public beaches don’t allow dogs in the water so you’ll need to find other campgrounds.
The point here is to do your research before going camping with dogs.
Tips for Camping with Dogs
Dog Training
Make sure your dog is trained before taking him anywhere. We don’t mean the roll over and play dead kind of training. What you need your dog to be is obedient. Your pet should know when it is time to stop and when to proceed. They should obey you when you tell them to come to you or to drop and leave whatever is in their mouth. The latter command is specifically important when you go camping with dogs. You don’t want your pets to play with snakes or other animals in the wild. When you tell them to “leave it” or “drop it,” they should know what to do.
Go to dog training classes that include outdoor training sessions. You can also get some tips from dog training guides.
Visit the Vet
Pay your veterinarian a visit before taking your dog camping. Make sure your friend is healthy enough for the trip. You don’t want other capers, particularly those with pets, complaining about how your dog brought ticks and fleas to camp.
First Aid Kit for Your Dog
Even if your pet has been cleared by the vet, you must take necessary precautions to keep your dog healthy. Pack a first aid kit for your pet for the same reason as you have your own first aid kit.
Fit A Pack for Your Dog
If you’re going on a hike where dogs are allowed, make sure you have a dog pack for your pooch. If your dog is big and strong enough, it can help you carry some load. Ideally, a dog can carry up to 25 percent of its body weight. This will change depending on age, size and strength.
Food and Water
A large dog needs 0.5 to 1 ounce of water per pound each day. If your dog weighs 20 pounds or less, it needs 1.5 ounces of water per pound a day. Check your pooch’s nose regularly, especially during a hike under the sun. If the nose is dry, give your dog some water. If you’re thirsty, your dog is likely thirsty, too. The same goes when you’re hungry.
Aside from the food and water, you also need to pack a water container or collapsible bowl.
Sleeping Arrangements
Decide on where your dog will be sleeping. You can let your pet loose in your tent at night or keep it in a crate. Another option is let it sleep outside in its own sleeping pad and blanket.
Other Doggie Gear
When you’re camping with dogs, you need to pack the right gear. Aside from a first aid kit for your pet, your doggie gear should include a safety light so you can easily check on your dog when it’s dark. Pack a dog coat, nail clippers, nail file, dog towel, dog boots, and cooling collar.
Keep Them On A Leash
As sad as it is for you and your best friend, you must keep your dog on a leash. Even the most trained dogs will give in to the temptation of a plate of crispy bacon or sizzling steaks left out in the open. Many campgrounds require dogs to be on a leash measuring 6 feet and below. You also need a stake in case there’s nothing to tie your dog to.
Don’t Leave Food Out
Bring food (yours and your pet’s) out only during mealtime. If you leave food outside, other animals may find their way to your campsite. Keep your food in proper containers.
Pick Up After Your Dog
This is a universal rule among dog owners. Wherever you go with your pet, you should have pick-up bags for their poop. This applies to the outdoors, especially when camping with dogs. Dog waste can contaminate water and soil. Plus, people hate it when they accidentally step on dog poop.
Don’t be overwhelmed with this list of things you need to know before going camping with dogs. As a matter of fact, there are lots of other tips about camping with dogs out there. For now, you need to understand the tips here so you can start enjoying the outdoors with your furry friend.
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