Essensial Tips For How To Camp With Dogs

Camping with dogs is a fun activity that allows dog owners to spend bonding time with their dogs. Aside from the special bonding moments, taking your dog along when camping provides you with an alarm system and protection from threats or wild animals, mainly if you choose a remote area. An added advantage of owning a dog on a campsite is that it can offer opportunities to commute and connect with other dog owners. The camping experience doesn't have to end at night as far as you own an AceVolt solar generator.

Should I take my dog camping?

Of course! Many other things are more enjoyable for outdoors dog lovers than taking a walk with your furry four-legged friend. Most times, dogs are seen as an extension of the family, and it would be heart-breaking to leave them behind.  Meanwhile, this is only possible if you prepare for a safe and stress-free adventure during your camping trip as preparations involve deliberations. It might be relatively simple to take your dog along with you on that trip, but a couple of things need to be ticked off your checklist before then.

An essential dog hack is to upgrade your gear. You can help your dog have a lot of fun when the right equipment is available. For example, there are types of leashes for dogs on different occasions. There is a type of leash for swimming and another for walks. Once it's time to swim, the standard leash would limit your dog's fun. 

Other dog camping necessities to upgrade

• A dog bed
• Blankets for your dog 
• Collapsible bowls for food
• Dog water bottles and water
• Dog food
• Dog treats
• Dog-safe sunscreen
• Current photos
• A portable dog fence
• A portable power station such as AceVolt
• Leash and harness
• A crate or tether for restraining your dog
• A tick remover
• Poop bags
• Dog toys
• Extra towels
• A first-aid kit
• Dog-safe insect repellent
• A swim-safe leash
• A dog rain jacket
• A dog day pack

How to tent camp with a dog

Now that you know what to take while camping with your dog. Different questions arise: Is leaving your dog in the tent while camping appropriate? You will need to take into account your dog's ability. While the younger dogs have a lot of energy for activities, the older dogs would rather lie down around the campsite. Before the time is planned out for your trip, you might want to run through these detailed tips on how to secure dogs when camping.

• Research and check for a dog-friendly campground and its rules.

When searching and selecting the ideal campsite, keep your dog in mind. Not every campsite allows dogs or pets. Ensure the campground is accessible to the four-legged friends. If the situation calls for it, you will need close contact with vets and directions for a nearby emergency vet. It is advisable to go for a campground that has fun dog-friendly amenities.

It is essential to know your campsite's rules. Some pet-friendly campgrounds still have leash requirements for the safety of campers and their pets. Some locations may have additional restrictions, but the general law states that the ideal leash is no longer than six feet long for easy control.

• Always consider temperatures.

While packing up your dog's gear for the camping trip, knowing the possible temperatures would help your dog stay safe in its gear. If it is going to be cold, consider getting a dog sleeping bag or many blankets to help your dog stay warm. If it is getting cold, make sure you have more than enough water to help your dog stay hydrated. You can set your dog up in a shady area where you can keep a close watch. 

• Make sure your dog's vaccinations are updated.

Before an outstanding camp experience, make sure your dog has undergone a vet checkup and is in good overall health. Your dog must be up to date on all vaccination, flea and tick medications, and preventives. Also, a microchip can come in handy while camping with your dog. Once your dog gets lost, it can find its way back to you. 

Grooming your dog before taking it out on the trip is counterproductive. A hair and nail trim would keep your dog cool in warm temperatures. If your dog has a severe illness or doesn't seem well, ask your vet if it is fit for a camping trip.

• Ensure your dog has a proper ID.

Before your camping trip, adorn your dog with a proper ID for easy identification and location. Aside from the microchips, a physical ID tag would do a lot better. People can quickly get through to you to return your dog home. Consider including multiple means of identification, including a dog's collar and ID information inside the harness.

• Keep your dog safe at all times.

On your arrival at the campground, make sure to set up a secure spot for your dog. Try an area that is less buggy or dry. Never embark on a journey without your dog's first aid kit and leash. Chances are, dogs get overwhelmed and excited with a new location. A leash would keep them close and within a controllable reach. Your dog needs to be well trained so that even when off-leash, he still behaves.  Your dog must understand basic controls to protect other campers and keep them safe. Failure to do so can pose a danger to other campers and the environment at large.  These guidelines would help you know how to secure dogs when camping.

In addition, watch out for broken glass or debris, sharp rocks, hot pavements, and wet grounds to protect your dog's paws at the campground. You could consider using a pet-safe or veterinarian-preferred paw protectant or booties. If your dog is new to their paws being clothed, give them to get used to it before the trip. 

• Plan dog-friendly activities for your trip

Just like we plan camping games and activities during the trip, your dog should not miss out on all the fun. Interestingly enough, most of the activities we enjoy are dog-worthy. You can take your pup or dog to hike, cycle or chill by the campfire. When planning, it is crucial to consider your dog's personality. What are your dog's likes and dislikes? What are her physical abilities? 

Some other activities to try out are hitting the trails, playing fetch, enjoying an outdoor meal, playing outdoor games, exploring the local parks, and many others. If it's a short stroll, remember to consult the local leash laws and take dog poop bags.

• Watch out for wildlife.

Watching out for wildlife is not only applicable to dangers that could harm your dog, such as lions, bears, wolves. It is also relevant to wildlife that your dogs could be a danger. Some examples are rabbits, rats, or deer. If you know your dog has a high drive to catch prey, keep a leash attached at all times.

Never allow your dog to drink from stagnant water infected with blue-green algae. It is dangerous to your dog's health. A more dangerous wildlife insect is the tick. After every hike or fun activity together, check your dog's skin for ticks and remove them with immediate effect. At night, with a portable power station such as AceVolt, camping and watching out for your dog is possible.

• Do not leave your dog unattended.

Your dog is your friend, therefore looking after your dog is your prior responsibility. Always clean after your dog when camping. Dispose of any dog poop or leftover junk to maintain a clean space for them. Due to the unfamiliar place, it could increase your dog's level of anxiety and stress. Stay close and engage your dog in fun activities. 

During their stay at your campsite, ensure they also have a positive experience. Unlike humans, typical dog behavior can get unpredictable depending on the breed and exposure. One minute they are calm; the next, they are all over the place, excited or angry.

• Collate your dog's first-aid kit

Put together a first-aid kit for your dog that includes a vet's phone number, vaccination records, and other things found in a first-aid kit. You will be out in the woods. While fun is assured, it would not be reasonable to forget and ignore the fact that danger could lurk in the shadows. A pet-specific first aid kit is convenient in medical situations. Ensure your kit has a first aid guidebook if you are not knowledgeable about pet situations. A dog's first aid kit contains:

• Antiseptic wipes for cleaning wounds
• Butterfly bandages
• Gauze pads
• Waterproof tapes
• A veterinarian prescribed pain killer like Rimadyl
• Disposable gloves
• Emergency hiking harness
• Activated charcoal to counteract poisons or toxins

• Keep your dog well hydrated with a balanced diet. 

As a dog owner, you can determine how much water your dog needs by weight, activity level, and general temperature. An adult dog uses one ounce of water each day per pound of his body weight. They must stay healthy even during the camping trip. Even if they aren't engaging in any high-energy exercise, they need more than enough water outdoors. 

 If you plan on staying active, make sure to pack 25% or more calories than your dog's usual diet, depending on how much exercise is involved. It is essential to keep the dog food, such as briquettes, cool to keep it safe for consumption, even though you need to pack a cooler or insulated container with ice to keep the temperature food-safe. 

Conclusion 

Whether you are tent camping with dogs or taking a trip in your campervan, remember that safety comes first. You will have a better trip if you know that your dog is safe and content with everything needed. Plan in advance, help your pet adjust to the new environment and have fun together. Once you get it right, it's hard to go camping without them.