Dog-friendly Camping Trips

Dog-friendly Camping Trips – Should You Take Your Puppy Camping? Of course, camping with dogs can be a lot of fun! And sharing new experiences is a great way to increase your confidence and deepen your bond.

So you’re thinking about taking your dog camping. Not sure what to pack or how to prepare for your trip? Don’t worry, we have some tips for camping with dogs that will ensure you all enjoy the adventure. With a little preparation, you and your furry travel companion will have a blast in the great outdoors!

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Dog-friendly Camping Trips

Gear can make or break a camping trip, but that doesn’t mean you need everything under the sun. And, if you’re walking to your campsite, consider the weight and size of your gear. Neither you nor your dogs want to carry a heavy backpack!

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While there are many options for dog camping gear, not everything has to be dog-specific. Here are some of the basics to keep you and your dog comfortable and safe without going overboard.

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Choosing your tent carefully is the most important step in making sure you are all comfortable. If your pup is a medium or larger dog, you probably want to expand your store. Think of your dog as a different person, especially if he is going to sleep.

Two people and a dog? Consider a three-person shop. One person and two dogs? Even though Cool Whip and Hercules weigh about 70 pounds each, they tend to curl up and sleep like donuts, so the three of us fit into a large two-person tent.

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As an accessory for the tent, bring a sheet or blanket to spread on the floor. Your dog’s claws can make holes in the tent, and the sheet will protect the floor and also make it easier to shake off any dirt or grass you track inside. When camping with dogs, your tent is your castle!

My go to bed for camping is a normal inflatable mattress and a good sleeping bag. It’s very comfortable, and Cool Whip and Hercules used to make a beeline for my half of the tent to claim my bed. I quickly discovered that the dog beds I prepared for them were not cozy enough.

Now, I packed two inflatable sleeping pills – one for me and one for them. They all pack down to the size of a soda can, are lightweight, and easily fit in my backpack.

I cover the inflatable dog mat with a dog bed or outdoor sleeping bag. These beds and sleeping bags are usually more durable and water resistant, so there is no need to worry about damaging them with rough use.

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Most campgrounds require dogs to be on a leash at all times, so a zip line gives your dog a little freedom while keeping him on a leash at your campsite. Plus, your hands are free for other activities, like making s’mores!

If you’re hiking to your campsite or spending time on the trails at your destination, consider getting a backpack for your dog. Your dog can help carry some of his own supplies, and some dogs like to have a job to do.

Not sure which backpack to choose? We’ve got you covered with our guide to choosing the best backpack for your dog.

It’s not always convenient to take the entire bag of dog food with you when camping with dogs. Instead, look for a kibble carrier: dry, roll-on bags designed to make transporting dog food easier.

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Or go basic: I like to pack my dog’s food in a 15-quart clear plastic box. I actually put a lot of my gear in that way, because it’s easy to see what’s inside, they stack well and keep everything organized in the car.

If you’re going on a long trip and need a lot of food for your dog, consider dehydrated dog food that’s lightweight and easy to pack. The Honest Kitchen is a great option for traveling pets.

Then leave the pottery at home. They are not the best thing to bring to the desert. Choose metal or plastic dishes that won’t break. Or, better yet, find bowls made from flexible, collapsible materials that are easy to pack into your hiking backpack or backpack. Bonus: You and your dog will have extra room for snacks.

First Aid Kit – Accidents happen, even on vacation. In addition to a standard first aid kit, it includes your pet’s medical records (filtered onto a USB drive), contact information for you and your vet, a recent picture in case your dog gets lost, hydrogen peroxide for cause noxious vomiting, Benadryl for reactions. allergens and self-adhesive tape (veterinary wrap).

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Lighting – Think headlamp, flashlight, LED necklace, etc. These items are good for safety and in case your dog needs a bathroom break late at night or if you stay out to see the stars.

Treats: Reward good behavior, especially if it’s your first camping trip or you’re excited to pose for what seems like the millionth photo.

Bug Repellent: Nothing will ruin your trip faster than a swarm of bugs feeding on you and your pets. And not all human insect repellents are safe for pets. The pacifier repels mosquitoes and gnats and is safe for people, pets and the environment. And Wondercide kills fleas, ticks and mosquitoes on dogs and cats.

Insect Shield also makes dog t-shirts and bandanas with insect repellent in the fabric. If the bugs are really bad, it would help to have a shirt on your dog to avoid biting, it won’t hurt!

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Trash Bags – You can never bring too many trash bags. Always pick up after your pet, and these are great for picking up litter you come across that you don’t want to touch with your hands.

Gear for bad conditions: It’s not always 65 and sunny, so be sure to check the forecast and pack accordingly. The same applies to land; consider packing dog boots to protect paws from hot pavement or rough trails.

Our best advice is to test your gear before you leave home! Set up your tent, pack your backpack and practice ziplining.

Make it a practice night in your backyard, at a nearby campsite, or even in your living room. The goal is to make sure your dog is comfortable in the tent. You don’t want to be out in the wilderness or sometimes outside the house to find your dog is spooked by the sound of the tent fabric in the wind.

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The same concept applies to campfires and your dog’s backpack. Make sure your dog is comfortable with the experience at home before being in a new place.

Also consider your own device if you’re trying something new. Is your sleeping mat comfortable? Is your backpack too heavy with extra dog gear? Order it at home to avoid surprises when you go on a trip.

There are many options for camping with dogs, whether you choose a state park, a national park, or a private park, it doesn’t matter. Even parks with limited pet trails often allow dogs into campgrounds. So you can enjoy time outside with your dog even if you’re not walking.

If you’re looking for more relaxation, check out the national forest parks. National forests, as well as national grasslands, often have primitive camps (pit latrines and no electricity) that operate on a first-come, first-served basis. These areas and BLM lands often have scattered camping options.

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By now you may be thinking about the investment required to go camping with your dog. Especially if you don’t know if you or your dogs will enjoy it!

Fortunately, you can start by finding inexpensive supplies at a yard sale. Or rent equipment for the first time. REI stores also sell and rent used equipment. Outside Geekwill will send you rental gear. And some colleges and universities (such as Cornell Outdoor Education) have outdoor recreation clubs that rent equipment to the general public.

Just remember. If you rent the equipment, you are responsible for returning it clean. Make sure you have a good plan for cleaning up pet hair as well as human dirt and mess.

But when you decide to go camping with dogs, the most important thing is to relax and have fun!

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