Relaxing and adventuring the outdoors with the wind in your hair and your best, furriest pal by your side? Yes please! Camping is already pretty much the peak for most of us humans, you get maximum freedom, total escape from your day to day life and a whole lot of natural beauty all for minimum cost and next to no effort. Basically, it’s the perfect vacation, and the only way to make it even more amazing is by bringing that dog of yours along for the ride! Now, in order to successfully pack that pooch with your camping kit, you’ll need a couple of tips and tricks to send you on the right track. Here are a few essential tips for camping with your dog…
Do Your Research
All good camping trips start with some serious Googling. By doing your homework before you head out anywhere, you’re ensuring that your trip will be as smooth sailing and successful as possible. This becomes even more essential when it comes to camping with your four legged friend. Not every campground accepts dogs on the premises, and not all locations and weather conditions are not appropriate for them either. Look into whether your potential camp spot can facilitate your dog to set off on the right foot, you don’t want to have to turn around and head home a few minutes after you get there! Check out a few dog friendly camping spots before anything else.
Always Be Mindful
Once you find your location and you set up your tent or trailer, it’s important that you make an effort to be considerate of your neighbours and mindful of the environment that you’re staying in. Keep your dog on a lease at all times to avoid any unfortunate run-ins with your fellow campers and their dogs or, worse, food. You should also keep in mind that although you and everyone you know might be a dog fanatic, not everyone is.
Stay Safe
Keeping your dog protected is vital for a fun and memorable camping trip. This means watching them when they’re searching through foliage, keeping them out of the sun, always making sure that they have plenty of water and providing them with lots of snacks to keep them full of energy out on walks and hikes.
Pack Accordingly
As noted just above, you need to bring plenty of kit to make sure that your dog is well cared for during your camping adventure. This means collapsible water bowls, a utility belt full of snacks, spare leads, eco friendly mess bags, a waterproof jacket just in case it rains, water and food bowls, kibble and of course some chew toys to keep them entertained when you’re having some well earned down time to yourself.
Vaccinations are Key
This is a big one. Of course, you should always be mindful of maintaining your dog’s shots, but making absolutely sure that those vaccinations are up to date is even more important when you’re off camping. Head to the vets for a little check up before you go and you’ll have nothing to worry about.
Leave No Trace
Clean up after yourself, always, but especially when you have a dog. Nobody wants to step in your dog’s mess, least of all yourself, so keep it clean and you won’t have to think about it.
Ready to head to the campground with your best friend along for the ride? Follow these tips and you’ll have an easy, enjoyable trip to remember!
