Tips on Taking Dogs Camping

Dogs are beloved family members that are often treated as children, and many dog owners enjoy taking their dogs everywhere with them. Camping can be an extra challenge as we try to live without many modern conveniences, and taking dogs out of their daily environment takes preparation and patience.If you take your dog camping with you, you will be required to take some extra steps to make it a happy and safe trip for everyone.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog dish
  • Dog food
  • Dog bed
  • Toys
  • Collar and leash
  • Trash bags
  • Pooper-scooper
  • Hand wipes
  • Jugs of water
  • Air freshener
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Instructions

    • 1

      Pack dog food and dishes for both dog food and water. It may be a good idea to bring some treats or a rawhide bone for your dog to gnaw on if he gets restless, bored or stressed. If he is out of his everyday environment, he may act a little differently. Giving him a bone may distract him and help calm his fears.

    • 2

      Make sure to bring trash bags to clean up after your dog, especially if you are in a campground. Bringing a pooper-scooper is always a good idea.

    • 3

      Treat your dog with a flea and tick preventative. Ticks, known to carry a myriad of diseases, including the deadly Lyme disease, can be troublesome in the woods.

    • 4

      Put an identification tag on your dog's collar, and if possible, before leaving, have him microchipped. A microchip is a small chip inserted between the dog's shoulder blades, under the skin. The chip does not hurt, and this is the way most animal shelters will scan for identification. Oftentimes, loose dogs may lose their collar and then lose their identification.

    • 5

      Bring a long tie-out for your dog and a stake. Many public campgrounds do not want dogs attached to trees, so bringing your own stake will allow you to keep him secure. If you have a large dog, make sure to get a large stake and a mallet or hammer to drive the stake in the ground. Even if your dog is well-trained to stay, other people in the campground may be afraid of dogs.

    • 6

      If you have a long drive to your destination, be prepared for car sickness. It is estimated that 50 percent of dogs get car sick. For this, pack a jug of water, trash bags, hand wipes for yourself and air freshener to combat any odor.

    • 7

      Have a dog bed or available spot for your dog to sleep. It is best to bring him inside, whether you are tent camping, cabin camping or RV camping. This is for his safety as well as to be courteous to other campers. There are many small animals and birds out while camping, and dogs may bark. Keeping them inside is your best bet.