Do you want to go camping with your dog but aren’t sure how to plan? No problem! Here are some easy tips for camping with your pup that will make it fun for everyone. With a little planning ahead, you and your furry friend can have a great adventure in nature!
Packing for camping with your dog is important, but you don’t need everything! A heavy backpack is no fun for you or your pup, especially if you’re hiking to your campsite.
There are lots of dog camping things you can buy, but you don’t need fancy stuff for everything. Here’s what you really need to keep you and your dog comfy and safe without packing a ton of extra weight:
The Right Tent
Picking the right tent is super important for everyone to be comfy. If your dog is medium-sized or bigger, get a bigger tent! Think of them like another person, especially if they stretch out to sleep.
Two people and one dog? Get a tent for three people. One person and two big dogs? Even though they’re heavy, if they curl up to sleep like circles, you might all fit in a roomy two-person tent.
Bring a sheet or blanket for the tent floor, too. Dog claws can rip the tent, and a sheet protects it. You can easily shake out any dirt or grass you track in. When camping with your dog, the tent is like your home away from home!
Comfortable Sleeping Gear
I like to sleep on a comfy, inflatable sleeping pad and a warm sleeping bag when I camp. My dogs, Cool Whip and Hercules used to love to cuddle on my side of the tent and steal my bed! I realized their regular dog beds weren’t comfy enough for camping.
Now, I bring two blow-up sleeping pads – one for me and one for them! They fold up tiny, like a soda can and are light to carry in my backpack.
I put a dog bed or a special outdoor sleeping bag on top of their pad. These dog beds are tougher and don’t get ruined easily, even if your dog gets a little rough while sleeping.
Leashes and Backpacks
Most campgrounds make dogs wear leashes all the time. A special leash called a zip line lets your dog wander around a bit at your campsite while still being safely on a leash. This frees up your hands for fun stuff like making s’mores!
If you’re hiking or exploring trails with your dog, consider getting them a special backpack. They can carry some of their own things, and some dogs like having a job to do on hikes!
If you’re not sure where to start, we have another guide to help you pick the perfect backpack for your dog!
Food and Bowls
Packing dog food for camping can be tricky. Here are some easy options:
- Kibble carrier: This is a special bag designed to hold dog food and makes it easy to carry around.
- Plastic bin: You can also use a clear plastic bin to hold your dog’s food. It’s easy to see what’s inside, and you can stack them to save space in your car.
- Dehydrated dog food: If you’re going on a long trip, consider dehydrated dog food. It’s lightweight and takes up less space in your backpack. The Honest Kitchen is a popular brand for travel.
Leave your fancy ceramic food bowls at home! They’re not ideal for camping. Get metal or plastic bowls that won’t break easily. The best option is bowls made from a flexible material that folds up small – this saves space in your backpack and gives you room for extra dog treats!
Miscellaneous
Don’t forget a first aid kit for your dog! Stuff happens, even on camping trips. Here’s what to pack for your furry friend:
- Regular first aid supplies you’d use on yourself
- A copy of your dog’s medical records on a flash drive
- Your phone number and your vet’s contact information
- A recent picture of your dog in case they get lost
- Hydrogen peroxide (check with your vet on the amount first) to make your dog throw up something bad they might eat
- Benadryl for allergies (ask your vet about the correct dosage)
- Bandage wrap to hold dressings in place
Lights: Bring a headlamp, flashlight, or even an LED collar light. These are helpful for safety at night, like when your pup needs a bathroom break or if you’re stargazing.
Treats: Reward your dog for good behavior, especially if it’s their first camping trip or if you’re trying to get the perfect photo (which might feel like the hundredth to them!).
Bug Protection: Bugs can be a real drag! Not all bug sprays for people are safe for pets. Here are some options:
- Bug Soother: This spray repels mosquitos and gnats and is safe for people, pets, and the environment.
- Wondercide: This kills fleas, ticks, and mosquitos on dogs and cats.
- Insect Shield Clothing: These are shirts and bandanas for dogs with insect repellent built right into the fabric. Especially useful on days with lots of bugs!
Poop Bags: Always bring plenty of poop bags! You’ll need them to clean up after your dog, and they’re also handy for picking up any trash you don’t want to touch with your bare hands.
Extra Treats: We mentioned treats before, but hey, who can resist spoiling their pup on a camping trip? Pack an extra bag, just in case!
Bad Weather Gear: Check the weather forecast before you go and pack accordingly. It might not always be sunny and warm. If you’re expecting hot pavement or rough trails, consider getting dog boots to protect your pup’s paws.
Practice Camping With Your Dog
Try everything out before you go! This is our best tip. Set up your tent in your backyard, pack your backpack (with some treats!), and even practice using your dog’s zip line at home.
Do a “practice camping trip” in your backyard, a nearby park with campsites, or even just your living room! The goal is to make sure your dog feels comfy in the tent. Imagine being far away from home and realizing your pup is scared of the tent flapping in the wind – not ideal!
This goes for other things too, like campfires and your dog’s backpack. Let your dog get used to being around a fire at home before you’re at a campsite. The same goes for the backpack – make sure they’re okay wearing it before you’re somewhere totally new.
Try out your own gear at home, too. Is your sleeping pad comfy enough? Does your backpack feel too heavy with all the dog stuff? It’s easier to fix these things at home than when you’re already on your camping trip.
