With the weather warming up, there is no better time to explore the world outdoors. Nature is calling, and you cannot leave your four-legged best friend behind. Make sure your dog has all that they need on your next camping adventure. We’ve created this guide to show you the essentials for camping with your dog.
The essentials:
These are the non-negotiables your dog will need for a safe, healthy, and enjoyable camping trip:
- Food and water – an obvious essential that your dog will need to fuel up and hydrate while camping. Dogs often need more calories and water than normal on camping trips, due to the increase in exercise and mental stimulation.
- Food/water bowl – a collapsible bowl or travel bowl work best to save on space.
- Leash and collar – most parks do require you to have your dog on leash. Make sure their dog tag is properly fitted on the collar.
- Poop bag or shovel – follow the campsites ordinances regarding waste disposal and remember to leave no trace.
- First Aid Kit – this is essential to every camping trip. Accidents happen, and you want to be prepared. Tweezers for ticks, antiseptic wipes cuts, gauze pads and rolls for bandages, hydrocortisone for insect bites or rashes, are all included in our first aid kit.
We recommend that you ensure that your dog’s flea and tick prevention and vaccinations are up to date. You should also ensure that your dog has ID tags and is microchipped.
These are the minimum requirements when purchasing essentials for camping with your dog. If you have room for a few more things, we recommend purchasing a few extras.
Nice to have extras:
These extras can add comfort and convenience, especially for longer or more rugged trips:
- Blanket or bed for the tent – although dogs can sleep on the ground many dogs would appreciate a little cushioning. If the temperature drops at night, make sure to bring appropriate blankets to keep your pup warm. You could even purchase a dog sleeping bag to keep your dog toasty overnight.
- Dog packs – you many want your dog to carry their own food or water while hiking. Dog packs are both useful and adorable.
- Booties or paw protectant – this mainly applies to camping in more extreme climates. In the campsites around Dallas, there is not much concern. However if you are venturing out or going when it’s colder, protect your dog’s feet with boots or a paw balm protectant.
- Wipes for the tent – one of the cardinal rules of camping is not to bring your shoes in the tent. Dogs paws are likely covered in dirt by the end of the day. Wipes for their paws and coat would make for a nicer sleeping condition.
- Long line – a long line can be useful in multiple ways. You can use this to tie your dog at camp, while giving them some freedom. Long lines are also a trainers go-to equipment when working towards off-leash or trail obedience. Lastly, we recommend that you hang food or anything you want to keep off the ground on the line.
- Safety Light/Reflective Gear – one of the best parts of camping is seeing the stars on those pitch black nights. However, it may also be so dark that you can’t see your dog, so we recommend bringing a safety light, light up collar, or reflective gear to keep your dog safe.
Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway to Big Bend National Park or planning a longer backcountry trip, a little preparation goes a long way. Bring the right essentials for camping with your dog, and your dog will be just as happy and safe as you are under the stars.
We’re here to help
Would you like to train your dog to have better recall skills and leash walking before going on a camping trip? Beyond the Dog offers one-on-one training programs that teach obedience commands and manners and treat behavioral issues. All our training programs are private sessions in your home or local Houston neighborhood, as well as board-and-train and virtual consultation options. You can schedule a free consultation with our Pet Behavior Team.
Our Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and Co-founder, Dr. Echterling-Savage, designs all our training protocols and even offers direct virtual consultation programs with you, in which she designs a personalized training plan and provides guidance to achieve your training goals.
