Taking your dog camping for the first time can be an anxiety-producing thought. There are some tips and tricks to help both you and your pup enjoy being in the outdoors together. Read on and explore our suggestions on how to prepare your pup to camp for the first time.
Camping with your dog is a great way to bond with your pup and enjoy the outdoors. It can also be a good opportunity to teach them new skills like how to behave around other people and animals. Camping with your dog can be a little tricky, but these tips will help make it an enjoyable experience for both of you.
- Take the right supplies: Bring water, food, bowls, toys, poop bags, and a portable water dish.
- Plan ahead: Check the weather forecast and campground rules before you go so you don’t show up unprepared.
- Get ready: Pack extra food in case your pet gets hungry while you’re setting up camp or hiking in the woods.
- Stay safe: Keep an eye on your pet at all times so they don’t
1. Practice Taking your Dog Camping at Home
Practice camping at home to introduce your pup to the camping environment. Do this the right way and everyone will be happy on their wilderness adventure.
There are many benefits to practicing camping at home. Dogs are more likely to be excited about going on a trip if they have already experienced it once before. Use this opportunity for you and your pup to get use to the gear you will have on your trip. which will make the experience much smoother for both of you.
First off, set up the tent inside the home and let your pup check it out. Then give them praise and a treat when they come close and go inside the tent.
Once your dog is comfortable inside the tent, move to a backyard campout. This will help your dog get more comfortable sleeping outdoors and making adjustments to nighttime sounds, frogs, owls, and crickets.
2. Make Sure Your Dogs Shots are Up to Date
Dogs need shots just like humans. Make sure your dog’s shots are up to date to protect them from rabies and other diseases. It also protects other pets and people from your fur buddy.
The first step is to make sure you know when your pet needs a new shot. Different pets need different schedules, so it’s important to check with your veterinarian for the right time frame for your animal.
The next step is to get the vaccinations that are required by law in your area. If you’re traveling with your pet, check out the requirements for their destination as well.
Also, you will want to follow your vet’s suggestions for flea and tick protection. Taking your pup into the wild will expose them to a greater risk of these dangers.
3. How to find dog-friendly campsites?
Dogs are often allowed in campgrounds, and you will easily find sites that allow them. However, please do check before heading out as not all campsites allow dogs.
The first type of campground that is typically friendly for dogs is a National Forest Service campground. These are usually less crowded than other campgrounds and provide more space for your dog to roam freely. The downside is that these campsites may not have potable water sources or shower facilities. National Parks tend to be more restrictive about dogs.
4. Consider A Larger Tent for You and Your Dog
The best tent for dogs is one that is large enough to accommodate them and their human companions. You may want to consider a larger tent if you are planning on bringing your dog with you on a camping trip.
But not all tents are suitable for pets, so it’s important to find the right one before going out in the wild. The tent should be small enough for pets to enter and exit easily.
The entrance should be wide to prevent animals from getting stuck or panicking. The groundsheet of the tent should be heavy to protect it from your dog’s nails tearing it.
Here are some tips for camping with your friends and pets. For example, if you’re pitching a tent with just two people but want to bring your dog too, it’s probably worth bringing a four-person tent along this will ensure plenty of room for everyone.
5. Never Leave Your Dog Alone in Camp
Dogs are man’s best friend, and they make the perfect camping companion. But what do you do if you need to leave your dog alone for a few hours? Many people feel it’s okay to leave their dog alone at home for a few hours, but this should not be the case when it comes to camping.
Why might this be a bad idea? Well, even the best-behaved dogs could become destructive when left unattended in your tent or in camp for too long.
Be sure to bring your dog with you if you’re only going to be a short time away from your campsite. Being left alone tethered to a tree is still dangerous for your pup should a wild animal wander into your camp.
Bringing your pup into the outdoors does not relieve you of the responsibility of caring for and paying attention to them. If you feel you can not watch them closely, then it would be best to leave them at home with a sitter.
6. Food and Water Are a Must Have When Taking your Dog Camping
Dogs need to be well-hydrated and fed at all times. It is always important to keep your dog well-hydrated, but it is especially important when you are camping with your dog.
When you are camping, it is not always possible to have a water bowl for your dog. You will have to find a way of keeping the water cool. Some people use ice packs or frozen water bottles to keep the water cool. Another option is to use a collapsible bowl that can be filled with water and then folded up for storage when not in use.
If you’re going camping or glamping with your dog, you also need to pack their food! You may want to bring extra dog food as they will probably burn more energy running around on the trails. Generally, consider an additional 25 to 50 percent more than they would eat at home.
Also, remember to bring the doggie treats. These are valuable to keep your dog engaged while exploring new surroundings. Rewarding them for good behavior will keep them from seeking things to get into or from wandering off.
7. Doggie First Aid Kits for Camping
A doggie first aid kit is an important thing to have when you are camping since veterinarian services may not be available. It is a good idea to have one of these kits in your car, or backpack. so that you can be prepared for any emergencies that may come up.
The kit should include a variety of items such as gauze pads, tweezers, scissors, adhesive tape, and an assortment of bandages. Purchasing a kit specific to animals may also include special items just for our furry friends. It is also a good idea to keep a copy or your pet’s medical information inside the kit. This will allow you to share their medical history with a vet should you need one.
8. Do Tick Checks on Your Dog While Camping
Why check your dog for ticks?
It is important to check your dog for ticks when you go camping because it is a common way for diseases to spread. These diseases are harmful to you and your dog and can have long-lasting and negative effects on you both. Here is a brief list of harmful diseases ticks can spread to your dog:
- Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
- Canine Hepatozoonosis
- Lyme Disease
- Canine Bartonellosis
- Canine Ehrlichiosis
- Canine Babesiosis
- Canine Anaplasmosis
The first thing you should do is to make sure that the dogs have been treated with tick prevention. It is also important to check your dog’s ears and paws for ticks. You should not only look for ticks on the surface of the skin, but also look in the hair, around the eyes and mouth, and inside of their ears.
If you should find a tick on your dog while camping the first course of action it to remove it immediately. Here is a quick video on how to remove a tick from your dog. Next, you will want to keep an eye on your dog for a few days to make sure they do not exhibit any ill effects from the tick bite.
Here is a link to the tool from the video: Tickease Tick removal tool
9. Bring a Friend for Your Best Friend
When camping with your dog for the first time, consider bringing an older more experienced dog with you to show your pup the ropes.
If you have a younger dog that has not experienced life in a campground, having an experienced dog along will be beneficial. Pups often learn behavior from older dogs in a pack, so if you have a friend with a well-behaved dog that is use to camping and campgrounds invite them to join you on your quest.
10. Do Not Forget a Leash and Tether
Most campgrounds have rules that require dogs to be on a leash. Bring your favorite leash or harness for your dog when you are actively running around the camp or trails.
Since you can not tend to a leash 24/7 while camping, you will also want to bring some type of tether as well.
With a tether, your pup can feel some form of freedom while you attend to setting up camp, cook, or relax in your hammock. Another good idea is to bring a favorite toy for your dog to keep them from getting bored while on the tether.
Conclusion For Taking Your Dog Camping for the First Time
The conclusion of this article is that camping with dogs can be a fun and rewarding experience. The tips for taking your dog camping for the first time, are to research your campsite, pack the right supplies, and have a plan for your dog’s safety and comfort.
Quick Gear Checklist for Taking your Dog Camping for the First Time
The following is a list of items to bring on your next camping trip with your dog.
Dog Gear Checklist:
- Collapsible water bowl
- Dog food
- Treats for your pup
- Dog first aid kit
- Leash and collar
- Spare leash (as a backup)
- Extra collar (as a backup)
- Dog bed or blanket for sleeping in the tent or car.