Your pets might not participate in all vacations, but they should not miss your camping vacations. The dog might be your companion or your best friend, and therefore it makes sense for you to bring him along on your preferred outdoor adventures. However, before you start packing the water bowl and throwing a leash in the backpack, you should consider the following tips. They are sleeping solutions when camping with a dog.
1. Select the best campsite
The last thing you would expect when planning to camp with your four-legged friend is getting to the camping site only to find a “No Pets Allowed” sign. Start by finding a campsite that is pet-friendly. Luckily, that is not a huge issue considering that most campgrounds allow camping with pets.
Therefore, regardless of the camping trip, you are planning, you should start by calling ahead or researching online to find the dog-friendly trails and campsites. Also, check on the leash laws because some campsites only allow restrained pets, while others are comfortable with off-leash dogs if they are under voice control. You will also have to pick up the poop.
2. Refresh the pet’s camp-friendly training
Whether you are planning to go for a backcountry trek or to camp on the campground near the highway, your four-legged friend will require a more reliable recall command for him to remain out of danger – and away from the other campers who might not need his company. Furthermore, you will have to refresh on the “leave it” commands in case you are likely to encounter bears, snakes and other animals on the trail. Outdoor training sessions are a better idea before any big camping trip.
3. Be ready for emergencies
Camping with your pets means that you should be ready for anything. That should not mean that you have to add a lot of stuff in your backpack. The following packing list for your pet will come in handy during long time camping.
- Dedicated dog water bottle, lightweight collapsible water, and food bowls (remember to carry package filtration systems if you will rely on the water provided on the camping site).
- Dog backpacks for your day hikes.
- A sleeping blanket, inflatable pillows, and pad will keep the four-legged friend cozy throughout the night. You can go for the kid-sized sleeping bags offered in the local thrift stores.
- A reflective collar/leash and a clip-on flashing light
- A first aid kit
You do not have to spend a lot of your money to get the pet geared up for the camping. If you are planning to hike too, you might need a few more items. But if you are planning for a campsite stay, you might already have all the items you need for your pet.
4. Practice campsite etiquette
After arriving at the campsite, you should be cautious to the fellow campers. Use the rock-solid recall command or the leash to keep the pet out of the campsites of strangers – remember to pick and dispose of the dog’s waste properly. For optimum enjoyment and safety, keep the dog closer to you until the camping ends. You should also avoid leaving him unsupervised in a vehicle, campsite or on a trail. Keep in mind that the weather conditions are more likely to change and wild animals can appear at any time.
You might need to confine the friend for convenience and safety when doing some tasks, such as when roasting hot dogs. If you have already crate trained the dog, a movable lightweight crate such as a fabric-walled one is a great addition to the pet camp kit.
5. Have fun
When camping with your pet, you will have a better chance of getting of the stressful moments and bond with the friend. You will be several miles from your glowing screens and other distractions. Therefore, you will take every sight, sound, and smell of nature with the friend.
You are also likely to think that you do not have to walk the dog. After all, you are camping. However, most dogs must stick to their walking routines. Take the four-legged friend on his normal evening and morning walking, so that he can complete his business outside the site. You should not forget to collar the dog. That should also not happen when walking in your neighborhood.
The dog is likely to find numerous unusual scents, sights, and sounds near and around the campground that will make him bark throughout the night. Properly exercised dogs are unlikely to yap because they will be tired and ready to rest in the tent.
6. Choose the right tent
When selecting a tent for your camping, ensure that it is large enough to offer the space you and your dog require sleeping comfortably. Plan for the dog as you would plan for another person. Moreover, you have to remember that a dog can easily dig out of the tent and therefore locking him inside can be dangerous if he decides to move out. When you are away from the camp, do not leave the dog inside the tent.
7. Pre-trip vet visit
Some private campgrounds require rabies vaccination for any pet. But even if they do not need it, you should keep your dog’s vaccination current. Remember to refill the prescriptions or other medications like training treats and vitamins before heading out for a camping trip. You are unlikely to find a vet in the campsite, and if you do, they are more expensive. And if you are living in an area full of ticks and flea, go for the right prescriptions. Ticks and fleas can ruin your night in the campground.
8. Buy a first aid kit for your pet
You have to pack a pet (specifically) first aid kit. Most pet supply stores offer them, but if they are expensive or you cannot find them, you can assemble one. A first aid kit comes with a book that should teach you on how to deal with emergencies, such as choking.
Conclusion
Before taking your dog to the campsite, you will have to decide on how to spend your nights and where to sleep. Will you keep the dog loose in the tent? Will you need a crate? By preparing the sleeping arrangements, you will enjoy a safe and comfortable sleep. Moreover, you will be able to avoid the potential crisis and help others enjoy their vacations.