We always try to bring the dogs with us wherever we go camping – they seem to enjoy it as much as we do! We always try to camp near water, which our bulldog loves. The pugs couldn’t care less about water but more enjoy lounging near the campfire or anywhere near the kitchen area. We’re sharing a few tips from experience camping with our dogs!
7 tried + tested tips to make life easier camping with dogs:
Tip 1: Collapsible Dog Bowls
These are great space savers, and easily store in our Woolly Bear. You can find them in any size and color on Amazon. Two of our dogs use a slow bowl at home (because they eat too fast), and I was able to find a slow bowl that collapses! Most the time they come in two packs so for us it works because that extra bowl can be used as a water bowl.
Tip 2: Food Containers
We always keep the dog food in Snapware containers, so it makes it easy when we camp. We just put the food container in a large tote bag with the bowls and other pet gear, and we’re good to go.
Tip 3: Lights
Our youngest likes to wander off at times and having the little light on his harness makes it easy to spot him while he’s sniffing around. They make a variety of colors to match the harness color.
Tip 4: Leash System
Again, with our youngest pup having the tendency to wander off, I don’t want to have to worry about that while I’m making dinner or relaxing by the fire. This tether line from Ruffwear is awesome. We tie it from the trailer to a tree, making sure he has shade and water. I feel better knowing he’s safely attached and has room to walk around a bit without wandering off.
Tip 5: First Aid Kit
We have first aid for ourselves, so why not carry extra for the dogs? Being a vet tech, I always carry extra medications or dog first aid supplies, just in case. Things like; Benadryl in case of an allergic reaction, Rimadyl in case Petey is sore after swimming, eye flush, Chlorhexidine wipes in case someone gets a wound, tweezers to pick off ticks. It may be over the top but I would rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.
Tip 6: Bedding
We have a nice Ruffwear mat for the dogs to lay on next to the fire. It folds up and packs away nicely, and adds some additional comfort for them. We also keep our dogs in a crate in the car at night. They sleep in a crate at home and at night they let us know when its bedtime and will go over to the back of the car and wait to be put in. When it’s a little colder, we also cover the crates with a blanket to keep the warmth in.
Tip 7: Be Responsible
Always be aware of the rules of parks you’re planning to visit. Call, or go online tp find out before you show up! If you don’t know what the conditions will be, or if pets are allowed, you may want to get a dogsitter or board them. Also, don’t let your dog run off and get into trouble! Don’t take them if it’s too hot. Don’t feed them food they normally wouldn’t eat. Do have them on a good flea/tick and heart worm prevention. It’s a lot of extra work bringing your pets with you, especially if you have multiples. It’s usually always worth it! But nothing ruins a camp trip faster than a sick dog or getting kicked out of a campground.
