Camping with your dog makes adventures that much more exciting. Exploring the outdoors together can be a great way for you and your best bud to connect with nature and develop a deeper bond. But it can also be stressful without proper prep work. Camping with your dog may mean that you have to follow different rules and regulations than you would without your pup.
To keep things fun and stress-free, we’ve got some helpful suggestions that we’re thrilled to share with you about dog camping essentials.. These tips & tricks can help teach you the essentials of camping with a dog and making the most of your time together. Without further ado…
Camping With A Dog & The Importance Of Planning Ahead
Planning ahead is the best way to ensure that you and your dog have a great camping experience. Here are a few tips for camping with your dog as part of dog camping essentials:
- Check with the campgrounds, national parks, and trails that you plan on camping in. Make sure that you understand their pet policy and rules.
- You may want to schedule a check-up with the vet prior to leaving.
- Reserve your campsite early, especially during busy summer months and holidays.
- Plan the route that you and your dog will take. Make sure the difficulty of any hiking trails is appropriate for your dog. It’s also a good idea to make sure there are plenty of opportunities to pull your dog off the trail for bathroom and snack breaks!
- Make sure that your dog is prepared to interact with other dogs and people. You can practice this by walking your dog on local, well-trafficked trails to get them exposed to what they might encounter. It’s also a good idea to invest in some obedience training to make sure your dog listens to your commands under all circumstances. Our training treats are a great tool for at-home training sessions!
- Invest in high-quality hiking and camping gear for your dog.
Keep reading to learn how to best outfit your dog for your next camping adventure…
Dog Camping Essentials – Your Dog’s Pack
Unless you’re a seasoned camper, you probably spend a good bit of time packing your gear. After all, you don’t want to hit the trail without all the essentials. The same goes for your dog. They have necessities too. Whether your pup hauls their own pack, or you carry it for them, you’ll want to make sure they have the following dog camping essentials:
- Dog food and bowl
- Water bowl
- Dog treats (BRN Peanut Butter Coated Sweet ‘Tater Stix are a tasty choice!)
- Dog first-aid kit
- Outdoor toys
- Leash
- ID Tag
- Vet and medical records
- Any prescription medications
- Dog waste bags
- Wipes or towels
- Dog rain jacket, if needed
- Dog booties or paw protectant, if needed
Of course this list of dog camping essentials isn’t all inclusive, but it’s a great start nonetheless!
Clean Up After Your Dog
Anytime you’re outdoors with your pup, it’s important to remember the leave-no-trace policy. This rule especially applies when camping with a dog. To ensure that everyone on the trail and at the campground is happy, it’s important to clean up after your dog.
Of course, you’ll want to dispose of used doggie bags in the appropriate trash containers. This applies to both hiking the trails and while at camp.
Keep Your Dog With You At All Times
To make sure that your dog stays safe, never leave him or her at camp while you’re out hiking. Keeping your pup inside a car or tied up at camp can put them in danger. Weather can change without warning, not to mention wildlife can wander through. Your best bet is to always keep your dog by your side. And of course, leaving your dog alone can also be disruptive to other campers around you.
Have Your Dog Leashed At Camp
No matter how well-behaved your dog is, there are so many temptations while in the great outdoors.
It’s easy for your dog to catch the scent of hotdogs roasting over the grill or an innocent bunny running through the campsite. With so many interesting scents it doesn’t take much for a loose dog to run off and put themselves in danger! This can be preventable if you keep your dog on a leash at all times, including while at camp. In most campgrounds, there’s a rule for this, too.
If your dog gets restless while at camp, you can give them a tasty Blue Ridge Naturals’ Sweet ‘Tater Bone. These bones are made with all-natural ingredients and the delicious sweet potato filling is packed with nutrients to keep your dog satisfied!
Store Dog Food & Treats Away
Dog kibble and Blue Ridge Naturals treats are appealing to more than just your dog. There’s plenty of wildlife around that would happily eat these yummy morsels if left unattended. To prevent this, keep food and treats stored properly when it’s not mealtime. If your dog likes to nibble, try feeding them smaller amounts throughout the day and save leftovers in your car or an airtight container.
Camping With Your Dog – Adventure Awaits!
Whether you’re an avid camper or brand new to the hobby, nearly every adventure is made better with your four-legged friend by your side. With these dog camping essentials in mind, you’re sure to have an incredible camping trip with your dog. Savor every moment, because you know your dog will. And don’t forget to snap a few pictures along the way!
