This post may contain affiliate links that earn a small commission.
I love camping just as much as the next girl, but sometimes the thought of dragging my two dogs along just stresses me out. Will they be able to get enough exercise? Will there be other dogs to deal with? Where will they sleep? Will they be comfortable? All these questions race through my mind as I think about what we need to pack into the car. To ease my mind I decided to do a little research, here is what I discovered.
Firstly, if you prefer a camper to a tent be sure to have an area for your furry companion to lie down. After all that running and stick-fetching Fido will surely be ready for a nap. If you are more of a tent camper, a comfy dog bed could be a good investment. Whether your dog likes to huddle in the tent with you at night or sleep in the cool air, a reprieve from the hard ground is always welcome. If your dog is known to be a bit unruly, a comfortably sized crate could suffice as well. Next, I thought about what kind of equipment we would need for our dogs.
If you have a large dog, like I do, be sure to find water and food bowls that are big enough for them. While it may be funny to watch a lumbering Saint Bernard sip from a Pomeranian-sized bowl, it is definitely not ideal. With that in mind, if you are planning on doing any hiking or long walks consider investing in a collapsible bowl to give your pup a water break too.
Most campgrounds and National parks are extremely dog friendly, but they do have rules and guidelines in place to help protect you and your dog. Be sure to check these guidelines before you embark (emBARK… get it?) on your trip. The majority of places you visit (including most rest areas) will require that dogs are leashed, so ensure that you have a solid lead and plenty of clean-up bags. P.S make sure the leash can be used in the water too, you know how dogs are. When you guys are relaxing at your own site your pup may have to be tethered or tied up. If this is the case, make sure to find a leash or rope that will give your pet plenty of room to roam and sit with you.
One thing that I hadn’t fully considered before heading on our first trip was the amount of stimulation our dogs needed. They were whining in the car and pacing around the campsite in boredom. To avoid this, and other unfortunate consequences that come with a bored dog, be sure to pack plenty of outdoor dog toys. Be sure that the toys you find are durable, waterproof, and entertaining for your dogs. Toys that have hidden treats are always a win around my house. Bringing treats along on your trip is a good idea as well. Lastly, and perhaps the most important, be sure that your dog has up-to-date tags and vaccinations, and always have a picture of your dog on hand. If your dog happens to get lost you will want photos to show others around the campground so they can be on the lookout. Keeping your dog(s) happy and healthy on your camping trip is really as easy as being well prepared. Happy trails!