Camping With A Dog: 5 Tips For A Holiday Together
It’s always nice to go camping in the summer and it’s even better when you can share this experience with your dog! Camping is cheaper and more relaxing than sightseeing in the city or a crowded beach by the sea. So decide to go camping with your dog ; together you will be able to enjoy nature to the full!
Camping with a dog: this is how it works!
In general, there are two camping options: free camping or camping on a campsite. On the other hand, you can also bivouack; you sleep outside without a tent. However, this option is probably more suitable for the most adventurous among us.
Free camping is currently permitted in some areas of the United States as well as other countries. However, be sure to find out about the regulations of the national parks or areas before you set up camp there.
Also note that free tent spaces are sometimes limited. With that in mind, it is important that you make sure you are in a place where camping is allowed so that you don’t break any rules. If you choose this type of camping and want to take your dog with you, there should be no problems. Since you don’t have to adapt to a specific facility or campsite this way, you can just be with your dog in the great outdoors and enjoy it.
However, if you prefer to camp at a campsite, you need to book this in advance and also make sure that pets are allowed.
Here are some useful tips to keep in mind if you decide to go camping with your dog :
1. Make sure the campsite accepts pets
Not all campsites allow pets, so you can only bring your dog if the facility allows it. It is therefore best to inquire about them before booking a campsite, bungalow, cabin or villa. This of course also applies to hotels, beaches, country houses or any other tourist destination.
In addition, you must of course also take into account the conditions of the accommodation, as certain restrictions apply on some campsites where pets are allowed. For example, the number of animals could be limited or the tariff could be charged depending on the size of the animal.
2. Camping with a dog: Protect your dog from parasites and diseases in advance
This advice applies to every trip you take your pet. Before you travel, make sure that all of your pet’s vaccinations are up to date. This is especially true if you are traveling in a natural environment. In this context, also consider external and internal deworming. After all, prevention is always the best option.
Remember, you should protect your dog from internal parasites every three months with an oral anti-parasitic drug. You also have to protect it from the outside. You can use special pipettes for this purpose or you can put a collar around it to protect it from fleas, ticks and mosquitoes.
We advise you to take your dog’s vaccination certificate with you when you travel in case you need to prove that your pet has all the vaccinations required for the area you are traveling to. In addition, this document also shows that you are the rightful owner of the animal.
3. Make a packing list for the vacation with your dog
First, make a list of all the things you will need when traveling with your dog. This includes, for example, enough dog food, accessories for hiking, a water bowl, a food bowl, toys, treats, a bed and seat belts or a dog transport box for driving the car.
4. Camping with a dog: leave no traces
Even though you will be outside, you should still get rid of your dog’s urine and poop by pouring water on it or using dog poop bags. This is an important step in showing your respect for the environment and other campers. A little tip: This approach is even more environmentally friendly if the dog waste bags are recyclable.
Also, keep an eye on your dog at all times to avoid running across the campsite or disturbing other people. Last but not least, think about your trash and don’t leave it behind! Nature is open to everyone; we should therefore leave it as we find it so that others can enjoy it as well.
5. Take care of your pet
When you’re away from home, it is much more difficult to control your dog’s schedule of rest, meals, walks, and other routines. Even though the holidays are there to switch off, you shouldn’t neglect your pet’s needs.
Make sure that your dog gets a few hours of rest during the holidays and has enough opportunity to play and eat. And don’t forget to give your pet plenty of water. This is extremely important, especially after physical exertion or prolonged exposure to heat.
As we’ve seen, dog camping is an educational and stimulating activity for you and your dog if you follow a few tips. It’s usually better to take your dog with you when you travel than to leave them at home alone. A vacation together is also a great opportunity to strengthen your emotional bond.
