Camping with your dog: checklist and tips for a relaxed trip
, by Michael van Wassem, 4 min reading time
Everything to sort out before camping with your dog: campsite rules, sleeping, safety, ticks and a handy packing list.
A tent, a dog and a campfire at a safe distance: it sounds like the perfect holiday. It usually goes well too, as long as you arrange a few things beforehand. This article walks you through them, from choosing a campsite to the packing list.
Short answer: what do you need at minimum?
Camping with your dog works well if you have four things in order: you have checked the campsite's dog rules in advance, your dog has a fixed, familiar sleeping spot, he is always on a lead or safely secured, and he has access to water and shade. You also protect him against ticks. With a new dog, start with a weekend close to home.
Choose a campsite that suits you both
Not every campsite is equally dog-friendly. Check the rules beforehand and call if in doubt. Look at: whether dogs must always be on a lead, whether there are dedicated dog-walking areas, whether there is an extra charge, whether there is a maximum number of dogs and whether there are limits by breed or size. A quiet site with walking routes nearby suits most dogs better than a busy site with party nights.
Checklist: what to pack
Tick these off before you leave:
- Vaccination record and microchip number, and when travelling abroad the correct pet travel documents
- Food for all days, plus a spare portion
- Water and a collapsible bowl, for example from the category water bottles for on the go
- Bed, mat or blanket with a familiar smell, such as a dog blanket
- Short lead, long line and a well-fitting harness or collar with your contact details
- Poo bags
- Tick remover and tick protection as advised by your vet
- Towel for wet or muddy paws
- A chew or sniffing toy to help your dog settle by the tent
- Your own vet's phone number and the address of a vet or emergency clinic nearby
Sleeping: tent, car or caravan
Give your dog a fixed place in the tent or awning, preferably with his own bed or blanket. The familiar smell helps him get used to new sounds. In autumn and on cold nights, insulation from the ground matters: a thick mat or blanket stops him lying directly on the cold floor. Practise the sleeping spot at home for a few evenings so it is not brand new at the campsite.
Safety on the pitch
A pitch has no fence, and a dog who gets startled by a running child or another dog can be gone quickly. Keep your dog on a lead, or attach him to a long line on a sturdy anchor point, and stay nearby. A portable dog fence can help if your dog likes to wander. Never tie him up and walk away: he can get tangled or start barking.
Food and drink on the road
Stick to his familiar food. New food on holiday more often causes stomach and bowel upsets. Provide clean drinking water and do not let him drink from puddles, ditches or standing water. Swimming can be great, but watch for warning signs, for example about blue-green algae.
Ticks and health
In woods, dunes and long grass your dog can pick up ticks. According to ESCCAP, it is sensible to discuss with your vet which protection suits your dog. Check your dog after every walk, especially around the head, ears, armpits and between the toes. Save your own vet's number and a nearby vet's address in your phone.
Heat, cold and rain
Never leave your dog in a tent, caravan or car in the sun, because it gets far too hot very quickly. Provide shade and water. In cold or wet weather, find a dry, sheltered spot and dry him well with a towel after a wet outing.
Common mistakes
- Not checking the campsite rules in advance
- Trying a new tent, new bed and new surroundings for the first time all at once
- Too many new stimuli on the first day, without rest breaks
- Leaving the dog alone in the tent or caravan
- Forgetting that ticks still need to be looked for after the holiday
Frequently asked questions
Can my dog sleep in the tent?
Usually yes, but it depends on the campsite and your tent. Check the site rules and the tent information.
Can I leave my dog alone at the campsite?
Many sites do not allow it, especially in a tent or caravan. Ask in advance.
What documents do I need abroad?
Requirements differ by country and change over time. Check the current rules with the authorities or your vet before travelling.
How do I get my dog used to camping?
Start with a short stay close to home, practise the sleeping spot at home and build up slowly.
Summary
Check the dog rules, give your dog a familiar sleeping spot, keep him safe on a lead, arrange water and shade and protect him against ticks. With a good packing list and some practice, camping becomes a relaxed adventure for you both. You will find more gear for the trip in the category camping with your dog.
Looking for more ideas for on the road? Take a look at the category hiking & walking with your dog.
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