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Camping with dogs only adds to the overall experience. Seeing your loving companion crawl into the tent after a long day of exploring new scents and sounds fills the heart with joy. It also strengthens your bond as a pack as they look to you to keep them safe from the mysteries which await them outside the tent in the wilderness. But what camping gear for dogs should you bring along?
5 Camping Gear for Dogs Essentials
1. First Aid Kit
Having a first aid kit on board is always recommended, especially if you are venturing off into isolated areas with little cell phone service.
2. Dog Food
Pack enough food for the duration of the trip + 1 day in case you get stranded. There are dog food carriers and bowls sold which are designed to pack up small into your bag for overnight hike camping. They are made out of fabric for easy packing.
Try to feed your dog at their usual times to remain in their routine and bring out their food when you take out your food to avoid unwelcome visitors looking for an easy dinner.
3. Water
If you are going to an organized campsite then you can almost always rely on there being fresh water available for you and your dog. However, if you are going off the beaten track into the backcountry then make sure you pack enough water for your pup or have a filter if you are backpacking. I like to place a portable water bowl close to the tent so my pup knows where to find his water.
4. Long Dog Leash / Stakeout
If your dog likes to wander, then bring an extra-long dog leash/stakeout so they have enough room to explore but not enough room to explore another campsite. This is also to allow you to relax and not be constantly worried about what your dog is getting its nose into.
You want this experience to be enjoyable for everyone so ensuring your dog is leashed when you want to relax is important for a stress-free trip. If you don’t have a stakeout then tie the leash around a tree/post instead.
5. Towel
I bring a towel along for my dog to dry him / remove any mud before he climbs in the tent at the end of the day. If we are car camping, I pack an old towel that is lying around and if we are backpacking I pack a small, quick-drying microfiber towel.
Dog camping gear – non-essentials
So now we got the adulting stuff out of the way the real fun can begin. You absolutely do not need the below items to have a safe and happy camping trip with your dog but these items are for the dog parents who like to indulge a little in their fur babies.
GPS dog collar
If your camping trip involves hiking or backpacking you might consider using a GPS tracker on your dog’s collar. This will allow your dog to explore more and cover more distance off-leash and give you the peace of mind that you will be able to locate him if you become separated.
We usually camp out in the backcountry away from other people which allows us to let our dog roam free and explore all the new sights and sounds. The GPS tracker gives him more freedom and us the reassurance that we will find him if his compass breaks and he can’t remember which tree he needs to turn at to get back to camp.
Lightweight hiking backpack
Because nothing is cuter than a dog with their own doggy backpack! It’s also super useful for backpacking and overnight hiking to have your dog carry a little bit of the load. If you’ve ever backpacked then you know reducing the weight of the backpack by only a small amount brings instant relief.
Dog collar light
This is often forgotten when camping because it’s a minor detail but having a dog light is very useful. We are so used to living in a world where we are illuminated by the flick of a switch, we forget that when camping the major light source is the sun! Having a dog light whilst camping means you can quickly check your dog’s location before returning to toasting the marshmallows and melting the chocolate on the gram crackers.
Dog bed
Definitely not necessary, a blanket or towel would suffice, but a doggy sleeping bag/bed is that extra comfort that makes your tent your home. Seeing your family’s sleeping bags laid out + 1 smaller one for the dog is the ultimate oxytocin giver.
High-visibility item for hunting season
Something to consider when heading out into the backcountry during hunting season is a high-visibility item for your dog so they aren’t mistaken for prey. A high-vis collar is a good option as it won’t impede your dog’s movement but will be eye-catching enough to signal they aren’t wild.
Tent camping with dogs guide
1. Preparation
Location
Whilst booking the campground / national park make sure to ask if dogs are allowed. Some campgrounds do not permit dogs so it’s always best to check before booking in case you need to change your location.
Dry-run
If your dog is overly sensitive to new objects or surroundings then it might be a good idea to set up the tent in your home before leaving for your trip to allow your dog to familiarize itself with it. Reward them with a treat when they approach and go inside the tent for positive reinforcement.
Up-to-date pup
Before you set out on your first adventure make sure your dog is up-to-date on all their vaccines and flea/tick medication. Also, check their ID tag to make sure the information is current in case you two become separated.
2. During the camping trip
Check for ticks
Before climbing into your sleeping bag after a long day it’s a good idea to check your dog (and yourself) for ticks. Ticks can still latch on to your dog, even with flea and tick medication. Add a tick key to your first aid kit for extra protection.
Blankets for the tent
If you are able to, you can bring extra blankets to put down on the tent floor before your dog climbs in to avoid their sharp paws making any holes in the thin material.
3. Camping dog toy
Because can never have too many dog toys right? Well, how about this cute camping dog toy!
Final Thoughts
Camping with dogs can be an incredibly rewarding experience when the proper preparations are made. The essential items such as a leash/stakeout, towel, and dog food carrier will ensure your pet has a safe and enjoyable adventure.