Camping with a dog can be one of the most incredible experiences for both you and your pet. Overall, dogs love being in touch with nature and have plenty of space to play in campsites. However, if you are thinking of taking your puppy with you for your next trip, you must plan ahead to make the most of it.
If you consider letting your dog sleep in the same tent as you, you should take into consideration a couple of issues that we will detail in this article. Make sure your pup is safe and comfortable, and you both have a great time.
Let’s have a look our hand-picked tips!
Camping in a tent with a dog - Useful tips
Tip 1 - Plan the trip
How long is it going to take to arrive at the campsite? Is your dog tranquil when travelling? Many dogs get stressed and anxious in cars. Some dogs suffer from motion sickness when they cannot clearly understand and process the information from their eyes, ears, and body. Even though this symptom is more common in puppies (less than 1-year-old), it can also happen to adult dogs.
You don’t want an unhappy or sick dog in your car. Therefore, teach them how to adapt to long car journeys. If you have a dog afraid of trips, try to find a spot in the vehicle where they feel more comfortable (back seat, front seat, floor, car trunk).
You can also let your pet play with this preferred toy and give him special treats every now and then. If your trip is too long, make sure that you stop every 2 hours and take them out for a quick walk (take the opportunity to rest).
Tip 2 - Choose the right tent
How many people are travelling with you and your dog? To be on the safe side, consider that your pet will occupy the space equivalent of 2-3 people. For example, if you are camping in 4, take a tent that fits from 6 people and beyond.
If your dog is not acquainted with people that will be camping, he/she might get scared. Further, consider acquiring a tent that has internal dividers and multiple rooms so that you both can have separate spaces.
Depending on your dog size, consider buying a separate shelter for your dog. You can even place it inside your tent!
Tip 3 - Get your dog used to a tent in advance
Also, it might be worth getting your dog used to the tent environment before travelling.
You can pitch your tent in your living room or backyard and let your puppy get used to it
(even sleep in it). They might sniff and walk around it for a couple of hours
until they get comfortable with it.
Another good idea would be to place their bed inside the tent and let them sleep there
for a couple of nights. The more used they are, the more comfortable the trip
will be for you both.
If they feel uncomfortable, try to associate the tent with a safe and positive environment. You can give them some incentives (friendly pats and treats) to stay and sleep inside it.
Tip 4 - Check your dog health and fitness - book a vet appointment
You know your pet better than anyone else. However, sometimes we might overestimate how fit and healthy they are. Camping sites offer a very distinct environment from urban areas. Some dogs might not be ready to deal with it.
Therefore, we highly advise you to book an appointment with your vet and check the following:
- Is your dog with all vaccinations up to date?
- Does your best friend has any breathing problems?
- Does your dog have any skin problems, such as fleas?
- Is your dog fit and ready to for hiking with you? You don’t want to leave them alone while you are exploring nature.
To be on the safe side, we recommend you bring all vaccination records and any legal pet id. This might avoid any problem with parks.
Tip 5 - Check the camping site regulations
Make sure that the campsite that you are going to allows dogs. Each site might have different rules when it comes to pets. It is highly advised to check it before packing your bags.
The National Park Service website offers a detailed map with all pet-friendly parks around the USA. Note that each site might offer different terms and conditions. The majority of them require your pet to be on a 6′ leash at all times.
Tip 6 - Buy dog camp gear
Your best friend deserves the best dog camp gear! These days, you can find multiple options, such as:
Tip 7 - Consider a tent air conditioner or tent heater
A dog might increase the temperature in your tent over the night. Like humans, they expel heat from its body. You might consider buying a tent air conditioner to cool down the temperature and ensure a cozy night for all the crew.
Further, before pitching your tent, make sure that you pick the perfect spot. Our tips on how to cool down a tent without electricity might be useful.
Conversely, during winter, you can face freezing and windy nights. Make sure that you have a tent heater to alleviate the coldness!
Tip 8 - Watch your dog hydration
According to Petmd.com, on average, a dog should drink around 1 ounce of water (30ml) per pound (450g) it weights. For example, if your dog weighs 20kg, it should drink approximately 1.3L of water per day.
However, this amount might increase for hot days and intense exercise. Always monitor for your best friend’s hydration and check dehydration signs. It might worth carrying a dog portable bottle of water when hiking.
Tip 9 - Your dog's safety
Make sure that your dog’s colar has its identification and your number in case he or she get lost. A dog led collar might help you spot them during the night.
Always stick to campsite restrictions and rules, and, if required, maintain your dog on a leash. In extreme hot and cold days, consider buying a mat so that it does not lay down straight on the ground.
Tip 10 - Give your dog a shower after the camping trip
After your trip, you should shower your pet. It might help remove any dirt and avoid the development of potential diseases and infections (yeast dermatitis, staph infection, others) that might arise from the trip.
If you note any skin marks or different behaviour from your dog after arriving back home, it might be worth visiting your vet.
Always monitor for bacterial and fungal skin infection symptoms.
What you should AVOID when camping with your dog
Regardless whether you pet loves travelling, we highly advise you avoid the following:
a) Travelling for excessive hours – dogs might get very stressed and anxious when travelling long distances for long hours. There is no magical number for how many hours you should drive for as every animal will be different, but monitor stress symptoms, such as barking, whining, and body posture changes.
b) Leaving your dog unattended – Never leave your dog(s) by themselves when camping. It is a different and new environment for them, which might create unexpected reactions when encountering other people and animals.
c) Changing dog’s sleeping habits and food routine – We recommend avoiding changing your pet’s sleeping habits and taking them to bed at the same time they are used to at your place. Also, bring their preferred sleeping bed, puff, or crate. It will help them to better adapt to the new environment. Similarly, feed them at the same time that you do at home. The change in routine might increase canine stress levels.
d) Dog Barking – Be mindful of other campers and avoid situations that might trigger barking from your dog. Following the tips listed above might help your dog on relaxing.
Other tips for camping with your dog
The video below details other excellent tips for camping with your dog.
FAQ
Is it safe to camp with my dog?
Yes, there are no problems in going camping your dog. As previously detailed, make sure that you plan your trip in advance and consider all the facts that might impact your pet experience, such as: how far is your campsite? Is your dog used to travelling in a car? Do you have proper dog camping gear? Is your dog fit and all vaccinations are up to date?
Should my dog sleep inside my tent?
There are no problems with your dog sleeping inside your tent. They actually might feel safer and more comfortable close while camping. You can ensure that the camping experience is not stressful for them with simple measures, such as bringing their bed, crate and toys.
Can my dog sleep outside my tent?
Even though we do not have an objection to this, we advise you to be careful with the camping site environment since there might be animals that might attack or frighten them. Further, consider weather conditions and ensure that your best friend is not exposed to excessively hot, humid, or cold weather.
Overall, our recommendation is to let them sleep in the same environment that you are.
Are dogs allowed in campsites?
The answer to this question will vary according to each campsite. The National Park Service details a list of pet-friendly sites. Once you pick a camp, carefully read the conditions and restrictions to bring your dog.
Are there specific camp gear for dogs? Should I buy it?
Yes, there are multiple options for dog camping gear – it is impressive. Even though there is no mandatory requirement to buy it, having them might improve the experience of your best friend.
However, we recommend you buying a dog first aid kid, in case of any unexpected event.
How do I prevent my dog from having motion sickness?
Overall, puppies are more prone to have motion sickness. Therefore, if your pet is less than one year old, we highly advise you to go for short trips and check how your dog reacts. If they don’t respond well, consult your vet and check their recommendations.
Even though not common, motion sickness can also happen to mature dogs. Therefore monitor for the common symptoms of motion sickness in dogs:
- whining and pacing.
- excessive drooling.
- smacking or licking lips.
- lethargy or inactivity.
- vomiting.
- diarrhea.
What is the ideal tent size for camping in a tent with my dog?
There is no right or wrong here. Overall, we recommend having plenty of space for both you and your best friend. As a rule of thumb, consider that your dog will occupy the space of 2 people.
Have a look at a tent with multiple rooms and dividers, and assess the possibility of buying a separate tent for your dog.
How do I prevent my dog from getting flea while camping?
Overall, fleas prefer hot and humid environments and can be present in camping sites. There are multiple ways to prevent your dog from getting plea while camping, but we highly advise you to consult your vet to suit what is the most appropriate preventive measure.
Is it safe to use a tent air conditioner when camping with my dog?
Yes – there are no problems. However, you should always pay attention to electrical cables and installation instructions from the manufacturer.
Is it safe to use a tent heater when camping with my dog?
Yes – there are no problems. However, you must always follow safety instructions provided by the heater manufacturer. If you are considering to put a propane heater inside your tent, read our article about propane heaters safety.
Bottomline
We hope that by the end of this article you feel comfortable to take your pet to next camping trip. They will love being in touch with nature and enjoying outdoors day.
The secret for a success trip with your doggo is planning ahead and making sure that you minimize all potential stress triggers to them.
