Top 10 Essentials for Camping with your Dog
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR NEXT CAMPING TRIP!
but don't forget these TOP 10 ESSENTIALS!
ONE
Proper identification
Make sure that your dog is wearing a collar with ID tags stating their name and a phone number to call in case they get lost. Remember to attach your council registration tag to your dogs collar as well. Ensure your dogs microchip details are up to date. And consider switching your regular dog collar for a reflective collar to help spot them easier at night.
Images: @glennferguson_
TWO
First aid kit
It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to your fur baby! Now it’s even easier because they make combined human and dog first aid kits, so you’ll always be prepared.
Images: @twinpalms.creative
THREE
Pet insect repellent + sunscreen
Mosquitoes are not only annoying they can also be hazardous for dogs. Mosquitoes can transmit and spread heartworm to dogs, so it is important to protect your fur-friend against these blood-suckers. Using pet-friendly insect repellent is a great way to keep insects away from your dogs. Dogs also have sensitive snoots, particularly dogs that are fairer in colour. So always ensure you pack dog-friendly sun screen to protect those precious snoots.
Images: @jimmyconover + @filedimage
FOUR
Food, water + bowls
Make sure that you pack more food than you need. You never know what is going to happen! You might end up wanting to stay longer than you expected. Remember to bring a dog friendly water bottle for quick pit stop refreshment. Collapsible silicone dog bowls also come in a lot of handy when camping. Not only are they portable, they are sturdy and can be cleaned easily.
Image: @twenty20photos + @christopherwesi
FIVE
Flea + tick prevention
Make sure that your pup is up to date on all flea and tick prevention. Paralysis ticks can be deadly for animals, and it is such a preventable problem. So ensure you prevent before you go!
Images: @mint_image + @Filedimage
SIX
Plenty of doggy bags
The number one rule of camping is to leave your spots better than you found them. Especially when it comes to poo! So stock up on compostable doggy bags (they are even free from your local dog parks so there’s no excuse!)
Image: @twenty20photos + @patrickhendry
SEVEN
A long leash
A lot of dog-friendly camping spots will allow dogs with the condition that they remain on a lead at all times. Therefore, its super duper handy to have a long lead. You can tie the long lead to trees, tent poles or to a peg in the ground. Your dog can then happily explore and roam safely, and you will always have your hands free for bevvies and snags.
Image: @twinpalms.creative
EIGHT
A big tent/covered area
You’ll need a tent that can fit you, your bed, your dog and their bed too! It’s nice to be able to have a covered area that you and your dog can spend time in if the weather is not so nice.
Images: @twenty20photos + @patrickhendry
NINE
Dog bed/air mattress patches
A washable, fold-able dog bed is extremely handy for camping. Try to look for one that can be used outside and easily moved into a tent. Once on a camping trip we tried to pack light so we left our dog’s bed at home and let our dog share our air mattress with us. Our dog heard a wild animal in the middle of the night and sprang to life. In doing so, one of her nails punctured through our air mattress. We had no air mattress patches so we were essentially sleeping on the tent floor by the morning.
Images: @Nigentili +@Filedimage
TEN
Smelly Balls
Bring a long your Smelly Balls on your next camping trip with your dog! You can attach Smelly Balls to your dogs collar to help with ‘dog smell’, which always gets worse during camping. Or keep them in your tent or car. Smelly balls are a road trip essential!
