Exploring nature with your canine companion sounds like a dream to any dog enthusiast out there; although, for people who are new dog parents or have recently discovered their passion for outdoor and camping, this might sound like a daunting task. Frankly, for me, it is hard enough to remember all the things I need to pack for myself when camping. That’s why, initially when I started camping with my pup, I ended up making mistakes, but in due course, I learned all the ins and outs of camping with dogs.

Following these few simple tips, before embarking on any new adventure with your puppy will ensure that you and your dog have the time of your lives, without any unfortunate incidents.

Check The Pet Policies of Your Camping Site

A common mistake that people make is not checking with the specific authorities of the camping site whether dogs are permitted at the place or not. While many camping sites do permit dogs, they require you to follow a specific set of rules, that may include always keeping your dog leashed, providing vaccination records of your dog, and cleaning up immediately after your dog.

Therefore, before going camping with your puppy, make sure to bring your dog up to date on its vaccination and keep a copy of its records whether it’s for rabies, distemper, Lyme disease, ticks, or fleas. 

Always Keep Your Dog Leashed and Near You

For a majority of the pet-friendly campsites, it is compulsory to have your dog leashed at all times. Even in the places where it’s not obligatory, you should still abide by that tip, because no matter how docile your dog is, and how obedient he is at your regular walks, there is no guarantee about what his reaction to the wild is going to be.

Your pup might get excited and start chasing after some poor squirrel he encounters, may terrorize your neighbors or their dogs, or in the worst-case scenario, it might wander in the woods on its own and run into wild animals, eat poisonous plants, or drink contaminated water.

Packing Food and Water for Your Puppy

While spending time outdoors with your dog, regardless of the physical activity that your dog engages in, the most important thing to remember is hydration. While packing, always stock a lot of water, even more than you think your dog will drink, the more the better. If there is a water source near the campsite, like a lake, or pond, you shouldn’t rely on them for clean water as, like humans, dogs can get diseases like dysentery from dirty water, too.

For feeding your dog, pack your standard dog food and snacks, but remember not to leave any dog food out after your pup is done eating, as it may attract wild animals to the campsite. Your dog should always have access to water, check on its water bowl often, and keep it clean and filled.

Clean Up After Your Dog

Going camping and hiking on the trails, taking long walks in the nature, sitting beside a bonfire at night, sipping coffee, and enjoying the view with your pup, brings immense pleasure to both you and your dog, but this happiness comes with a responsibility on every individual to leave the campsite and it’s surrounding the way they found it when they arrived. 

Although doggie bags can be bought at most canine-friendly campsites, it is still better to bring your own doggie bags, even better if you take the initiative to buy biodegradable doggie bags. Clean after your dog and dispose of the waste in appropriate bins. You should also bring antidiarrheal meds in case some food doesn’t sit well with your dog during the outing.

What To Pack for Your Dog?

Packing for your puppy can be a stressful experience for beginners, afraid to leave behind anything important, while also trying not to end up packing three bags for your pup only. This list of the basic stuff needed might come in handy when you are packing for a trip next time:

• Water, food, and treats.
• Water and food bowl.
• Dog harness and leash.
• Waterproof harness if water activities are involved.
• First aid kit.
• Towels.
• Wipes for dog’s paws.
• Doggie bags.
• Doggie sleeping bag.
• A reflective vest or dog collar.
• ID tag on your pup’s collar with your number on it.
• Blankets, if the temperature is expected to drop.
• Toys, in case your dog gets restless in the wild.

Keep Your Dog-Tick Free and Clean

A major part of camping with your pup involves keeping your canine clean and safe from all sorts of insects and ticks. For protection against mosquitos, you should buy mosquito-repellent made for animals and apply it generously to your dog.

For dealing with your pup getting thorns or something sharp stuck in their paws, you should keep a tweezer at hand. You can also invest in doggie boots; although, you will have to work on getting your puppy used to them.

You should also frequently check your pup for any tick or flea on its body and remove it instantly, using tweezers, as the longer a tick is on your pet’s body, the higher the chance it has of infecting your dog.

Pack An Emergency Bag for Your Dog

No matter how much you have prepared beforehand for all kinds of possible scenarios, accidents do happen, and it is better to be prepared for them, rather than to be sorry later. The first-aid kit for your puppy should include:

• Any medication your dog is on.
• Alcohol wipes.
• Non-stick bandages.
• Gauze.
• Adhesive tape. 
• Iodine for washing any cuts and injuries.
• Antibiotic ointment to apply on cuts or any injury to prevent infection.
• Tweezers for removing ticks and any thorn they get on their paws or on the body.
• Saline eye solution. 

Before choosing a campsite for your visit, you should look for a vet in the vicinity, and save its address and phone number on your phone. So, in case your dog needs immediate medical attention you aren’t completely lost in the new area and looking for a vet.