Who doesn’t love an adventure dog?! Hiking, biking, swimming, and soaking in the great outdoors with your HEST friend at your side… how dreamy. Here are our top 10 tips on camping with dogs:
If you want to bring your dog along for the adventure, make sure it can actually come with you. The last thing you want to do is miss out on fun stuff because you can’t leave the dog and the dog can’t come too. There are lots of options for dog friendly campsites, parks, hikes, etc., just do the research first and save yourself the headache of showing up with a dog that isn’t allowed in.
If your dog is prey driven, think twice about letting it off leash in areas with lots of small wildlife. The last thing you want to see is a massacre at the teeth of your adventure pup. Or if your dog is more like prey itself, be weary of birds above and other predators on the ground. Small dogs make an easy snack for some species of hunters.
This goes for always, whether you’re camping in the middle of nowhere or walking your dog in the middle of downtown… Scoop your dog’s poop! No one wants their day ruined by stepping in dog doo doo. And not to mention how dog poop can effect the eco systems of places you may visit. Leave no trace!
Whether you’re hiking or chilling at camp, a leash is a must. If your dog is trained to chill on a long lead, this is a great option to steak into the ground at basecamp. Letting your HEST friend sniff and move about camp at their leisure will help them to feel more comfortable in this temporary home.
We all know dogs party the hardest when out on adventures. From all the new smells to the amount of running/playing/hiking, camping can be a very stimulating and tiring experience for a doggie. Making sure you bring a comfortable bed to support your dog’s sleep will help them recharge for another day of nonstop fun.
Treats are an absolute must. Rewarding good behavior during their experience camping will keep them loving their time in the woods.
Bring water specifically for your dog. When it’s hot out and they’re playing all day, they need to cool down with extra water. Account for their drinking habits and bring water designated specifically for them when you’re planning and packing.
If your dog is getting stressed out or acting weird, stop and take a listen. Maybe there’s something important he’s trying to tell you like he really needs water. Or there’s a bear approaching? Sometimes animals can sense stuff way before humans.
Make sure you check your dog regularly for ticks, leeches, seeds, etc. when you’re out adventuring. Tall grasses/brush are primo romping grounds for pups but they’re also bug buffets!
Just like us, dogs can get really hot when the temperatures start to spike. Be sure to set up a cool place for your dog to hang out. If they’re hanging in the tent, make sure there’s ventilation. And never leave your dog in the car for an extended period of time. Animals can die of heatstroke in only 15 minutes, and cars can get up to 40 degrees hotter than the air outside!
