In my opinion, the great outdoors is never greater than when you’re exploring nature with a four-legged friend. And it seems a great deal of Americans agree, as camping with dogs becomes a trending search topic as soon as the season opens.
According to research conducted by Embrace Pet Insurance and Kampgrounds of America, half of U.S. pet owners surveyed take their dogs on hiking trails with them, a statistic that’s likely on the conservative side, once you account for foster and volunteer programs like Weekend Warrior and Dog for the Day. To be honest, watching my shelter-saved pit bull, Sable Sugarpig, bounce along happily as we plunge down a new trail is a large part of the reason I hike in the first place.
Sixty percent of pet owners go farther—literally—and take their pets on vacation with them. Of this large percentage, 30% are camping with pets. It’s an amazing way to bond, even if you’re a first-timer in search of ways to enjoy camping for beginners.
That said, when it comes to camping with dogs, there are several things to be mindful of, from heat stroke in dogs to what kind of dog camping gear your furry pals might need. To best prep adventure lovers like you, Reader’s Digest spoke with three veterinary experts for their best tips for camping with dogs. From how to prep and what to pack to what you need to buy, ways to deal with emergencies and everything in between, here’s what you need to know before you take your dog on the road with you.
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Things to consider before you go camping with dogs
First-time campers might think camping with dogs is as simple as packing a bag and hauling your animal buddy off on an adventure. Not so! Though our more outdoorsy four-legged friends always seem ready to explore at any given moment, we need to properly prepare to make sure they stay safe. So consider the factors below before you break out the family camping movies and start getting fully hyped up.
1. Talk to your vet
It’s hard to acknowledge that our precious puppies are aging, but the sad truth is that they are, and quickly. It’s a smart idea to check with your vet before bringing your pet on an outdoor excursion like camping, advises Cara McNamee, DVM, a veterinarian with Resurgence Veterinary Mobility, a specialty veterinary physical therapy and rehabilitation center in Atlanta. “If your dog has any mobility or overall health concerns prior to your trip, please have your pet examined by your vet well in advance to determine if they are able to accompany you,” she says.
Juli Goldstein, DVM, a veterinary nutritionist for Native Pet, adds that getting a professional’s green light is important also for dogs that may have underlying medical problems, such as heart disease or diabetes. “These and young puppies or senior dogs may not be good candidates,” she cautions. “A nose-to-tail physical examination is critical, especially since you will likely participate in physical activities, and can help ensure your pet can safely enjoy camping.”
2. Condition your dog for extended physical activity
Got the vet’s OK? Great! But as much as dogs want to get up and go, like humans, they ought to train for any strenuous extended activity. “Even if you’re not planning to venture out on long hikes, exposure to the outdoors and walks to and around your campsite can stress your dog’s body, especially if they prefer couch cuddles to exercise,” warns Dr. Goldstein.
So before you lace up your hiking boots and head out on a camping adventure, prepare your pet. As Dr. McNamee’s team advises, if you plan to do significant hiking with your pup, work up, over time, to the distances and terrains you expect to cover. A good guideline: Do about five to 10 minutes of hiking per week (don’t push for more at the start!) to avoid fatigue and soreness.
“Use caution when spending time outdoors with your pet during warmer months,” says Dr. Goldstein. “Generally, if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for your pet, so limit outdoor exercise to the cooler hours of the day and never force your pet to exercise.”
When you do take your dog out for physical training, make sure to time its meals. You don’t want to feed your little pal immediately before or after exercise, which poses health risks. “Large-breed dogs are especially at risk for stomach bloat or gastric dilatation and volvulus, a twisted stomach, which is a life-threatening emergency,” she adds.
3. Familiarize yourself with the signs of overheating and overexertion
Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can happen even without significantly hot or humid weather, according to the vets at Resurgence Veterinary Mobility. What happens from there is especially scary: Your pup could go into shock or have seizures. The veterinarians we talked to urge pet parents to bring their dogs to a vet at the first sign of symptoms like drooling, dry gums, hot skin, excessive panting and rapid breathing.
Other signs of heat stroke in dogs may include vomiting, diarrhea, bruising without apparent trauma, collapsing, muscle tremors or decreased coordination, according to Dr. Goldstein. Some may seize or become unresponsive in very severe cases, says veterinarian Michelle Dulake, DVM, co-founder of Fera Pet Organics.
Dr. McNamee says this goes double for shorter-nosed dogs like bulldogs, and Dr. Goldstein warns that brachycephalic breeds like pugs and French bulldogs are at exceptionally high risk of heat exhaustion. “They must be closely monitored. Stop all activity right away and bring your dog for immediate care if they are showing signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke,” Dr. Dulake says. “Move your dog to a cool, shady area, pour cold water on them and offer cold water to drink. Then get veterinary care immediately.”
4. Get current on all preventatives
“Spending time in the woods will increase your pet’s chances of being exposed to potentially infectious diseases and parasites, so make sure your dog’s vaccinations and parasite controls are up to date,” Dr. Goldstein says. Dr. Dulake couldn’t agree more, emphasizing that flea and tick medications should be top priorities to “prevent tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever and ehrlichiosis.”
5. Update your dog’s microchip
“It’s easy to get distracted by nature’s beautiful sights and sounds while on a camping adventure,” Dr. Goldstein says. “The same holds true for your dog, which could lead them to accidentally wander off to explore their new surroundings.”
Because of this, it’s vital to ensure your dog is microchipped before camping. “Microchipping your pet is the easiest, most cost-effective way to ensure your pet does not become a missing pet statistic,” she says.
While you’re at that initial vet visit, go ahead and ask your veterinarian to check that your dog’s chip is properly functioning, Dr. Goldstein suggests. And don’t forget to check whether the microchip is registered with your current contact information—it’s usually a quick update you can make online.
6. Confirm that your chosen site allows dogs
After all that work, it’d be a shame to get turned away at the gate! That’s why Dr. Goldstein suggests making sure your field is Fido friendly. “Many places allow pets to accompany you on camping trips, but most camping sites or national parks have strict rules regarding bringing pets on trails or camping areas, so check for their pet policies,” she says. “Nearly all areas will require pets to be leashed to ensure their safety from wildlife and vice versa.”
After all, just as interacting with wildlife puts your dog at risk of contracting diseases, the reverse is also true. “Wildlife is equally at risk from disease-causing agents that your pets may be carrying,” says Dr. Goldstein, “so reduce risk of contact by cleaning up your pet’s feces to remove the lingering scent and prevent disease spread.”
7. Plan to keep your dog close and secure
It’s easy for dogs to get overstimulated and tempted into chasing all sorts of interesting things. Those things could be as harmless as a squirrel or could have you frantically googling “what to do if you see a bear.” The last thing you want to have Rover doing is, well, roving!
“I recommend keeping a leash on your dog at all times,” says Dr. Dulake. “Bonus: It will also keep them out of trash!”
As Dr. McNamee notes, that doesn’t mean you have to restrain your pet to an extra-small area. “Using a long line/leash with a stake at your campsite can help keep them from running off,” she says. And it’ll also give them a good range and freedom of movement. Just make sure the line is set up in a place that will allow the dog to remain a part of the group but won’t drape across the fire.
And remember that camping games aren’t just for humans. While you might be able to hold people together with some good campfire stories and campfire songs, dogs will need a bit more activity—or else they’ll become more interested in their surroundings. The Resurgence Veterinary Mobility pros suggest bringing treats or dog puzzle toys for them to work on (and be distracted by).
Of course, that’s not to say you should keep them from enjoying their surroundings! Not only is camping with dogs a wonderful way to bond, Dr. Goldstein says, but “spending time in nature with your dog also provides numerous opportunities for your four-legged best friend to sniff and explore new sights and smells, which is a great way to exercise their mind and support their brain’s well-being.”
8. Consider your sleeping arrangements
You know you’ll be sleeping cozy in a tent, but have you thought about where your pup will bed down? Even at night, “it’s safest to keep your dog with you, as you have a bit more control over them and they’re out of any nasty weather conditions,” Dr. McNamee says.
That means that whether you’re car camping or catching your z’s in an RV park, your dog shouldn’t be far. In fact, when you’re looking for the best tents for camping, whether on a dog-friendly beach or at a free campsite in the woods, you should make sure it’s big enough to fit your whole group and your dog.
The bottom line: When it comes to camping with pets, your dogs should never be left to brave the elements and wildlife alone. And unless properly secured, they should never be left alone at all.
Dr. McNamee suggests using a portable crate—I bring this one for Sable—if your dog is crate-trained and/or you have to leave the site without your pet. But there are far more streamlined solutions too.
If you get the best camping air mattress or camping sleeping pad and a sleeping bag, you’ll find that your dog will happily sleep with you, just as if you were at home. Sleeping in a camping hammock instead? Consider investing in one of the best camping cots for your furry companion. An inflatable, foldable or lightweight travel cot is clutch, especially for older dogs or dogs with joint stiffness, giving them a much better option than the hard ground. It can also help keep them from getting too dirty if they kick while dreaming!
