6 Critical Mistakes to Avoid when Camping with your Dog

Exploring the world with your four-legged friend is fun. You’ll have a great time on your upcoming camping trip if you know how to keep your dog comfortable and safe. With that in mind, avoid these critical mistakes so you can be fully prepared.

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1. Not Bringing Bags

Campsite venue operators know that 30% of dog owners bring their pets on trips. You won’t have difficulty finding a dog-friendly campground, but ensure you read each site’s rules about dog waste before leaving home. Many pet-friendly campsites have specific areas for dogs to relieve themselves. The venue may also designate receptacles for poop bags. Some even require that owners pick up any waste their dog leaves behind. Bring bags to ensure you don’t break any rules during your trip. If single-use bags clash with your eco-friendly values, opt for biodegradable versions instead.

2. Not Training for Off-Leash Moments

Dogs often go off-leash while camping. You might want to let your dog swim or explore the nearby area while walking along a remote trail. Either way, if they’re not used to being off their leash, they may not come back when you call. Start training your dog to follow commands at home while their leash drags on the ground. You can begin in your house and eventually move to your backyard when they respond to commands better. Treats will motivate them to follow directions, especially if they’re a unique flavor. If you can go several weeks without pulling or a tight leash while on walks, and you believe your dog’s emotionally mature enough, they’re likely ready to respond to your commands while free roaming. Teaching your dog to return on command will prevent potential injuries or accidents.

3. Not Bringing Extra Food

Your four-legged best friend might spend most of their time at home lounging around. When you’re camping, your dog will be much more active. Their body will digest their food and produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) faster to gain extra energy, but they may need more than their standard daily diet can create. Pack twice as much kibble and treats to increase their caloric intake while they pass the hours hunting, hiking or swimming. They’ll get hungrier due to the extra activity and need more food to keep up with you.

4. Not Bringing Protective Dog Gear

Forgetting to bring protective gear and supplies is one of the critical mistakes to avoid when camping with your dog. If you’re hunting or hiking, they’ll need a visibility vest so you always know where they are. Dog booties may also protect their feet. You wouldn’t want their exposed paw pads injured on rocky terrain or thorny brush. A bottle of shampoo and rubber gloves may also save the day. You’ll want to clean your dog immediately if they walk through poison ivy or retrieve a bird you shot and get blood on their muzzle. Use protective gloves while washing them in the campsite’s designated hose area or downstream in a nearby river.

5. Not Preparing for Regional Weather

Check the forecast for your destination and remember to get protective equipment for your dog, too. That might include a rain jacket, winter boots or thin summer shoes for campsites with hot pavement. As you stock up on supplies for your trip, consider your dog’s comfort for nights spent inside your tent. You might need to invest in a goose-feather sleeping bag to stay warm if midnight temperatures reach 15 degrees Fahrenheit, but your dog won’t fit in the bag with you. They’ll need their own insulated sleeping bag so they don’t get too cold overnight. You should train your dog to use weather-related gear like a raincoat or sleeping bag. Introduce them to their camping supplies a few weeks before and train them with treats so they stay safe and comfortable during your upcoming trip.

6. Not Staying Hydrated

Dog owners should always hydrate their pets more than usual while camping. Your dog will need a bowl and water during your hikes, especially if they’re running and climbing. Dogs also need to lie in lakes or rivers to cool off after long periods of activity. Pick a waterfront site, bring filled bottles with you or find a campsite with a refillable water station. You’ll both stay hydrated throughout your trip, even if you’re exploring nature together in mid-summer.

Plan the Best Camping Trip With Your Dog

Use these tips to avoid critical mistakes when camping with your dog this year. You’ll prepare them for the experience and have everything they need to stay safe away from home so you can both have an enjoyable time.

Martin Banks

Martin Banks is the managing editor at Modded.com, where he writes about the outdoors, hunting, gear and more. Follow him on Twitter @TModded for frequent updates of his work.