Dogs are more than just pets: they’re practically family. As such, it’s understandable that you might want to take them with you on your next holiday.
Still, taking your pet on holiday with you can be difficult, especially if you want to travel internationally with your dog. Prices for taking your dog abroad have risen drastically over recent months, which can be prohibitive for many adventure-loving dog owners.
One great choice for travellers who want to take their dogs with them on holiday is camping. Many campsites allow dogs, and whether you choose a tent or a caravan, you can make your furry friend comfortable while you see the sights.
Camping with your furry friend can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s essential to ensure you have the right gear and supplies to keep your pup safe, comfortable, and happy on your outdoor adventure.
While everyone knows the obvious, like a lead, collar and poo bags, here are some items you might not have considered- and some you might have thought of but don’t realise how important they are.
A Supply Of Their Food
As obvious as it sounds, making sure you have enough dog food with you is important. You might find that there aren’t any shops nearby, meaning if you run out of dog food, you may have to head home earlier than you planned to ensure your furry friend doesn’t go hungry.
If your dog is fed raw dog food, then it can be difficult to take this camping, as it requires freezing and defrosting. Instead, consider switching to cold pressed dog food for the duration of your trip. Cold pressed dog food has the nutritional value of raw food, with the convenience of kibbles, so it’s a great choice for camping.
Tie-Out Stakes
Most of your time when camping will (hopefully) be spent outside, enjoying the great outdoors. While you’ll probably be walking a lot of them time, you might spend evenings and morning relaxing at your campsite.
While you’re doing this, it’s important that your dog is safe and secure. Keeping them on a lead is all very well and good, but it’s hard to do things like cook and wash when you’re holding a lead. Instead, consider a tie-out stake, which you push into the ground and tie the lead to. You can then let your dog enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about them or hold their lead the entire time.
Insect Repellent
Insects like ticks and mosquitoes can be a nuisance for both you and your dog while camping, particularly if you choose a rural setting or somewhere near water. Pack an insect repellent specifically designed for use on pets to keep your furry friend comfortable.
Make sure that you apply it regularly to ensure your pup isn’t bothered by bugs. For extra protection for those camping in areas prone to midges, such as Scotland or the Lake District, consider an insect net that can go on the inside of your tent or around your dog’s bed.
Dog-Safe Sunscreen
Another product every owner should take with them on their camping trip is dog-safe sunscreen, even if the weather doesn’t cooperate and it’s not especially sunny. Dogs can be susceptible to sunstroke and sunburn, just like humans, so they need the right protection.
To keep them safe, you should explore dog-friendly sunscreen. Here’s a buyer’s guide to sun cream for dogs, so you can check out the options and find one that works for your dog.
To Sum Up
Ultimately, every dog and owner is unique, so you might have different needs from others when planning your camping trip with your pup. For example, those with short-coated dog breeds won’t need nearly as much grooming gear as someone with a Poodle. Equally, if you’re staying in a caravan, you’ll have different requirements to someone staying in a tent.
The main thing to remember is that you need to make a list and check it twice before you leave home. This article should give you inspiration and help you to find items that you might not have considered so your camping checklist is complete before you set off.
