Beginner’s Guide to Camping with Dogs: 4 Best Tips to Follow

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I’m what I like to call a baby nature babe. As in, I’m new to this outdoorsy thing, a lot of aspects about being outside still make me uncomfortable and I still approach outdoor activities with hesitation, buuut…I’m interested, I ultimately enjoy it, and I want to get more familiar with it. Camping, in particular, is one of those activities that I view with a GREAT deal of hesitation. There’s dirt, bugs, and EFFORT required, obviously, but camping with DOGS?

That’s a whole other hurdle.

I’ve already done a lot of things to make camping less of a hassle for me, like getting an instant tent, finding a great natural insect repellant, and of course collecting cute lil campsite items that make me more excited to go camping. For the most part, that makes the cons of camping a lot better, but then I tried camping with dogs.

Y’all.

Do not go camping with dogs UNPREPARED. It will be so stressful, for both the humans and the dogs.

“But Kay? I came here to get tips for camping with dogs, not be talked out of it!”

Don’t worry, I got chu I got chu.

While I might not be the most skilled at camping with dogs, I know some people that are practically experts. Ken and Jules from Outdoor Magnet, a travel couple from Malaysia, offered to share some of their best tips on camping with dogs to make the experience enjoyable for everyone.

Just for ease of understanding, instead of jumping in feet first and giving you all the tips at once, we’ll split up the guide into four sections:

1. Planning ahead
2. Safety
3. Do’s
4. Don’ts

All crucial, all fundamental tips and advice for camping with dogs. So whether it’s your absolute first time, orrr…like me where you’ve tried it and it didn’t go so well, read this guide to feel more comfortable when you head out!

Planning Ahead

Planning is essential – ESSENTIALLLL – to camping, and even moreso when you’ll be camping with dogs. Don’t believe me? Are you one of those “just wing it” outdoor enthusiasts that figure it out as you go along? Well, here are just SOME of the things you’ll need to think about in advance when you’re camping with dogs.

• Checking campsite’s pet and animal policies  
• Finding a good route to have enough toilet breaks your dog
• Early reservations for campsites
• Enough food and clean water for your dog
• Potential allergens or hazards (including other animals!) for your dog
• Camping and hiking supplies specifically for your dog

The list could go on and on, but those are some of the basics. If you are a naturally anxious person or tend to overthink or get overwhelmed by options, planning ahead and having a checklist can definitely cut down on some of the barrier to just getting started. As you get more experience with camping with dogs, you’ll find little hacks to make camping more comfortable for your specific dog, but this is a good starting point. So let’s take them one by one.

Dog’s Health

Imagine in the middle of your camp stay, your dog falls sick and you need to abandon the stay to send your dog to the vet. Or…yanno…even worse, you can’t get to the vet in time because you’re too far away at a remote campsite to get help.

SO, the best you can plan for this to get a vet check up with your dog before heading out for the first camping trip of the year. I mean, you SHOULD be scheduling regular vet check ups anyway, but yanno, things pop up!

That would ruin the fun right? So do get a check up for your dog to make sure your dog is healthy. Also remember to prepare emergency supplies for your especially if it’s your dog’s first time camping, it could be a good thing to bring up with your vet to see if they have any specific recommendations. Does your dog have a joint or muscle condition that might limit the amount of hiking or outdoor activity? Sure their daily walk or two might be fine, but not every dog can up and dog a 4-hour steep mountain incline with no preparation.

Does your dog have any allergies that you want to keep in mind? Any concerns that you might not have noticed at home? Will they need a prescription refilled to last them through the trip? And on that note, make sure their flea collar/medication is up to date! When your dog has a clean bill of health to start with, you can at least check that worry off your camping with dogs anxiety.

Planning Activities

There is arguably nothing more frustrating than a bored pet.

Imagine this. You’re all tuckered out from a day of activities and setting up the campsite. You finally slip into your sleeping bag and…your dog is continually pawing at your face because they’re bored. But you’re tired. But they’re bored. So it circle of frustration continues.

Yes, a lot of dogs will naturally love wildlife fun. The new smells, the new sounds, the new tastes (though uh…watch out for this one!). While you’re outside with them, they’ll probably have a grand ol’ time by just being on the leash. But when you’re ready to settle down in the afternoon, or if you have to stay in because the weather is less favorable, that doesn’t mean your dog still isn’t hyped up just from being in a new environment.

So! Make sure to pack some dog toys (tennis balls, frisbees, floaty water toys to retrieve, etc etc) so that they can still be entertained and work off that excitement while staying at the campsite or inside the tent. Especially if you plan on staying in the tent for a bit, whether you’re sleeping in or waiting out bad weather, make sure you invest in one or two puzzle games or new squeaky toys to keep them occupied and not tearing up your campsite haha.

Or, it might be easier to just compromise when you’re camping with dogs and take them out for a bit. If it’s raining, try to find a nice raincoat for your dog, and maybe some booties. Help them prepare for the trip by getting them used to wearing it at home. It’ll help them be more comfortable hiking and exploring in the rain, and keep your tent from getting too dirty!

Have a Calling Card

The outdoors presents a lot of new stimuli at your dog, like weather, other animals, other people, etc. That may be a LOT for dogs that get excited and/or scared easily. And so they RUN. It’s one of the worst case scenarios, especially if you don’t have cell service, and can be scary and stressful – for both of you.

But – you can at least be prepared just in case you do get separated.

First, ALWAYS keep their collar on. On their collar, be sure their tag reads their name, your phone number, and your city of residence (or potentially your address if there’s space). If your dog has specific medical needs, you might have room to slide in a “NEEDS MEDS” line as well, just for added urgency. One of the best pet investments you can make is having a clear and concise dog tag.

Second, make sure your pet is microchipped. A tag is great in the immediate sense, but if they take the found dog to the vet, the vet could then contact and locate you. Buuut, the dog needs to be found and taken to the vet to do that. It’s a good safety net though that is easy to do.

Third, training. It would be extremelyyyy helpful if your dog returned to you on command. Many dogs can grasp this concept pretty easily with vocal commands, but when you’re camping with dogs and you get separated, your voice might not be loud enough. Try training them to return to a whistle or similar loud call, so they can hear you in case they’re farther away and find their way back to you.

Fourth, and this one is a bit new, get some sort of Bluetooth tracking device for their collar. It’s largely unneeded when you’re at home, but can help immensely in the event of them getting lost in the woods. There are a couple options out there, but personally I use Apple AirTags (because I have an iPhone). They work via Bluetooth (which has a range of 100m/330ish ft) and while they don’t have GPS capabilities, they use their proximity to other iPhones to generate their location. If anything, they’ll point you and the search party in the right direction. They are dust and water resistant (not water PROOF), and can last up to 24 hours when away from you.

My only suggestion would be to get your dog familiar to the AirTag and the sound it makes, so if they get lost and the AirTag activates, the sound won’t spook them into running farther away.

Knowing Campground Hazards

If you want to have a successful experience camping with dogs, you’re going to have to do a bit of research on where you’re going. Specifically – know which hazards does your campsite pose?

How many campsites are there?

What does the local wildlife look like?

Are there any fauna or flora that could be irritating to your dog?

What about natural geographic hazards like bodies of water, cliffs, or temperature?

Some of this you can judge before you arrive. Read reviews on the campsite and trails on TripAdvisor and AllTrails. In terms of your campsite neighbors, if others are camping with dogs (and even if they’re aren’t, tbh), don’t let your dog run around off-leash. You don’t know the temperament of those dogs, and nobody likes dog fights, biting, or dog hostility. Keep your pup pal close! On that note, if your dog is extra shy around other people, that’s good to know as well and you might want to pick a campsite that isn’t in the middle of all the action.

Of course, always be aware of local wildlife, for both your protection and the dogs,’ and make sure not to leave out any food (or other goodies) that might attract them closer to your campsite. Similarly, maybe do some research of wild fauna that is toxic for dogs so you will know how to identify them in the wild and prevent your dog from eating them. Some common plants are ivy, milkweed, walnuts, hickory nuts, death camas, and acorns, while common flowers are lily of the valley (one of my personal favs *cry emoji*), azaleas, daffodils, and dandelions.

Likewise, beware of stagnant water. Heck, be wary of ALL water sources. In ponds and lakes and puddles and streams, there could be tons of bacteria, algae, parasites, and…downstream (fecal) matter that would make it just as unhealthy for your dog to drink it as it would you. Would you just dunk your face in some unknown wild river and gulp? Yah, didn’t think so. A lot of times, campsite near popular water or dipping sites will have an information page about any bacteria or algae blooms, and advise against entering at that time.

Just stay vigilant.

Safety

Alriiiiight, we’ve covered all the stuff to help you prep for camping with dogs, so now let’s touch on probably everyone’s biggest concern. Safety. Pets are our literal children, in the non-biological sense of the word, and it’s our job to protect them from dangers. ESPECIALLY dangers that are present because WE decided to take THEM camping.

So listen up!

Overheating

Can there be too much of a cozy thing?

The short answer, yet. Just like humans, overheating applies to dogs too, and it’s surprisingly easy to happen when you’re camping with dogs because naturally your mind goes to “oo I need to keep Buddy warm!! Let’s LOAD UP ON BLANKETS AND POCKET WARMERS!!!”

That said, unlike (most) humans, (most) dogs have a nice coat of fur all over their body. Dogs don’t sweat like humans. The sweat glands that they do have are in their paw pads, and the ones on their body don’t actually work like human sweat glands and are just there for pheromones. Instead, and you might already know this, dogs use panting and vasodilation (expanding blood vessels in areas of thin skin like ears/face) to help them cool off.

But, it’s not as effective as humans sweating profusely.

So, ensure there is at least on cool, shaded area for your pup during the hottest part of the day, and keep an eye on your dog’s behavior during play and activity time. There should also ALWAYS be fresh and cool water available for them at all times!

What does overheating in dogs look like?

• Panting
• Heavy breathing
• Restlessness 
• Weakness
• Disorientation 
• Agitation
• Dry gums
• Bright red tongue
  

For sure, if you’ve just climbed a steep incline or have been throwing the ball around for twenty minutes and your dog is panting, just take a quick break until they cool down. But if it continues for an extended period of time, or you’re unsure of the cause, use a digital thermometer to measure the temperature of your dog. A temperature of 104F/40C indicates overheating.

Immediately remove your dog from the heat, whether it’s taking away some blankets, giving them extra water, cooling them off with a damp cool cloth, or parking yourself in the shade.

What about shaving them??

If you are thinking camping with dogs for the first time in a warm or hot environment, please do not shave them.

First, because it’ll probably look ugly *cry emoji*

Second, because it’s a common misconception that the amount of fur is relevant to how quickly a dog can experience heat stroke. Instead of thinking of a dog’s fur as a literal jacket, it actually acts more like an insulator. So in the cold weather, it keeps cool air out and holds heat in. Whereas it hot weather, the multiple layers in thick fur offer both protection from sun exposure/sunburn AND prevent the skin and dog from getting too hot. It’s like thermoregulating or whatevas.

Shaving a dog with thick fur would actually take away a dog’s ability to protect themselves in the heat and can make them more susceptible to heat stroke (AND a bad fur day).

First-Aid Kit

Just like it’s always important to bring a first-aid kit for yourself while doing outdoor activities, when you’re camping with dogs, you’ll definitely want to load up on supplies that will help them as well. In fact, a first-aid kit is one of the top 10 survival gear items that you should take out with you.

While I could go into super detail about what you should include in a first-aid kit in general (I’m a certified Wilderness Emergency First Aid Responder <3), mosttt of it will probably already be included if you buy a pre-made kit. So, I’ll just touch on the things you might want to include when you’re camping with dogs:

• Your dog’s vet records (including vaccinations!)
• List of current medication and/or allergies
• Gauze
• Non-stick bandages
• Adhesive tape
• Pet-safe sterile eyewash
• Pet-safe antibiotic spray
• Digital thermometer
• Tweezzers

And of course, always pack some paw protection, just in case. Paws are sensitive to both temperature (hot pavement, icy paths) and abrasive materials (sharp rocks, jagged twigs) – PLUS always a bonus to protect their little feet from ticks and pests. As I mentioned above, the booties might some getting used to, so order them ahead of time so they can get comfortable walking in them.

Do’s 

Aight finally, the good stuff. The things you should just generally keep in mind while camping with dogs. Some of these may seem like common sense, but again, never hurts to have a casual reminder.

Make sure your dog is used to outdoors

No one likes abrupt culture shock, especially when they didn’t ask for it. If your dog is scared of stepping on a leaf, they might not appreciate being thrust into the forest. Before you go camping with dogs for the first time, make sure they actually LIKE being outdoors. And I don’t mean going for walks or sticking their head out the window in the car. I mean BEING outside. Specifically, the sounds and smells of *~*true wilderness*~*

When you’re camping with dogs, you’re introducing them to a lot of new and potentially overwhelming things. Like…y’all just expect Rover to be okay with some giant owl eyes peering at the campsite in the middle of the night??? Spend extended periods of time in different environments outside, and if you can, stay until sunset when all the critters start waking up and making weird noises. It can definitely help ease them into the experience.

Work up their stamina

If can be extremely easy to overestimate your dog’s physical ability. I mean, they’re dogs! They love to run and play and do stuff! But, just like humans, there are varying degrees of fitness levels, agility, and stamina.

Before you set off, make sure your dog is comfortable with the level of activity for the trip. Start with taking them on longer walks, as well as multiple walks if they don’t do that already. Then alternate long walks with incorporating short jogs for the day instead (and you can BOTH work up to jogging by first powerwalking – aim for a pace of 15-20 minute miles!) Try finding some paths that have inclines, or maybe different terrain if their walks are typically on pavement.

In terms of agility, unless your neighborhood has some sort of fancy dog park with an agility course where they can weave through poles and run over planks…then this one might be a little tough hahah. Personally…….I’m not about to sign my dog up for a Ninja Warrior membership, but if you’re camping with dogs, just be aware that uneven pavements and stepping over logs requires a ton of coordination, so be patient with them and be prepared that you may need to carry them over super uneven or rocky/unstable terrain (BEEN THERE).

Introduce them to tent life

Listennnn. If it took ME – a human who consciously made the decision – a hot second to adjust sleeping in a tent FOR FUN, then just imagine how that might come off to a dog.

Why are they trapped in this weird semi-opaque fabric? Why is it so hot? What are all those noises outside???

To ease into camping with dogs, simulate a camping trip at home! Pop up the tent in the backyard (if you have one), or even in your bedroom. Get them familiar to being in the tent, maybe take a nap in there with them, and also go through the motions of taking off their booties/wiping their feet before they enter. It can help you assess your dog’s comfort level in a controlled environment before you set off on the real deal.

Plus, who doesn’t love a good ol’ fashion backyard camping adventure?

Socialize for the prize!

Okay, I just wanted to rhyme for that one, but seriously, if you want to NOT be embarrassed while camping with dogs, you’re gonna wanna make sure they’re well socialized. First, no one wants to sleep at a campsite where the neighboring dogs are constantly barking at foot traffic. Second, no one wants to get BIT either. Make sure that your dog is at the very least not anxious or scared around other people or other dogs, so that the experience isn’t traumatic for them.

Because we live in the modern age, there are actually apps that can help you set up local dog playdates! One of the best ones out there, that I know about anyway, is Meet My Dog. As the name implies, you upload a profile for your dog and you can see other dogs in your area that also need new friends. You can also “check in” at pet-friendly spots in town (outdoor bars, parks, play areas, etc) and other dog owners can join you.

However, as with any app that allows you to meet up, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE be as careful as possible cuz there’s some weirdos out there.

Dont’s

And….a couple of things that you definitely DON’T want to do while camping with dogs. I know I know – common sense. But I still gotta say it anyway.

Never leave your dog unattended

Never.

NEVER.

NOT EVEN EVERRR leave your dog unattended – anywhere – while camping with dogs. Not at the campsite. Not in the tent. Not at the lake. Not in the car (Telsa owners back off).

You get the gist. Even though your dog may be the most well behaved angel in the world, others might not be. And by others, I mean other dogs, other people, AND other animals. Always keep an eye on your your furry companion while camping with dogs. ALWAYS. If you have to go drop a load at the porta-potty, they better be leashed right outside that door so you can hear if any funny business goes down.

Do not let your dog chase wildlife

One, because it’s rude to the wildlife. Imagine you’re just a deer enjoying the morning dew on the freshly sprouted buds of spring, and a dog comes running at you sideways out of nowhere!!! Naurrrr don’t let them do that! You AND yo dog are guests in their home. Upsetting the wildlife, especially at campsites where there’s already lots of camper/hiker traffic, can drive wildlife away and ultimately damage the ecosystem. So be considerate to our wild friends.

Two, letting your dogs chase wildlife is just downright dangerous for them. Sure, a lot of dogs love to lunge and chase squirrels and butterflies and frogs…and that might’ve gone all dandy for them back at home, but in the wild, there are things that can bite them back. Especially predators like snakes, bears, coyotes, wolves, bison, heck even a threatened momma elk can and WILL charge at cha boy.

So keep that leash on!

Camping with Dogs: Conclusion

Yooooo, are we at the conclusion for camping with dogs already? Man, I feel like this one flew by! Even while writing, it was pumping me up to get back out and set up the campsite with me dogs. If you haven’t gone camping with dogs before, did you learn anything valuable or new? Mayyybee something that might’ve given you a bit more confidence to try it out? AT THE VERY LEAST – was it entertaining??

If you have been camping with dogs before, did I leave out anything? Let me know it all in the comments below! I know a lot of us have gotten more into outdoor activities, so maybe this will help more people give camping a try, and bring their dogs along too! Thanks again to Jules and Ken from Outdoor Magnet for all of the extra insight on camping with dogs! Go check them out as well when you get a chance.

Speaking of outdoor activities, if you’re a self-proclaimed hot city girl, just know that you don’t have to give up your lifestyle to conform to the REI trail mix model. Hit the trails in your Timbs (suede-protect them boys tho *cry emoji*) , do up your hair, and glide on a shade of some of the best lipstick brands for hiking. Likewise, if you’re an otaku baddie, go ahead and tie that headband on (you know the one I’m talking about). Gamers, bring you switches. Painters, bring your canvases. Photographers, bring your cameras.

Don’t let anyone shame you for enjoying the outdoors how YOU want to enjoy it and find comfort in it. Like obvi, be respectful or whatevas, but there is not ONE right way to be in nature.

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