How to Prep for a Camping Trip with Your Dog

How to Prep for a Camping Trip with Your Dog

If you’re looking to spend more quality time with your pup, why not plan a camping trip with your dog? It’s an activity you’ll both enjoy!


Like most dog parents, you probably want to take your dog everywhere you go—including the campgrounds. Spending much-needed time with your fur baby is beneficial to both of you. By enhancing your bond, you’re encouraging your dog to confide in you more and allowing them to engage in activities that are physically and mentally stimulating. In return, your dog will also be keeping you active and help your mental health, too. 


As a bonus, camping with your pup is just inherently fun! Stay tuned to find out how you can make your upcoming camping trip more enjoyable for your fur baby. 

How to Prep for a Camping Trip with Your Dog

Q: Do dogs like camping?

A: Yes! A million times, yes. Your pup is a member of your family, and they love the great outdoors. No canine would give up the chance to roam around nature and stick their head out of the car window as you drive to the campsite, especially if they’re riding in comfort with a high-quality back seat pet cover. Both the journey and the actual trip will have your dog’s tail wagging from excitement. 


Q: What age can I take my puppy camping?

A: Campfire Hacker suggests waiting until your puppy is at least five months old. Although this rule isn’t set in stone, it’s best to wait until they’ve received all their essential shots. Furthermore, it’s best to hold off on a camping trip until your pooch has developed certain traits, such as social skills and the ability to fend for themselves. All of this varies from puppy to puppy, especially because some dogs may take longer to learn than others. Still, when the time is right, your fur baby will love to join you on your camping trips!


Q: Where can I camp with my dog?

A: Once you plan a camping trip with your dog, you’ll need to find a spot with a lenient pet policy. Go Pet Friendly provides a comprehensive list of dog-friendly campsites within National Parks. Some of them include:

  • Acadia National Park in Maine
  • Amistad National Recreation Park in Texas
  • Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin
  • Arches National Park in Utah
  • Badlands National Park in South Dakota
  • Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida

We recommend reading the laws of the park of your choice because they all vary. Most of them allow your pets to access trails as long as they’re on a leash, but others don’t allow pets to access unpaved trails, public buildings, or local public transit. 

How to Prep for a Camping Trip with Your Dog

Q: What do you do with your dog while camping?

A: The better question is, what can’t you do? Whereas other people may not be up for doing rigorous activities, such as hiking challenging trails, your pup will be more than ecstatic to join you! Perhaps your dog is a ball of energy, in which case trail running will be the perfect activity for both of you. The main beauty of running through trails is being able to cover so much more land in a short amount of time. Furthermore, if your dog is very high-energy, these runs will tire them out, so everyone will be able to get a good night’s rest. 


Q: Where do dogs sleep when camping?

A: Your camping buddy has many options when it comes to camping beds. For starters, yes, your dog can sleep inside your tent with you; however, you must ensure they’re comfortable and warm. In our opinion, doggie sleeping bags are the best option because they’re warm, lightweight, and waterproof. If you have a big dog, consider an inflatable dog bed. Most of these beds are available in big sizes, but you can compress them down so that they fit in your backpack. 


Q: How can I keep my dog warm while camping?

A: Unless your best friend is an Alaskan Malamutes or a Siberian Husky, they’ll need help staying warm outdoors. The most effective and comfortable way of keeping your pooch warm is by providing them with a dog jacket. There are various options available to keep your pup stylish and cozy, such as waterproof or fleece-lined ones. We also recommend packing a towel for your pup, just in case they get wet. 


If you’re camping in a colder region that’s susceptible to snow, you should also pack some dog booties. Although a dog’s paws may be able to handle extreme weather compared to our bare feet, they risk cracking or cutting their toe beans if they’re exposed to snow and ice. A pair of booties will protect them from the cold and the rigors of the trail. 

How to Prep for a Camping Trip with Your Dog

Q: How do I keep mosquitoes off my dog while camping?

A: Part of the camping experience includes dealing with mosquitoes—lots of them. Unfortunately, you can’t do much to prevent mosquitoes from following your family during your trip; they just come with the territory. However, you need to avoid these two main things: spraying your pup with insect repellent and camping near bodies of water. Although insect repellent works wonders on humans, they’re toxic to our furry friends and can cause vomiting, skin irritation, or seizures. 


The best advice you can follow is to avoid settling down by lakes or pond, no matter how gorgeous the views are. Mosquitoes are sure to hang around these hot spots because they serve as breeding grounds for them. 


Q: Can you leave your dog in your camper?

A: No. Under no circumstances should you leave your dog unattended in your camper, even if you want to keep them warm or protect them from bugs. Leaving any animal to fend for themselves inside an RV is dangerous because the AC may not be enough for your pet. If your fur baby is cooped up inside the camper for too long, they’re prone to experiencing extreme heat and humidity, which can result in heatstroke. It’s best to take your dog with you as much as you can, or make sure there’s someone else who can look after them if they can’t come with you. 


Q: How can I ensure my dog is comfortable on the road?

A: When you’re traveling to your destination, your dog’s safety should be among your main priorities. Don’t just give your dog water in between breaks. Instead, get a small, stable water bowl that you can keep on the floor of your backseat; this will allow them to drink at their leisure. Moreover, you shouldn’t ignore their bathroom needs! Take a few extra minutes whenever you pull over to allow your dog to take a bathroom break. 


Lastly, you must also ensure that your car seats are comfortable for your pooch. Chances are, your seats aren’t dog-friendly, and even if they are, you don’t want to ruin them. Investing in a padded and quilted car seat protector for dogs will provide your best friend with all the comfort they need and desire.


Plush Paws Products Offers the Highest-Quality Pet Car Seat Covers

Now that you know how to plan the best camping trip with your dog, it’s time to invest in a premium car seat cover to keep both your pup and car seats safe. Plush Paws Products offers the best car seat covers for dogs that are sure to withstand wear and tear. As a bonus, they’re equipped with a non-slip silicone backing that won’t budge! Check out the rest of our high-quality selection of dog products. 

Plush Paws Products Offers the Highest-Quality Pet Car Seat Covers

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