Photo Credits: Nim and Alfie
Is my dog a camper?
Like us humans, not every dog will be chomping at the bit to head away camping. Before you go, think long and hard about whether or not your pet is suited to 'ruffing it' for a couple nights. If your pet is in good health, has had their shots, doesn't keep the neighbours up all night, and won't go around terrorising the local possum population, you're well on the way to ticking all the boxes. You don't want to spend the trip worrying about your dog's behaviour or health, so make sure that you assess your pet beforehand. If you're prone to being a little bit biased, ask a friend or someone else who knows your furry friend well and see if they think it's a good idea, a second opinion never did any harm! A trip to the vet is also never a bad idea.
Where can I camp with my pet?
Depending on where you live, different rules apply to camping with pets. In general, National Parks are a no-go zone, and you'll need to do a little more research than usual to find the paw-fect spot. With that said there are a number of ripper pet-friendly spots that your furry friend will absolutely love. Jump on the web and check out your local State Parks website to discover some pet-friendly sites. You'll also need to do your due diligence about the spot you choose as each have different rules and amenities. For example, whether the spot has potable water or not will make a big difference to how much H2O you load into the boot. Make sure that wherever you decide to drop the pin, your pet will have plenty of space to themselves and more than enough shade to protect them from the elements.
What activities can I do with my pet?
You should also consider what there is to do in the local area. Although sitting around whiling the hours away by the campfire might be your idea of a perfect camp, we reckon your pup might prefer a bit more activity. Take them for a hike, go for a dip in the creek, or take a trip into town. There's so much fun to be had with your little buddy by your side. When researching camp sites pay extra attention to what the area has to offer. In many campsites you're required to keep the dog on a leash at all times, but if there's a dog-friendly beach or park nearby you can let your little buddy of the hook. No matter where you're headed make sure that you plan ahead and prepare for some tail-wagging action to take place. The last thing you want is a bored puppy that will drive you barking mad!
Travelling with your pet
The journey to camp can be a long and tiresome one for your four-legged friend, and although an iPad will keep the kids quiet, we're not sure the dog will be too interested. It's best to take plenty of breaks so that your pup can stretch their legs and don't forget the treats… and we're not talking about the Tim Tams. We all love a snack during a road trip and your pet is no different. On a similar note, make sure your pet has enough water during the drive. A collapsible bowl is your best mate when camping with pets and you can pop it up and fill it up wherever you decide to pull up the handbrake. For a bit of comfort, throw in one of your pet's favourite toys and make sure your pet is secure when travelling to avoid them getting hurt.
Tents like these are perfect for our furry friends
Sleeping arrangements
This is where bringing your pet along really comes into its own. Heater and pillow wrapped up in one? You beauty! In all seriousness we don't recommend using your dog as a pillow, but a cuddle buddy? No problem. We're sure your furry friend would love to room with you and sleeping by your side is one of the best arrangements when camping with your pet. Just make sure you place some towels or blankets down so that your pet's paws don't damage the bottom of the tent. You could also get your pet a room of their own, but we'd recommend a tent with an attached awning or vestibule if you're not comfortable with your pet sleeping in the tent. The Magnitude Tent from Wanderer is a ripper choice for camping with pets and has a large front area that can be zipped close. Pop down some floor matting and a pet bed so that your dog doesn't get too chilly though. Another great piece of kit to bring along is a portable dog bed. Perfect for an afternoon nap or an overnight snooze, these will keep your pup off the cold, hard earth.
Doggos love chilling under our Wanderer gazebos
How do I keep my dog safe and healthy?
Keeping your dog out of harms way while on camp doesn't have to be a mission. As long as your pup has plenty of shelter, food, and water, you're most of the way there. Unlike being at home, it's not easy to control the temperature at camp so make sure that you have plenty of towels and blankets to keep your fury friend nice and warm. Before heading to camp there are a number of boxes you can tick to make sure your pet comes back home healthy and happy. It's a good idea to make sure your pet has been wormed and is up to date with any vaccinations. You also want to give your pets a trim if they have long, luscious locks. This can go a long way in preventing bugs and dirt from dirtying up your pet's coat. When you arrive at camp, have a look around while your pups still in the car for any bits of glass or rubbish that might harm your pet and remove them immediately. Lastly and probably most importantly, never leave your pet alone under any circumstances. If you're planning on tying your pup up to the nearest tree and leaving them there all day, you might as well leave them at home or find a reliable pet sitter.
What other gear should I bring?
So, you've got the essentials packed. Food in a watertight container, enough water to last the trip, water bowl, pet bed, tent, and treats, what else do you need to bring along? One item that should be at the very top of your list is doggy doo bags. Don't be that person, you know… the one that turns a blind eye when their dog does the business. Make sure you pick up your dog's number twos as it's not only annoying to other campers but can be harmful to the native environment. Another great idea is to bring along a new collar or dog tag that has your phone number and campsite written on it. In the event that your dog does a runner it's important that the rescuer can get in touch with you or find your campsite if they're familiar with the local area. A tether and long leash are pair of items that you should whack in your doggies camping kit. As we've mentioned before, many campsites require you to keep your dog leashed at all times. With a tether and long leash in tow you'll be satisfying the rules of the camp while still allowing your dog to roam around a little bit. Don't forget to bring a shorter leash for walks though!
The outdoors are a place of wonder and excitement for your pet, filled with new smells and sights. Bringing your four-legged friend to camp is an experience that we're sure you'll both love. Load up on the treats and make sure you've got all the boxes ticked before you head away. Take your pet camping today!