Travel tips

5 tips for camping with your dogs

Jun 05, 2017

If you love camping then next time you go on a camping trip, why not take your dog (or dogs if you’re an animal lover!). Let’s face it, most dogs love to go for a drive and there’s so much fun your furry friend can have on a camping trip. But just like taking your grandkids camping, there are special things you need to consider when taking your dog camping. Here are five tips for camping with your dogs.

Read more: Pet-friendly hotels in Australia

1. Keep an eye out for ticks

If you’re camping in a tick prone area, particular along the east coast of Australia, it’s important you check your dogs for ticks during your trip. Before you leave for your camping tip, give your dog some tick treatment such as a tablet or one of the liquid products you apply to the back of their neck. Remember to pack a pair of tweezers just in case you need to remove a tick, a tick collar for your dog to wear and a comb to use on your long-haired dog to look for ticks.

2. Look for dog friendly camping spots and walking trails

Before booking a camping spot, you might want to make sure where you’re travelling to is pet friendly. Some caravan parks, national parks and reserves don’t allow dogs. If your camping site is dog friendly, do some research on where you can take your dog for walks. There are plenty of dog friendly walking trails across the country, and if you’re staying by the ocean, see if there are any dog friendly beaches nearby. There’s plenty of fun to be had by letting your dog run free on a dog-friendly beach,

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3. Make sure your dog is up to date with vaccinations and pest treatments

Taking your dog on holiday can expose it to a range of nasty things including diseases and pests such as fleas and worms. That’s why it is important to make sure your dog is up to date with vaccinations and flea and worming treatments before you go on your camping trip. It can also pay to take your dogs vaccination records with you, as some camping sites may require you to have proof your dog’s vaccinations are up to date. It might also pay to make sure you know your dog’s microchip number in case he or she goes missing or gets lost.

4. Pack plenty of food and water, plus water and food bowls

You never know when something could go wrong on your camping trip. That’s why it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to food and water for your dog. You should pack plenty of food and water for your dog, even if you’re only camping somewhere for a few days that has access to fresh water. You should make sure your pet has a water bowl for the trip too, you never know when you might get stuck in traffic or stranded by road closures or natural disasters such as flooding.

5. Pack a doggy bag full of everything else your pet might need

Just like packing a bag for your grandies, your dog will need a bag of his or her own for your camping trip. From their favourite toys to walking leads and collars, there’s plenty your dog will need. If you’re going out on the water, remember a doggy life jacket or floatation vest. If you’re going walking on rough or hot surface, it might pay to pack doggy boots or socks for your dog. You might also need other things such as sunscreen for your dogs nose, doggy poo bags, a portable water bowl for your walks, an old towel and a blanket or dog bed.