Going camping with your dog - Some things to bear in mind

Summer is fast approaching, and for dog owners, this usually means there are many more opportunities to get out there and find things to do in the great outdoors with our dogs! Camping is just one of these, and a camping holiday with your dog can be a great way to involve them in your family holiday, and allow you to explore new places and sights together.

If you are interested in going camping with your dog, here are some things to consider and bear in mind, both before you go and once you get to your destination.

How long is the journey?

Going camping with your dog will almost certainly involve a road trip, and however much you have your heart set on a certain destination, you should ensure that the car travel involved will not be more than your dog is comfortable with. If you do want to head for a distant destination, you may need to think about breaking your trip up into stages there and back, stopping off to camp for the night along the way.

Does your campsite accept dogs?

Many official campsites actively welcome dogs, but there are a few that don’t! Make sure to check with the campsite that you have in mind before heading out, and find out their rules and regulations for dogs on the site and ensure that you can comply with them. Always pick up after your dog at all times too, naturally!

If you are camping out, what is the area like?

If you want to head for the hills and camp out rather than going to a dedicated campsite, investigate the area first. It is important to head for a location where camping is not just permitted, but that is safe for your dog. Bear in mind that you cannot simply set up camp in a farmer’s field without permission, and you should be aware of livestock and wildlife in the area you are heading for before you make a decision on where to go with your dog.

Temperature

Camping is something that we tend to do when the weather is nice, as of course, being in a tent can be cold! It is particularly important when you are on holiday with your dog to ensure that they are able to stay cool enough, find a shady place to rest, and get enough water. Don’t push your dog too hard in hot weather, and avoid high energy activities during the hottest parts of the day.

Can you get fresh water for your dog?

If you are visiting an organised camp site, access to fresh water shouldn’t be a problem. But if you want to camp out and explore in the wild, where will your water be coming from? It is not appropriate to assume that there will be taps or streams on your route, nor that streams will be safe to drink from. You may need to carry a significant amount of water with you, to ensure that you and your dog do not run out.

Is your dog vaccinated?

For some organised camp sites, canine visitors are required to be vaccinated and treated for fleas and worms, and many sites will ask to see proof of this before letting you in. Even if you are not going to an organised site, it is important that your dog is vaccinated and protected against pests such as ticks before you head out, to prevent a possible problem when you are far from home.

What would you do if your dog needed to see a vet while you are away?

You should have a plan ready for what would happen if your dog needs to see a vet while you are away. While hopefully your trip will go off without a hitch, it is also important to be prepared for the worst! Find a local vet in the area that you are going to, find out what their out of hours service provision is, and take a note of their number. It can also be helpful to have your pet’s veterinary records with you, in case you need to give these to a new vet.

Also, if your dog is insured, the vast majority of insurance policies for dogs will cover your dog for holidays within the UK (and in some cases, abroad). Check this with your insurer before you set off, to find out if there are any restrictions on your policy or what will happen if your dog is injured while away with you.

Finally, make sure that you have an ample supply of any medications your pet might need, with some extra in case of emergencies. Stock up on dog food too, and don’t assume you will be able to buy the brand of your choice locally!