Camping is a brilliant way to explore the great outdoors with your dog. Camping with your dog can be a fantastic adventure for everyone involved, but it requires essential preparation to ensure both safety and enjoyment. While it can be an exciting sensory experience for your furry friend, it can also feel a little overwhelming. The UK's unpredictable weather conditions make it crucial to plan ahead, keeping your furry friend safe and happy. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to camp with your dog, complete with safety tips for various weather scenarios and fun activities to keep them entertained.
Preparing for the Adventure
Health Check:
Before you set off, make sure your dog is up-to-date with vaccinations and flea/tick treatments. While camping with your dog, it's crucial to be prepared for medical situations. Pack a dog first aid kit and any necessary medications. Research local vets and keep their contact information handy.
Additionally:
- Stay vigilant around bonfires – the ground can remain hot for hours after a fire is extinguished. Keep your dog on a lead near the fire pit.
- Check your dog daily for ticks, especially after walks, and bring a tick removal tool.
- Avoid sharing human food, like barbecue meat, with your dog as it can upset their stomach. Prevent your dog from eating leftover bones.
- Ensure your dog's ID tags and microchip information are updated with your mobile number so you can be contacted if they go missing.
Do Your Research:
Research is crucial. Thoroughly investigate your chosen campsite ahead of time to ensure they allow dogs. Some dog-friendly campsites have specific access restrictions or lack facilities such as poo bins, so it’s important to be prepared for these scenarios.
If your dog has never been camping before, it’s best to get them used to it beforehand. Set up the tent in your garden while your dog watches, rewarding them with praise and treats for calm behaviour around the tent. Since your dog will be sleeping in the tent with you, help them get accustomed to being inside it. The confined space and lack of windows might make them uneasy, so bring their favourite bed and blankets for comfort.
Encourage your dog to enter the tent with lots of praise and treats, and sit calmly next to them inside. Leaving the tent up all day and going in and out with them in short bursts will help them feel more comfortable and familiar with their new sleeping quarters.
Packing Essentials:
Pack a camping kit for your dog, including:
- Food and water bowls
- Enough food for the trip plus a little extra
- Fresh water (if your chosen campsite does not have some available)
- Leash and harness
- Dog bed or blanket
- Poop bags
- First aid kit
- Toys and chews
- Towel and grooming supplies
Safety Tips for Different Weather Conditions
Hot Weather:
Camping can become even more appealing when the weather is warm. However, while we may enjoy the heat, our dogs can struggle with high temperatures. Choose a shaded campsite and never leave your dog alone in a hot tent, as it can quickly become dangerously hot.
Familiarise yourself with the signs of heatstroke in dogs and ensure they stay in the shade during the hottest parts of the day. Plan ways to keep them cool and always provide fresh water they can easily access. Here are four key tips to remember when camping in hot weather:
Hydration: Always have fresh water available. Bring a portable water bottle and bowl.
Shade: Set up your tent or a tarp to provide shade. Avoid walking during the hottest parts of the day.
Paw Protection: Hot surfaces can burn your dog’s paws. We recommend sticking to grassy areas.
Cool Down: Bring a cooling mat or wet a towel for your dog to lie on. Carry a spray bottle to mist your dog with water.
Cold Weather:
Camping in colder months also requires extra precautions to keep your dog warm and comfortable.
Insulated Bedding: Ensure your dog has an insulated bed or blanket to sleep on.
Clothing: Invest in a good dog jacket or sweater, especially for short-haired breeds.
Limit Exposure: Avoid long periods of exposure to the cold. Take regular breaks inside the tent or near the campfire (safely).
Check for Frostbite: Regularly check your dog’s ears, paws, and tail for signs of frostbite.
Rainy Weather:
Let's be honest, whatever season you choose to camp in the UK it is likely you might experience some spots of rainy weather. Rain can make camping challenging, but with a bit of preparation, your dog can still enjoy the experience.
Waterproof Gear: Use a dog raincoat to keep them dry.
Dry Area: Keep a section of your tent or a tarp area dry for your dog to rest.
Towel Off: Dry your dog off thoroughly after they’ve been out in the rain to prevent them from getting too cold.
Camping Around Livestock
Many UK campsites are located on or near farmland. Be extra cautious around livestock with your dog by keeping them on a lead. Ensure your dog doesn't disturb other campers. Whether at the campsite or out on a walk, make sure your dog knows their recall cue to handle any off-lead distractions.
Remember, it’s a criminal offence to let your dog chase or attack livestock, and farmers are legally allowed to shoot dogs they believe are worrying livestock on their land.
Making Camping Fun for Your Dog
Activities
Engage your dog in fun activities to make the camping trip enjoyable for them.
Hiking: Take your dog on hikes but remember to keep them on a leash and watch for signs of fatigue.
Fetch and Play: Bring their favourite toys for games of fetch or tug-of-war.
Swimming: If you're near a dog-friendly lake or stream, let your dog take a dip to cool off (always supervise).
Training: Use the opportunity to work on obedience training or teach new tricks in a different environment.
A Recent Story and A Friendly Reminder
A recent heart-warming yet cautionary tale involves Loki, a two-year-old Cane Corso Mastiff who had been missing for a week before being rescued from a cliff ledge in the Highlands. Loki ran away while his owners were setting up camp near Kinlochbervie, leading to fears that he had either fallen off a cliff or into the water.
Despite extensive searches, hope waned until, seven days later, a passer-by heard Loki barking, leading to his rescue by the Assynt mountain rescue team. Loki's owner, Christine McDonald from Hamilton in South Lanarkshire, described his survival as a "miracle," as he had subsisted on rainwater.
This incident underscores the critical importance of prioritising your dog's safety while camping. Ensuring your dog is always supervised, properly restrained, and equipped with identification can prevent such harrowing situations and ensure a safe and enjoyable outdoor experience for both you and your canine companion.
To conclude, camping with your dog can be a rewarding experience, strengthening your bond and creating lasting memories. By preparing for different weather conditions, prioritising your dog’s safety, and incorporating fun activities, you can ensure your dog enjoys the camping trip as much as you do. Embrace the adventure and cherish the moments spent in the great outdoors with your furry friend!
