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Camping with dogs: how to keep your hound safe and happy on a trip

*TheEverglade*

Updated: Nov 18, 2024

Taking a dog on a camping trip can be brilliant fun or horribly stressful, depending on multiple factors, including:


* You.

* Your beast.

* Your preparation levels, and...

* Where you go.


So don't bundle Fudge into the car without giving him/her a second thought – camping can be downright dangerous for dogs if the proper precautions aren't taken.


But it needn't be a nightmare. Here's some pointers:


1/ Fit dog = happy dog

The first step in camping with your dog is to make sure that it is up to date on all its vaccinations and is in good health. You never know what kind of weird viruses he may pick up on unfamiliar terrain. It's also important to make sure that your dog is well-trained and obedient, as camping can be a stressful experience for dogs that are not used to being in the wilderness.


2/ Choose the right site

When choosing a campsite, make sure that it's dog-friendly. Many national parks and campgrounds have designated areas for dogs, and some may even have off-leash areas. It's important to keep your dog on a leash whenever you're required to, as there are many hazards in the wilderness that can be dangerous for dogs.


When setting up camp, make sure that your dog has a comfortable place to sleep. Bring a dog bed or a crate for it to sleep in, and make sure that it has access to water at all times. It's also a good idea to bring familiar items from home, such as the dog's own food and water bowls, and a favorite toy or blanket. Dogs can get homesick, too!


3/ Bring the grub

When it comes to meal times, be sure you have brought enough food for the entire trip. Bring your dog's regular food, as a change in diet can cause stomach upset. And, ugh, no one wants that on a campsite.


4/ Water for the trail

When you're out on the trail, make sure that your dog has plenty of water and that he/she is not overheating. Dogs can overheat quickly, so keep an eye out. Also: be aware of the environment and watch out for hazards such as poisonous plants, snakes, and other wild animals.


5/ Danger: animals on the loose!

When you're camping with your dog, be aware of the local wildlife. Some wild animals, like bears and mountain lions, can be incredibly dangerous to dogs, so know what you're facing and keep your pooch on a leash.


6/ Doggie ID

Finally, make sure that your dog is wearing proper identification. Bring its collar and ID tags, as well as a current photo in case it gets lost.







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The authors of Best Tent Blog assume no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this site. The information contained in this site is provided on an "as is" basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness. Every camping decision you make is your own and we accept no liability whatsoever.

Best Tent Blog was created over a beer one night when three friends were talking about what, exactly, they so loved about the great outdoors.

 

Mitch, our founder, put down his drink to explain that his own particular fascination with camping tents stemmed from a trip he'd had when he was just 10 years old on a rough strip of grass not far from his best friend's house. In the middle of town.

 

It was the least glamorous introduction to camping that anyone could imagine – five pre-pubescent guys wedged into a three-person tent with just enough floor space to accommodate them and their (limited) camping gear.

Camping tents were fairly unwieldy back then, and Mitch remembers the hellish struggle of trying to haul the fart-infested sack of canvas back to his friend's house.

Other tents of the lightweight variety were for more serious campers, he quickly realised, upon buying a camping magazine from the local news guy a few days later.

"That magazine introduced me to a world of backpacking tents, car camping tents, tent poles, four season tents and a whole lot more," Mitch says. "The ads at the back were full of exciting-looking products that made me want them for no other reason than they looked cool. I was hooked."


 

Fast forward a few years, and Mitch was camping on a small island with his girlfriend when he noticed that she'd inadvertently hitched a pair of boxer shorts out of his backpack and was swinging them around the tent on a pole like an all-conquering flag-waver.

Then there was the time at a sold-out summer rock festival where he attempted to leap over a friend's two person camping tent and fell face-first over a guy rope, hurtling headlong into the tent body.

 

The fact is, we all have stories like this (OK, not exactly like this). Whether you're a serious backpacker who has hiked the Appalachian trail or an occasional weekend camper – tents will have somehow wormed their way into your affection. And your drinking stories.

 

You'll maybe have discussed the intricacies of interior space with a guy in a camping store; exchanged your views on fair weather camping and multi-room family camping tents; you'll have wondered if you could convert the family Nissan for a weekend of car camping.

 

This is the tent-lover's life. And once you're in – you're in.

 

 

As well as wanting to give people an idea about the best tents for their needs – based on reviews from experts and the most-respected websites, such as outsideonline – we wanted to encapsulate that love of camping that affects so many of us.

 

In our blogs, you'll find information about the:

  • Best camping tents

  • Best backpacking tents

  • Budget camping tents

  • Gear storage

  • Waterproof tents

  • Camping trip ideas

  • Tent material

  • Sleeping pads

  • Outdoor gear

 

And more. Whether you're looking for the best tent blog, the best camping blog, the best outdoors blog or – more likely – a two minute distraction from your day job, we've hopefully got you covered.

We have information about what is the best camping tent in different scenarios, the best budget tent, the best overall camping tent and you'll find blogs about fishing, hiking trails, weather resistance and sleeping bags too.

Whether you have one tent and are looking to acquire more, or you already have a six person tent, a backpacking tent and a brace of dome tents for visitors, we hope you'll find something here that keeps you entertained, informed – and fuels your love of the great outdoors.

Here's to you, here's to us – here's to another night under the stars.

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