Summer is here and camping holidays are set to be big this year, especially for dog owners. Many campsites across the UK are dog-friendly, which, for some families makes camping their first choice, as no one gets left behind.
Whether your dog is a seasoned camper, or you are planning your first adventure with your new puppy, we’ve put together a camping checklist of everything you need to make sure you enjoy your camping experience.
Always be prepared
If your dog hasn’t been camping before they may find the smell or environment of a tent strange. To help them get used to it, spend some time setting up your tent in your garden first and let them explore. You can also put their bedding inside the tent to show them where you would like them to sleep.
Your dog may be fit and healthy, but if you have any concerns about taking your dog away for the first time, it won’t hurt to book your dog in with the vet for a quick review and to check they have had all their necessary vaccinations.
What to pack
Packing for a camping holiday can require some strict planning. There’s often a large list to tick off including equipment, food, clothes and organising the activities and places you’re going to visit. With all of this to think about it’s easy to forget some of your dog’s essentials.
Here’s our top picks for your camping holiday:
1) Food & Treats. It’s unlikely you’ll forget your dog’s food, but it’s a good idea to take more than you think you’ll need. You don’t want to spend your holiday looking for the nearest pet store!
Stock up on plenty of treats too, your dog will be in a new place, which often means lots of excitement and distractions. Reward them with a tasty treat like Lily’s Kitchen Beef Mini Burgers for good behaviour and handling the new experiences.
2) Toys- Taking a few of your dog’s favourite toys will help them to feel comfortable in a new environment. If the campsite allows it, playing fetch with a Kong dog tennis ball is great for keeping your dog entertained and also involves the whole family.
3) Wipes- There’s no escaping the unpredictable British summer weather, one day you can be bathing in glorious sunshine, the next huddle up in the tent listening to the rain. Whatever the weather you’ll need to walk your dog, and the last thing you want is muddy paws all over the tent when you return. Some campsites may have facilities to wash your dog but it’s best not to rely on that. For a quick and easy clean, having handy pack of CLX pet wipes will stop any muddy disasters.
4) Towels- If you’re planning a trip to the beach or a dip in the lake, don’t forget a towel for your dog too. The Henry Wag Microfibre Cleaning Towel makes cleaning and drying simple. The highly absorbent microfibre easily removes dirt and water from your dog.
5) Poop bags- As a responsible dog owner poop bags should always be with you. Take enough eco -friendly poop bags with you so you don’t run out and you can dispose of waste in the dog bins on site. You don’t want to give your dog a bad reputation and no one wants to step on dog poo as they come out of their tent!
6) Dog collar, harness, ID tag & leads- The campsite you’re staying at may be dog-friendly but some will require your dog to be on lead in certain areas to protect other campers and your dog from wandering off.
If you’re out and about on long walks, the comfortable Hurrta Casual Harness is ideal as it’s easily adjustable to suit your dog.
It’s mandatory in the UK to have your dog microchipped and so is having an ID tag on the collar. There’s always a risk your dog may run off, especially in a new environment, so make sure you have an ID tag that is up to date with the correct contact information.
7) Sun Cream- Dogs with less hair or with white coats are just as susceptible to sunburn as you are. To prevent your dog from burning, use some pet sun cream on areas with less hair e.g the ears. FiltaBac Antibacterial Sun Cream is great for camping trips as it provides sun protection, covers wounds and corrects damaged or irritated skin.
8) Cooling bandana- Just in case there’s a heatwave while you’re away, it’s a good idea to pack something that will cool your dog down. The All For Paws Chill Out Ice Bandana is a great way to protect your dog from heat stroke and the stylish splash design means they’ll be the most fashionable dog on the campsite! It is easy to use, simply soak in water and place around your dog’s neck. The special non-toxic cooling technologies within the bandana will help keep your dog cool and comfortable.
9) Calming products- If this is your dog’s first camping holiday and they struggle with travelling, giving them a Zylkene Chew or spraying Adaptil Transport Calming Spray in the car before you set off will help to reduce anxiety and fear. Unfortunately the spray doesn’t work on humans, so it won’t calm you down driving in holiday traffic!
10) Safety Light- If you’re a pro camper you know once the sun goes down a torch is your best friend. Some campsites will be lit but it’s generally up to you to provide the light around your tent. You may be able to keep an eye on your dog as you settle down for your evening meal, but if you take them for a stroll around the site they could wander off without you and be invisible to other campers. To ensure you can see your dog at all times an Orbiloc Dog Dual Safetly light is perfect as it straps to the collar and is visible to others from a distance of up to 5 kilometers (3 miles). You can also use it too!
There’s a lot to consider when planning a camping holiday, but hopefully this checklist will give you one less thing to worry about and keep your dog happy away from home.
