- What? I have to pack stuff for my dog too?
- Ya, only if you love them.
Okay, sure your dog probably doesn't NEED camping gear besides the whole food and water thing. But if your dog is like mine and likes the finer things in life (read: AC, a bed, blankets, etc), then there is probably a few things you will WANT (or your dog will want).
Rusty and I have been on many camping trips mostly with a travel trailer camper, but also with a tent. Now if you have a camper, RV, or even a conversion van (#goals) then you probably have the AC/comfort thing figured out for your pup. But if you don't, I have compiled a list of our favorite things that help Rusty get through the elements of the great outdoors.
1. Pet Cot
Rusty WOULD lay on the dirt, grass, or rocks when we camp, but like I said before, he likes the finer things in life and that includes a bed...my bed to be exact. Whether that's a mattress, air mattress, or sleeping bag - I'm sharing it. So if Rusty lays on the ground, he is likely to bring some bugs to bed and then I wake up with bug bites (I'm not speaking from experience here, of course). The way to solve this? A pet cot! They are easily portable and can be disassembled for travel and they keep your pup off the ground! It's a win-win for everyone. You can even purchase the added canopy to provide shade during the hot days.
2. Cooling Mat
Summer is prime camping time, but that also means warmer temperatures. Rusty (and me) prefer cooler temperatures and if your pup isn't accustomed to hot temperatures, they can be at risk for heat exhaustion. One things Rusty loves, is his cooling mat! It self-activates with fancy cooling properties when weight or pressure is applied to it. Of course you can get different dimensions to fit your doggy best. And if you are using your noodle, combine the cooling mat on top of the pet cot and you basically are providing your own glamping experience for your pup!
3. Cooling Vest
Cool. So what if your dog doesn't want to just lay around? Try what I like to call a swimsuit for your dog! It's actually a cooling vest that you soak in water and wring out before putting on your pup. This vest allows for shading to the dog's backside and the powers of evaporation to occur on the underneath side to help your pup stay cool -- since you know, dog's can't sweat. Now if your dog doesn't like water (like Rusty), once you get past the initial shock of adding something wet to them, they quickly appreciate the powers of the swimsuit if it's hot enough.
4. Spiral Stake + Cable
If you are only going to bring one thing camping, it's got to be this. A spiral stake with a long cable to allow your pup to move and keep you hands free. Most places allow dogs for camping, but I have never found a campground or forest that DOESN'T say your dog has to be on leash or contained. They make various lengths and weight limits so depending on your pup and the area you are camping in, purchase accordingly. Sure, your pup may get tangled around a tree, but it keeps you worry free that your pup isn't going to run off and allows you to enjoy your camping experience too.
Taking your dog camping should and will be fun, but you never know what mischief your dog will sniff out, step on, and wander through. Depending on where you go camping, bugs may be different, plants/grass may be different, and smells may be different. A first aid kit geared toward dogs is always a good idea to have on hand, as is one for humans. They feature wound cleaning supplies, paw care items, a field guide for canine first aid, splinter/tick remover tools, and medications for allergic reactions or to induce vomiting. It is always better to be prepared!
Other honorable mentions that should be included in any camping trip - collapsible dog food/water bowls, vet records, extra leash, extra harness, and extra collar! You never know what could happen and you want to be prepared. Rusty once chewed entirely through a leash during a camping trip (as a puppy) because he wanted to set himself free. Thank goodness for an extra!
If you have any top camping favorites for your pup, I'd love to hear them!
Until next time,
Shawna + Rusty
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