Dog sitting in tent by lake

What should I pack for my dog when going camping?

How to Prepare for a Camping Trip with Your Dog

Before you can kick back and enjoy nature on a camping trip, you have to pack for the trip itself. Often, the quality of your camping trip can be determined by the gear you pack and the gear you forget. While trying to gather your tent, clothes, bug spray and camping gear, it may be easy to overlook packing for your furry friend. If you are wondering how to best prepare for a camping trip with your dog, check out a few tips and tricks below!

Read Next: Learn About the Gear You Should Bring When You Go Camping

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5 Steps for Packing while Camping With a Doggo

While dogs are generally pretty low maintenance, there are a few things that you want to have with you to make the trip more comfortable for your furry friend. Check out five steps for packing while camping with your dog below!

Step 1- Pack the Essentials: Food and Water

Arguably the most important thing you can bring when taking a trip with your dog is food. When camping, you have to bring plenty of food for your pet, along with dishes for the food and water. Consider investing in plastic or collapsible dishes for added convenience and trustworthy durability.

Step 2- Pack a Lead and Leash

One way to make your camping trip more stress-free is packing a lead and/or leash for your dog. You can spend less time keeping your dog from roaming the campground by tying their lead around a tree or bench and setting more permanent and stable boundaries for your dog.  A leash is also essential for hiking and exploring a campground with your canine companion.

Related Content: How to Keep Your Car Clean While Traveling with Dogs

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Step 3- Pack Protection from Fleas and Ticks

Whenever taking your dog into nature, remember to keep them protected from pesky bugs with either a special flea and tick collar or by applying protectant to their coat. This is one precaution that your dog will really appreciate, especially since it will help keep the critters off them.

Step 4- Pack a Camping Collar

If you have gone camping with your dog in the past, you might be familiar with the smell of smoke and the great outdoors that might linger on your dog and their collar after returning home. Rather than using their regular collar while camping, consider swapping to a rubber, waterproof collar while braving the outdoors.

Step 5- Pack Your Dog a Snack

Before you load up the car and head to the campground, make sure you grab a little something for your dog to munch on. Chewing on a bone or bully stick helps keep your dog occupied, especially when you want to relax around the fire.

Thanks for reading!