Summer is finally here!! We’re enjoying the freedom of the summer holidays and looking forward to spending some time in our tent! Camping with the dog is one of our favourite summer activities, so we thought we’d share our camping checklist with you!
Hint: you can download our printer-friendly PDF version of the checklist to print and take with you here!
Fido’s Camping Checklist:
Basics:
Leads, harnesses & Collar (with ID) – Make sure your dog’s leads & collars are in good condition. Always attach your Dog’s ID to one collar, and a lead to another collar (or a harness) to keep them separate. Consider a hanging light or an LED light up lead/collar/harness in the evening (more below).
Tie-out Lead/cable with spike – Most UK campsites require you to keep your pup on the lead at all times, or at least when in the main camping area. Having a ground spike or spiral for your dog with a long lead is a great way to give them freedom whilst adhering to the rules. We recommend a light metal chain or cable lead for this one, especially if Jip has a habit of chewing when you’re not looking!!
Water – Pack plenty of water for yourself AND your pooch if you’re going hiking or walking for the day. When back at camp, always make sure that Toto has access to clean fresh water at all times.
Poo Bags – A given, bag it and bin it please!
Dog food – Don’t be tempted to feed Muttley human food for the entire trip. Tid-bits here and there are ok, but remember what counts as just one average human biscuit (such as a cookie or digestive) is equivalent to giving your dog a hamburger! Some treats are also poisonous (chocolate is definitely one). For more info, check out our Treats Vs. Toxins blog for some great tips.
Treats – As you won’t be feeding Scooby your treats, make sure you pack his own Scooby Snacks!
Long-lasting chew treat or bone – It’s also a great idea to pack a long-lasting treat or chew bone for your Bitzer. It will keep him amused and out of mischief at camp and in the car.
Travel bowls – There’s a huge variety of travel bowls for dogs, the pop out silicone bowls are great for camping as they’re robust and easy to clean. Folding down flat makes them much easier to pack too!
Comfort:
Favourite toy – Don’t leave Pudgey’s favourite toys at home, he’ll miss them! Pack a few home comforts to keep him happy!
Warm Coat/Jumper – If your Spike is a breed with short hair, consider packing him a warm jumper or coat to keep him warm.
Waterproof Rain Coat – If you’re camping in the UK then a waterproof coat is a really good idea. Most dogs handle rain ok (especially long haired and double coated breeds). Just as you’ll get fed up with 5 days of constant rain making you wet, so will Buster! Even more so without a coat!
Lead/Collar light – Even if the real Pluto is bright orange, he would still not be very visible in the dark. Add a light to your pup’s collar or use an LED lead, collar, and/or harness to make him more visible!
Warm Blanket – Keeping warm is just as important for your dog as it is you. Pack an extra blanket or even dog specific sleeping bag for Nana, keeping her warm as well as you!
Hygiene
Towel – Some dogs are regularly filthy! They love getting into mischief and rolling in the mud. Keep a towel handy just for Timmy to give him a clean down when he’s finished!
Tick Removal Tool – Specific tick removal tools should always be with you when walking your dog and camping. Ticks are nasty little creatures, be vigilant and look over his fur every time you stop.
Pet & Planet Friendly Soap – Pack some soap that is both planet friendly and pet friendly to keep Pongo from smelling pongy!
Pet Safe Sun lotion – grab some extra sun lotion that is pet safe, to keep Astro from roasting in the sunshine!
First Aid Kit* – Always pack a doggy first aid kit. Check with your vet for specific medications for your Hound. See below for a list of generic items.
Specialist Items
Thunder/Anxiety Jumper – if Bruno is prone to nervousness or anxiety at unexpected loud noises (such as thunder) consider packing a Thunder Jacket or Anxiety Jumper. Check with your vet before trying one.
Hiking Booties – if you and Dogbert are planning to do some serious hiking, you may wish to consider hiking dog booties to protect his paws.
Backpack – Most fit and healthy dogs can carry around 25% of their own body weight, why not get Odie to carry his own food and poo bags?
Harnesses & Carabiners for Climbing – If you’re planning to do some climbing, there are a range of dog specific pieces of equipment available for you and Gromit!
Life Jacket – Does Lassie have a habit of jumping down wells and into other watery places? You might want to pack a life-jacket to keep her safe.
First Aid Kit for Dogs
This is just a generic kit, anything more specific should be discussed with your vet prior to its inclusion.
- Vet wrap – the bandage that sticks to its self. Available online and in all sorts of shops on the high street.
- Gauze and bandages – for wrapping wounds
- Scissors
- Cotton buds
- Tweezers
- Tick removal tool
- Pet-safe anti-septic – Saline solution is good for washing wounds but be sure to get some proper antiseptic gel or cream for the tougher jobs.
- Disposable non-latex gloves
- Small torch with batteries (or a good wind-up torch)
- Blanket – preferably a space blanket
- Hand sanitizer
NB: This blog was written for and published by CPC Cares. The Camping Checklist was made by myself.