Camping with dogs

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Camping appeals to pet lovers because it means your dog can come along too. But it's important that you follow some simple rules to make sure you, your pet and your fellow campers are all happy .

There are lots of things to think about when it comes to making life easier for you if you bring your dog camping.

Remember that your dog will love camping as much as you do as long as he’s happy and comfortable.

He’ll enjoy being around the new sights and experiences, and he’ll love having the chance to spend lots of time bonding with his family. Involve your dog in whatever you do and reward him for good behaviour and you'll all have a great time.

# Here are our top tips for camping with dogs

1 Do your research carefully, not only for dog-friendly campsites, but for dog-friendly attractions, places to eat and visitor areas, too.

2 Pitch your tent in the garden to get your dog used to it. He will then be more relaxed staying in one on the campsite.

3 Pack dry food instead of wet – it’s not as messy or smelly.

4 Take food and drink for the journey and have regular comfort breaks – your dog will enjoy a short walk to stretch the legs.

5 Bring wet wipes or antibacterial hand gel so it’s easy to clean your hands after picking up waste.

6 Take a spare towel to dry your dog after swims or heavy rain.

7 Check your dog daily for ticks and bites. If you’re near to woodland, then also check his foot pads for splinters and needles.

8 Tents can become very hot so do not leave your dog unattended (in fact, a dog should never be left unattended, period), and watch out for overheating (rapid panting and a bright red tongue).

9 Always provide plenty of fresh water – especially if the weather is hot and you are feeding dry foods.

10 If your dog is disobedient, excessively noisy or nervous and aggressive around strangers, then it would be a good idea to try some obedience training before you go.

11 Even the most dog-friendly campsites insist on dogs being on leads around the site, so consider a flexible, retractable lead if you haven’t already got one.

12 A tether (a giant corkscrew-shaped contraption that is twisted into the grass and the dog’s lead is clipped or tied to the top) lets you keep your pet secured while you pitch the tent or whenever you need both hands free, such as at mealtimes. They are widely available in camping shops.

13 Bringing your dog’s own bed from home will mean that he is in comfortable and familiar sleeping surroundings. A plastic-backed blanket to put under the bed is essential to ensure damp and cold don’t seep through the groundsheet.

14 It’s good etiquette to control barking and noise, especially late at night and early morning and don’t let your dog stray and disturb other campers. It’s easy to forget that there are some people who dislike dogs.

15 When it comes to bedtime, opinions vary as to whether your dog should be inside the tent with you, outside in the porch (if you have one) or even in the car. This may well be dictated by the size of your tent.

More tips from

Pack the essentials – Make sure you take everything you need with you, including plenty of poo bags! You should also have a bottle of water for you and your pet.
Don’t overdo it – It’s easy to get carried away, especially as a new pet owner, but it’s important not to overexercise your dog.
Stay safe – Flea and tick prevention should be high on your agenda, especially if visiting warm or humid areas.
Check your pet regularly – It’s important to check pets for fleas and ticks regularly. They are most likely to be found on their back, neck, around the ears and the underside of their body, including their armpits.
Watch what they eat – Dogs can become infected with worms by eating a variety of revolting (or to them, irresistible!) things they’ll find hanging around, including contaminated soil or faeces. Regular worming treatment is therefore essential to help keep those nasty wrigglers at bay.

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