Paws On Site: Top tips for camping with dogs

It’s generally an accepted fact among pet owners that having a furry friend immediately improves your life. But it’s not just on a surface level, there are several health benefits that come with owning a cat or dog.

Pets decrease your stress
There’s nothing better than coming home and spending time with your furbaby after a long, stressful day, and in a 2002 study from the State University of New York, researchers discovered that when conducting a stressful task, owners were calmer when their pet was nearby.

Pets ease your pain
It has actually been proven that pets can be the best medicine for what ails you. This is because having a pet nearby reduces stress and anxiety, and the less anxiety you have, the less pain you have.

Pets improve your mood
There are several mental and emotional benefits you gain from owning a pet. People who have pets also have more laughter in their life, generally feeling more content.

Pets could save your life
If you’re living with diabetes, having a pet might just save your life. Studies found that a third of pets living with diabetics would change their behaviour when their owner’s blood sugar level dropped. This is most likely a reaction to the chemical changes in their owner’s body.

Pets help children develop
Children who grow up in a house with a pet gain several benefits, especially in their emotional development. When a child is attached to a pet, they learn to express themselves in more ways and they learn to relate to something or someone else.

TOP PET-FRIENDLY SITES

Newperran, Cornwall
Surrounded by rolling countryside, this is the ideal location for you and your four-legged friend. Facilities on site include a heated indoor swimming pool, skate park, adventure play area, dog-friendly bar and eatery, plus an entertainment and activity programme. There are grass or hardstanding pitches, both of which are fully serviced plus electric grass pitches for tents. The site is set in rolling fields with quiet lanes and distant sea views. All this and just a short distance from vibrant Newquay.
ariaresorts.co.uk

Keswick Camping and Caravanning Club Site, Cumbria
A great campsite for exploring the northern Lake District with walking trails accessible directly from the site itself. This Club site is on the shores of Derwentwater and you can enjoy dog-friendly boat rides on the lake. There are grass pitches with electric, a play area, toilets and showers, a washing up area and a laundry. Keswick town is within walking distance and there are dog-friendly pubs and cafés nearby.
campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk

TRY THESE…

Webbox Tasty Sticks dog treats (£1.00)
Making sure your dog has a treat or two while keeping them healthy isn’t always easy – that’s where Tasty Sticks come in. Made with 95% meat, including fresh chicken or beef, each pack comes with five individually wrapped sticks. They’re mess-free, so ideal to pop in your pocket out on a walk or travelling. Available at all major supermarkets and online at webbox.co.uk

Webbox Chomping Chews dog treats (£1.00)
Webbox know how much our furry friends love to chomp on a moreish treat, so created Chomping Chews with chicken that will leave your dog wagging its tail in joy. Chomping Chews are made with 50% fresh meat and are packed with juicy chicken flavours. The minerals that your dog needs to lead a happy and healthy life are also included, so you’ll be pleased to know that even at treat time, your pet will be eating a healthy option. Chomping Chews are vailable at all major supermarkets and online at webbox.co.uk

SHARE YOUR PET CAMPING PICS AND WIN SOME DOGGY TREATS!

We’ve teamed up with leading pet food brand, Webbox, to offer three lucky readers the chance to win a hamper full of Webbox toys and treats for their dog! Containing a selection of four fun and exciting toy varieties and a selection of tasty treats to keep your pooch happy all year-round. Suitable for all dog breeds and sizes, the hamper includes the ever-popular Beef Tasty Dog Sticks, Beef Chomping Chews, Chicken Sushi, Chicken Twists and Duck Braids. For more information visit webbox.co.uk.

To be in with a chance of winning, send us your best camping pet pictures to [email protected]. Or share on social media: @Campingmagazine (Twitter), Campingmag (Instagram) or Campingmagazine (Facebook)

STAR PET WINNER

Here's our latest winner... sent to us by Fiona Dyes

George guarding the Cobb BBQ at Breck Farm campsite in North Norfolk