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When it comes to camping, we are a family divided. On the one hand, Teddy, our 1.5-year-old rescue dog, and I love the great outdoors, bug bites, sleeping on a slightly deflated air-mattress and all. On the other hand, my partner and our 10-year-old dog, Bear, prefer the air-conditioning and high thread-count sheets that come with a luxury hotel stay.
Recently, due to COVID-19 and uncertainty around the safety of travel, I've talked my partner into enjoying more of the great outdoors and taking our dogs on nearby camping trips.
It appears we aren't alone. According to a recently released COVID-19 edition of the annual North American Camping Report, camping has not only increased in popularity this year, but advanced deposits for September and October are now outpacing 2019 among more than 500 KOA campgrounds across the country.
However, if you plan to camp with your dogs for the first time, there's a lot you need to consider.
"Camping with your furry family members is a lot of fun, but being prepared will make the experience even more enjoyable and allow you to focus on making memories rather than scrambling to find items you may have forgotten to bring," says Renee Klenert, who volunteers for New York-based non-profit Pug Squad and helps organize an annual weekend camping event called Pug Camp.
Of course, before you make any travel plans, be sure to read up on CDC guidelines, as well and local and state guidelines where your specific campsite is. We always recommend practicing safe social distancing, hand washing, and wearing a mask in any common areas you encounter. It's also worth noting that while camping does seem to provide a safe alternative to staying in a hotel or resort right now, you should still exercise caution in comfort areas and other communal camping spots.
Read on for expert advice on what to know before you go camping with your dog, plus the best dog-friendly campsites and great camping gear for pets.
What to consider when camping with a dogMake sure where you're headed is pet-friendlyThis may seem obvious, but some people wrongly assume that because it's outdoors, campsites are all pet-friendly. While every campsite operates differently, many require you to keep your pets leashed at all times among other rules and regulations.
Be sure to do your research to find pet-friendly campgrounds. It doesn't hurt to call ahead and double check either. Klenert also recommends checking on things like additional fees that might apply if you bring a pet, as well as how many dogs are allowed in each cabin or campsite.
Get your dog up to date on vaccines"The first thing you should do is research each camp's specific pet policies and know if they require you to bring vet records that show your dog has the required vaccinations," Klenert said. "It's always a good idea to have a copy of these in your glove compartment."
Vet and expert Dr. Karie Johnson agrees. "All dogs should be up to date on their distemper, parvovirus, rabies and adenovirus vaccines," she says. "These can be transferred from wildlife or from the environment."
If you plan to camp in a wooded area, Dr. Johnson also suggests being up to date on leptospirosis and/or Lyme vaccines. "Have your dog on heartworm as well as flea/tick prevention to keep them safe from bugs as well," she adds.
Be a good neighborThis one should go without saying, but it needs to be said anyway, and it's extra important when bringing pets.
Be courteous to other campers and keep dogs close and on a leash for their safety and the safety of others. Don't forget there are often wild animals around campsites and unpredictable situations can arise quickly.
Prepare for emergenciesSometimes bad things happen on vacation, but there are some things you can do ahead of time to avoid potential catastrophes. Hopefully, you won't need it, but having a pet first aid kit is never a bad idea just in case you're not close to a vet or pharmacy.
Dr. Johnson recommends checking the ASPCA list for items that should be out in your first aid kit.
Pack extra food and clean waterKlenert warned me that heat exhaustion can be life threatening to pets, so it's important to pack extra food and water, especially if you're going to be spending the bulk of your time outdoors.
And even if you're headed somewhere with a lake or river nearby, you still need to bring clean water for your pooch. "I highly recommend only allowing your pet to drink filtered water," says Dr. Johnson. "Otherwise you run the risk of them contracting bacteria or a parasite like giardia. They can get an upset stomach by drinking this water just like we can."
Check your dog for ticksIn addition to having your dog on flea/tick prevention and up to date on Lyme vaccines, checking for ticks is a good habit, especially when you're in a wooded area. The best way to do this is just to run your hands along your dog's coat to check for anything suspicious and have a tick removal tool handy in case you need to pluck one out.
"I would suggest checking for ticks after every hike or walk, as well as every night and morning in case you missed one," says Dr. Johnson.
Why the need for such frequent checks? "The thing that is hard with tick-borne diseases is that your pet can get one transmitted to them and not show any symptoms for a long period of time. The faster a tick is taken off your pet the less chance of a disease being transmitted to them," she notes.
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