Planning and Packing for a Camping Adventure with Your Dog

Fiberglass trailer

A guide on how to prepare and organize the perfect escape

Your dog is a member of your family, your pack, so it makes sense you’d want to share the beauty and adventure of the outdoors with them on your next Escape.  Just thinking of all the smells they’ll encounter along the way, and the quality time you’ll spend together, brings a smile to your face. 

Since your Escape Trailer is your home away from home, it will certainly help to make your dog’s experience more comfortable and a little easier on you.  Your trailer already smells like you and has your things inside so will help your dog be more at ease.

We’ve collected some helpful suggestions on how to plan and pack for a successful camping trip with your dog. With a little planning, you can make sure your camping adventure will go smoothly for everyone.

Before you leave

Order Preventatives

If your dog isn’t on year-round preventatives, you may want to schedule an appointment to discuss options with your veterinarian or request a prescription.

  1. Flea and tick prevention: Your dog will have access to heavy brush and foliage – the perfect opportunity to pick up multiple ticks. Flea and tick prevention will help prevent tick-borne diseases such as Lyme Disease. Click here for instructions on how to safely remove ticks.
  2. Heartworm prevention: If you should catch your dog ingesting animal droppings during your hike, or you’re attacked by a swarm of mosquitos, you’ll be thankful you’re giving heartworm prevention to protect against heartworm disease and other types of worms that could cause serious illness. 

Get up-to-date vaccinations

Make sure your dog’s vaccinations such as Rabies, Distemper, and Parvo are up-to-date. You never know if your dog may accidently surprise a wild animal along the trail and get a bite. Vaccines are critical to preventing further complications.

Inspect tag and collar

Inspect your dog’s collar to verify it’s in good shape.  One suggestion would be to invest in a break-away collar so if your dog’s collar gets stuck on a branch, it will break open and not cause harm to your pup.  It’s also important to inspect the tag to make sure contact information is updated and that it’s attached securely to the collar. 

Brush up on training

The campsite will be a new, exciting environment for your pup, kind of like going to an amusement park in human terms.  Never allow your dog to roam off leash while hiking or at the campground. Practice basic commands like stay, leave it, here, drop it, and quiet so you can keep control of situations and avoid having your dog become a nuisance to other campers. If you have a new puppy, check out Puppy Training 101. 

Know your campsite

Before you hit the open road on your Escape, be sure the campground you’re headed to allows pets. Most campgrounds will include this information on their website along with a few rules to follow. You can also search pet-friendly travel sites such as BringFido.com to locate an ideal location. There is nothing worse than arriving only to find out you have to turn back around.

rving with dogs

What to pack

Packing for your dog can be fairly simple if you stay organized.  Try to think about activities you will both be doing during the trip. Pack the appropriate items you’ll need such as old towels to dry off

Also calculate how much food to pack based on the duration of your trip.  Trust us, you don’t want a hungry dog to deal with.

Use the following checklist to make sure you haven’t missed packing any essential items for your best friend.  Many of these items can be purchased at your local pet store or on Amazon.com or Chewy.com.

  1. Portable food and water bowls (for inside, outside, and collapsible for hikes)
  2. Food and treats
  3. Any medications your pet needs
  4. Poop bags
  5. Pet first aid kit
  6. A long leash, shorter leash, or hands-free leash
  7. Old towels
  8. Dog booties (if they will wear them)
  9. Dog brush and comb
  10. Tick removal kit
  11. Extra collar
  12. Cozy bed and blanket for your trailer
  13. Favorite toys
  14. A comfortable outdoor mat
  15. Pet-friendly sunscreen
  16. Hiking pack for longer hikes

There are so many fun activities to do with your dog during your Escape whether hiking, swimming, playing or just exploring. By planning ahead and organizing your packing, you can relax, unwind, and enjoy every moment of your adventure. 

Rest assured, each day of your Escape will surely be the best day of your dog’s life.

Check out virtual tours of our camper trailers or contact us with any questions.

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