With summer’s end fast approaching, there are still plenty of opportunities for a fun weekend getaway with your pooch. One of the great perks of going on a camping trip, besides enjoying the outdoors, is that you don’t need to leave your furry friends behind! As you’re planning your camping vacation, remember to consider the essentials for traveling with a pet, like what to pack and most importantly, where to stay!
Here are some helpful tips and recommendations for making a lasting getaway with your four-legged friend in mind. One that will make any end of summer vacation easier than ever.
Finding That Ideal Location
The most important part of camping with your pooch is making sure you book a trip to a dog-friendly campground. Even dog-friendly campgrounds will likely have certain rules, such as specific areas in which dogs are allowed, so do some research before you head out. Some top dog-friendly campgrounds use their natural surroundings as their main attraction for their dog-loving campers and some have onsite dog parks. Whichever you choose, there is no need to “ruff” it when enjoying the dog days of summer, as it’s easier than ever to go glamping with your four-legged friend!
At the pet-friendly Leavenworth Tiny House Village, near the beautiful Cascade Mountains in central Washington, there are 300 acres of beautiful forests and meadows with nearly 200 miles of groomed trails for you and your dog to explore. Glamping will never be the same when visiting the pet-friendly tiny house, “Otto,” one of the five tiny houses that make up the Bavarian-style tiny house village.
In the Midwest’s Wisconsin Dells, the recently opened Tiny House Container Village at Yukon Trails has the pet-friendly “Wren” with all the convenient amenities located throughout the converted shipping container. This unique glamping experience will make your pooch feel like they hit the jackpot of dog houses. Keeping the unique trend going, glamping with your pooch in a yurt rental provides all the modern conveniences with the feel of traditional camping. The pet-friendly yurts at Yosemite Lakes not only puts you within a few miles of the entrance to the national park but is set just off the Tuolumne River and is surrounded by magnificent towering trees.
There are also stunning campgrounds that come with an onsite dog park! Florida’s Orlando RV Resort has a dog park of its own and is set next to a 60-acre spring-fed lake surrounded by white sandy beaches for your pup to enjoy. In upstate New York, Lake George Escape, a 178-acre resort full of lush woods, meadows and direct access to the Schroon River, has pet-friendly rental cabins that come with all the fixings. Lake George features its very own dog park, surrounded by the six-million-acre Adirondack Park, making it an ideal camping getaway for both you and your pup. Just north of Houston is Lake Conroe RV Campground, which features pet-friendly cabins and resort-style amenities for both you and your pet. After enjoying the majestic views of the 22,000-acre lake, your furry friend can get some fun exercise at the agility courses in the recently updated onsite dog park.
Food and Water
Just like at home, your pup needs all the regular essentials to keep them safe and healthy when traveling. According to PetFinder, “Do not allow your dog to drink out of standing bodies of water. Your dog should continue to eat its regular diet during the trip; pack enough food and treats to last for your entire stay.” Make sure to pack a food dish and water bowl. With multiple color options and its collapsible functionality for easy storage and mobility, the Nomad Habitat Portable Silicone Pet Bowls are perfect traveling bowls for your dog’s food and water. You can take them anywhere and they’re a breeze to pack.
Vet Check
It’s important to ensure your dog is healthy and up to date on vaccinations prior to traveling. Ask about preventive medications for fleas, ticks, and heartworm, and keep a copy of your dog’s vaccination record as part of your travel itinerary. Also, be ready for emergencies. Make sure your dog’s microchip information is up to date, bring a pet first aid kit, and look up the AAHA-accredited animal hospital nearest to your destination. Be sure your mobile number is listed on your dog’s ID tag.
Toys/Distractions
Make sure your dog has plenty to do and doesn’t get distracted while you’re camping. There could be people, creatures and new fun things all around this open-air environment so you want to make sure they are comfortable in their new surroundings. The Omega Paw Tricky Treat Ball can keep your dog busy and entertained throughout your camping trip. The ball is tough enough for the outdoors and easy to locate if your pup wanders a bit. Play time is a key when camping with your dog because a well exercised dog is less likely to be distracted by the unusual sights, scents and sounds that one may find while camping.
Sleeping Quarters
Depending on the type of camping you are preparing for, the folks at REI suggest making sure your sleeping arrangements are “one-person larger” to accommodate your dog. Foam beds and soft blankets make for a comfortable camping experience with your dog. Another handy tip, dog paws can wreak havoc on tent fabric and rental units, so it’s important to keep those nails neat and trim. Whether in an RV, tent or glamping in a rentable tiny house or cabin, your pup should have enough space to be fully comfortable in the sleep system you choose.
Following these easy recommendations to go glamping with your pup is a great way to bond with your pet and enjoy the outdoors together. With a little preparation, camping with your dog can be a great experience anytime of year but especially as you wrap up the season and make the most of these dog days of summer.
