Camping with dogs is a joy! Our dogs are born for the great outdoors, with their boundless energy and adventurous spirit perfectly suited to romping through the bush and exploring the wild. There’s nothing quite like watching your four-legged mate’s tail wagging with excitement as they sniff out new scents and bound through the scrub. Not to mention Australia is such a great country for camping, with its vast natural landscapes, flora and fauna. So, what preparations do you need to make to have a smooth and enjoyable camping trip with your dog? This article will provide some references to help you and your dog have a successful camping trip!
Know your destination
Although we all love being close to Australia’s magnificent nature, we also need to be aware that wild camping in Australia means many uncertain risks. Generally, some national parks are more camper-friendly. No matter where you finally decide to go, you must know your destination in advance. Although most parks allow dogs, the specific rules and restrictions may vary. Some parks may only allow dogs to move around in designated areas, while others do not allow dogs to roam without a leash. Obeying the rules of the campground is also responsible for your dog. We don’t want our dogs to have accidents or cause trouble to others. Knowing in advance can avoid unnecessary trouble and disappointment. Before going camping with your canine companion, look up the official website or phone number of the destination you are going to online to ask about pet restrictions and camping rules.
There is also a blog written by Rachael Johnson that is highly recommended:
A List of All 62 National Park Pet Restrictions
Bring the essentials
When you take your dog out camping, you also take the corresponding dog supplies. First of all, the dog’s necessary food and water, and don’t forget to prepare a portable bowl for your dog.
A leash or leash stake is essential to prevent the dog from running too far alone. A glow-in-the-dark leash would be helpful at night, or a reflective vest. Generally speaking, the dog’s leash should not exceed six feet to avoid the owner’s difficulty in controlling it. It depends on whether the camping site has regulations on the length of the leash. A leash stake is based on whether there is a place to tie your dog around your camping place.
There are also dog beds and blankets to prepare a comfortable place for your dog to sleep. A dog folding tent is very practical at this time. If you want to sleep with your dog, it requires more supervision to prevent the dog from running out alone. It’s best if your tent closes by zipping upwards, which prevents your pup from opening the zipper at the bottom.
A dog’s towel, even though it’s a small thing, is very important! Dog poop bags are also needed, just like when you go out for a walk with your dog. Remember the 7 principles of Leave No Trace.
If possible, you can also take dog toys and play happily with your dog. Dogs are energetic creatures. When you don’t have time to play with them, some interesting dog toys will make them less bored. This also avoids some barking that may cause trouble to others or sneaking off to find something fun when you’re not looking.
Safety Measures
Put an ID tag on your dog, preferably with a microchip. The ID tag is a double guarantee in addition to the dog’s leash. In case the dog breaks free from your leash and runs away, you can find it in time to avoid accidents. Be aware that when arriving in a new place, dogs are always excited and curious, so they may be more active and difficult to control than usual. You need to pay attention to its status at all times to prevent it from eating unknown plants or drinking unclean water. Watch out for ticks. Also, be careful with wild animals!
Australia’s wildlife is so abundant that you have to pay attention to the wildlife signs around you and take precautions against possible encounters. But we must say that every camping trip is an unknown. A first aid kit is necessary. It contains your dog’s medical records, anti-worm medicine, gauze, thermometer, etc. Many places require proof of vaccinations for dogs, so bring that along as well. If your dog shows some uncomfortable symptoms or allergies, it is very important to know the nearby veterinary emergency phone number in advance.
Dog Recall Training
It is a dog’s nature to chase animals, but we don’t want our dogs to get too excited and chase other pets or get lost because of wild animals. If the dog’s recall training is not done well, it will be difficult to manage, especially in a place that makes it feel new and overwhelmed. Do enough management training for the dog in advance to prevent it from barking excessively or running off the leash.
Summarize
The idea of ​​taking your dog on a fun camping trip is so simple and straightforward, but when you start doing it, you will find that you will face many practical problems. As long as you have the first experience, it will be much easier to take your dog camping in the future. With these suggestions, hope you and your canine friend can have a smooth and enjoyable camping trip!
If you want to find some tents suitable for outdoor camping for your dog, you can click to check out our article on the best dog camping tents.
