Camping with your dog: 6 tips and best practices!

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 The holidays are approaching, and this year, you have decided to try camping with your dog. While everyone will benefit from the experience, it will require some preparation to go smoothly. Here are our tips for having a wonderful camping holiday with your companion.

1: Find a dog-friendly place.

The first step is to make sure that your dog will be allowed in the desired campsite. Do not hesitate to contact the establishments in advance to ask them if animals are accepted. Also remember to ask about the reception conditions: dogs accepted but always kept on a leash, extra fees, etc. Note that some campsites accept dogs, but not those in categories 1 and 2 (attack dogs, guard dogs, and defense dogs).

In France, you can also rely on the Toutourisme label: this certification promotes dog-friendly destinations for your vacations, therefore those that are particularly welcoming for dogs and their humans. The tourist offices of the places concerned undertake to offer dog owners a guide that lists all the useful addresses where animals are accepted: restaurants, green spaces, tourist sites, but also accommodation, including campsites. Nearly 50 destinations are currently labeled in France, such as Les Sables-d'Olonne, Baie du Cotentin, Ile de Noirmoutier, Albi, Amiens, Pays de Vire, and many others. If you plan to spend a camping holiday in Quebec with your dog, the label is also available.

Another existing label is Qualidog, which rewards dog-friendly places with stars.

2: Plan the right arrangements.

Whether you plan to sleep in a tent, mobile home, camper van, or van, make sure that the space is suitable for the size of your pet and that it can move around without hindrance. It will need to have a comfortable sleeping area that is cool and sheltered from the elements.

If you are renting, anticipate possible material damage by protecting sensitive areas: sofas, seats, etc.

Make sure your dog is used to the structures before the holidays or you won't be able to bring him inside at night. Using positive reinforcement, familiarize him at least several weeks before leaving. If you plan to sleep in a tent, don't hesitate to set it up in the garden, garage, or even living room beforehand so that he can explore the place. Reward him when he approaches, then when he enters and settles in. These exercises will help him associate the tent or vehicle with something enjoyable and safe for him, allowing everyone to have a peaceful holiday.

3: Manage the power supply

Food management is crucial during the holidays. Think about planning too much rather than not enough. Make sure to keep a diet close to that of your dog on a daily basis: kibble, pâtés, or BARF. There are freeze-dried foods that are easy to take on the go. Before the holidays, introduce these foods to your dog gradually to avoid digestive issues. To do this, first mix the new food with the old one before opting for a complete transition.

To save space, you can opt for foldable silicone bowls. In order to avoid having to move the entire large bag of kibble, you can also plan the food portions in advance by placing them in airtight bags, such as freezer bags.

Also remember to plan for hydration. Collapsible water bottles are particularly practical when traveling.

4: Get organized before leaving so you don't forget anything.

We advise you to make a list of items not to forget:

  • some toys;
  • a blanket, cushion, or mattress on which he can rest;
  • sunscreen;
  • a harness or collar;
  • a leash and a lunge line;
  • a twin stake
  • towels;
  • poop bags;
  • possibly a GPS collar.

Don't hesitate to also equip yourself with a first aid kit that will allow you to treat any minor injuries your dog may have: cuts, burns, scratches, bites, stings, etc. You can get a ready-made kit or put together a personalized kit yourself. In this case, remember to include basic items such as:

  • tweezers;
  • a tick tweezer;
  • a mild and suitable disinfectant
  • physiological serum;
  • round-tipped scissors;
  • sterile compresses;
  • adhesive tape;
  • a soothing and anti-inflammatory cold pack.

Traveling within the EU or abroad requires identifying and vaccinating your dog. You will need to bring a health record and passport.

Ideally, carry out a reminder of antiparasitic treatments (ticks, fleas, worms, etc.), as the holiday season is conducive to their development. In addition, your dog will certainly spend more time outside, increasing the risk of contamination.

5. Anticipate potential dangers.

Holidays, especially when they take place in the summer, are not without their dangers for our dogs. While they are often synonymous for the animal with life outdoors and quality time spent with you, it would be a shame if they ended in an accident or illness.

Before and during your vacation, anticipate certain potential dangers.

  1. If your dog loves water, be particularly careful around the sea or ocean with jellyfish. They can cause allergic reactions through simple contact, even with a stranded animal. It is the tentacles, covered with small venomous stinging filaments, that are the source of danger. Therefore, do not let your pet play with a jellyfish. In the event of a sting, wash the wound quickly with sea water and watch for potential complications such as swelling, edema, vomiting, etc. Thanks to sites like Meduseo, you can stay informed about the presence of jellyfish. Also, always keep your pet under surveillance when swimming, especially if there is a current. You can also give him a life jacket.
  2. Still at the water's edge, but on the fresh water side this time, be aware of cyanobacteria or blue algae. At shallow depths, they prefer stagnant water. These are particularly dangerous microorganisms, which can quickly lead to the death of the animal. They are present on the water's surface and at the bottom, creating spongy blue-green masses. The heat allows them to proliferate more quickly. Their danger lies in the toxic substance they secrete, causing various symptoms upon simple contact or ingestion: tremors, vomiting, diarrhea, hypersalivation, or even breathing difficulties. If in doubt, contact a veterinarian urgently. Avoid letting your dog approach areas of water that appear stagnant and opaque. If possible, rinse after swimming. Beforehand, you can consult the Ministry of Health website to check the quality of bathing water near your vacation spot.
  3. Prevent heat stroke by always having water, or even a spray bottle, with you. Walks are preferred at the beginning or end of the day, when the ambient temperature is lower. As a reminder, never leave your dog alone in a vehicle when it is hot, even just for a few minutes while you go for a ride. Even if he is placed in the shade, the temperature can rise extremely quickly and cause heat stroke, which can be fatal.

6: Enjoy yourself while respecting other vacationers.

At the campsite, so that everyone can enjoy their vacation with complete peace of mind, make sure:

  • that your dog will never be left alone;
  • that he will not bark unnecessarily;
  • that he will be kept on a leash when traveling and will not be allowed to wander;
  • that his droppings will be picked up.

Campsites often have rules summarizing the code of ethical conduct, which we advise you to consult.

If you choose to camp, make sure you leave the area clean when you leave and respect the rules specific to each location (especially times).

We wish you a wonderful adventure with your dog!

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