Camping with dogs: 10 tips for you and your four-legged friend

Nobody wants it, but in case of emergency, you should have the necessary helpers ready if your dog gets injured or has other health issues. Therefore, here are our recommendations for the dog travel first aid kit:

• Activated charcoal tablets: If your furry friend eats something that upsets their stomach, activated charcoal tablets can help with detoxification. 
• Compresses and elastic bandage: While playing in meadows or on the beach, it's possible for your dog to get a cut from a shell or sharp stone on their paw. In such cases, it's good to be able to quickly dress the wound. 
• Tick removal tool: Ticks are present in almost all regions in Germany and tick bites can be dangerous for dogs too. It's important to thoroughly check your dog for ticks after playing in grass or forests and simply remove them with the tick removal tool. Some dog owners also use so-called "spot-on" treatments, which are applied to the dog's skin to repel ticks.
• Wound spray: Having a wound spray on hand is essential for disinfecting open wounds.

Also important: Bring your dog's vaccination record in case you need to visit a veterinarian while being on the road.

Especially practical are dog first aid kits, which you can find, for example, in pet supply stores. For longer trips, there are even sets that can be attached to the harness, such as this one.

The likelihood of not always having sunny weather during longer camper trips is high. In such cases, you may not always feel like taking long walks in the rain. However, mental stimulation is still important, which is why we recommend bringing along some interactive games for your dog. For example, you can hide a treat bag inside the camper and let your dog search for it.

For inspiration on search games and variety, we recommend checking out the blog by AniED Ireland. There, you can find 100 tips on engaging your dog in different ways.

If your dog has a strong prey drive or if your female dog is in heat, it can be beneficial to provide some boundaries. Therefore, it's always a good idea to have a long leash on your camping packing list. We also recommend packing a ground stake. Simply screw it into the ground and attach the leash to it quickly and easily. This way, your dog can have a larger range with the long leash and move around relatively freely. The risk of unintentionally chasing after prey is eliminated. Ground stakes are available starting at around 10 euros in online stores.

When camping, not only you should be supplied with sufficient water, but also your four-legged friend. A guideline is 500 to 600 milliliters of water per day per 10 kilograms of body weight. Your 30-kilo Labrador would then need between 1.5 and 1.8 liters of water per day, a small terrier accordingly less.

Size the food for your dog sufficiently. Especially when camping in nature, there are often no supermarkets or pet stores nearby. In addition, it is recommended to take not only food for the vacation days, but also for three to four days more as a reserve.

Dogs are considered a load in the road traffic regulations, and this must be secured accordingly. You must decide for yourself whether a seat belt or a box is the best solution. It is important that your dog is restrained when braking sharply. Otherwise it can be dangerous for you and your dog, because it shoots through the vehicle like a projectile.

If you're going camping with your dog for the first time, it's beneficial for them to be somewhat accustomed to camper life beforehand. This makes traveling and camping itself less stressful for everyone involved.

Even if your dog is generally carefree in new situations, it's important to give them some time to explore the camper. For a fearful dog, it's best to plan several days to gradually acclimate them to traveling and staying in the motorhome. The key is to take things slowly and not rush your dog. For example, don't immediately start driving when your dog is in the camper. Every small step is a success.

To provide fun for your dog during the vacation, it's a good idea to bring a few of their favorite toys. These can also be used during the process of getting them accustomed to the new motorhome. Chew toys are particularly useful for keeping your furry friend from gnawing on the furnishings. Additionally, chewing helps them relax.

What is often forgotten during all the rest and relaxation on a camping vacation is the training. But also on vacation: If you do not want your dog to eat from the table, for example, you have to comply with this also on camping vacation. If you want your dog to come to you on recall, you should also practice this on vacation. It is not about several hours per day, but rather about regularity and consistency.

Longer journeys with the camper can be exhausting for both humans and pets. Perhaps you encounter traffic jams or the weather gets hot – stress levels can quickly rise for everyone. That's why it's important to plan breaks for yourself and especially for your dog. During these breaks, make sure to engage in playtime, cuddling, drinking water, and allowing your dog to relieve themselves before continuing the journey in a relaxed manner. Just like in everyday life with your dog, the key to camping with a dog is having a happy dog for a happy life.

We wish you lots of fun camping with your four-legged companion!

By the way, you can find the best tent and camper-spots in Germany, specifically for you and your dog, at hinterland.camp by using the "dogs allowed" filter. Take a look to see where your next trip could take you – here are some campsites to inspire you.