Ultimate Guide to Hiking and Camping with Your Dog

Want your dog to be great at the campsite or on the backpacking trail? It all starts with what you do to prepare! Knowing what to bring when camping with your dog (and anticipating their needs ahead of time!) ensures a safe, fun, and stress-free trip for everyone.

If you are planning on camping with dogs this season, use these essential tips and packing strategies to prepare your pup for the trail and the campsite.

1. Know Your Dog’s Physical Limits

Before looking up what to bring when hiking with your dog, you must assess their physical readiness. Consider your dog’s unique medical and behavioral needs.

• Schedule a vet visit to ensure they are up-to-date on vaccinations.
• Apply preventative medications for fleas, ticks, and heartworm.
• Match the trail difficulty to their fitness level. If your dog only walks around the block, start with a short one-mile loop before attempting a grueling five-mile mountain hike.

2. Research the Rules for Camping with Dogs

Not all outdoor spaces are dog-friendly. Many national parks, state parks, and wilderness areas restrict where pets can go.

• Verify if your specific campground allows dogs before booking.
• Check if pets are permitted on dirt trails or restricted only to paved roads.
• Learn the local leash laws and wildlife regulations to avoid hefty fines.

3. Pack the Right Restraints: Leashes, Cables, and Stakes

Most campgrounds strictly enforce leash laws. To keep your pet secure while keeping your hands free, you need the right gear.

• Standard Leash: Essential for hiking and walking through high-traffic camp areas.
• Tie-out Cable and Stake: Perfect for giving your dog room to explore safely within your campsite boundaries.
• Pro-Tip: Keep fabric or nylon long-lines away from the campfire. If a rope leash melts, you will instantly end up with two useless, short leashes!

4. Bring Extra Food and Water (And Monitor the Supply)

Outdoor activities burn extra calories, and summer heat increases dehydration risks. Your normal feeding routine will change out in the wild.

• Pack more food and water than your dog typically consumes at home
• Check the water bowl constantly, as outdoor water evaporates or spills easily.
• Store leftovers immediately. Leaving a food bowl out will attract local wildlife, pests, and predators to your campsite.

5. Have a Dedicated Dog Sleeping Setup

When considering what to bring when camping with your dog, do not forget sleep comfort. If your dog sleeps on a bed at home, they will expect one in the tent.

• Bring an extra fleece blanket or a compact, dog-specific (or child’s!) sleeping bag.
• Provide a mat to insulate them from the cold ground.
• Prepare for cuddles; if you do not give them a designated spot, they will likely end up sleeping right on top of you!

6. Pack a Canine First Aid Kit

Accidents happen on the trail. A dedicated pet first aid kit is a non-negotiable item for any hiking backpack or camping bin.

• Tweezers: Crucial for removing ticks, thorns, burrs, or painful foxtails.
• Protective Booties: Vital for protecting a cut pad or torn claw on rough terrain.
• Proof Pets Drops: A great addition to ease stiff joints after a long hike, or calm anxiety in an unfamiliar environment.
• Bonus Tip: Consider packing Proof CBD Comfort Drops or Sleepy Drops for yourself too, to help you unwind after a long day on the trail!

7. Essential Tips for Backpacking with Dogs

If you are backpacking with your dog, you likely already know they are fit, strong, and capable of handling long miles on the trail. However, backcountry trips require extra vigilance to keep your canine athlete safe.

• Perform Daily Body Checks: Dogs rarely show pain and will not tell you if their feet hurt. Inspect their paws regularly during the day, and do a full-body check every night for cuts, scratches, rashes, or embedded ticks.
• Pack Pet-Safe Wipes: Bring heavy-duty pet wipes if you are hiking near poison oak or poison ivy. While plant oils rarely irritate a dog's skin, they stick to fur. If your dog crawls into the tent or your sleeping bag, those oils will transfer directly to you and cause a severe reaction.
• Monitor Pack Weight: If your dog wears a backpacking pack, ensure it does not exceed 10% to 15% of their total body weight, and balance the side pockets evenly.

Creating Unforgettable Outdoor Memories

Hiking and camping with dogs is an incredible way to strengthen your bond and experience nature through your pet's eyes. By packing the right gear, respecting local wildlife regulations, and keeping your dog's comfort in mind, you will set yourself up for a flawless summer adventure.

Don't forget to keep a bottle of Proof Pets Drops handy in your camp kit to ensure your pup recovers comfortably after a long day of exploring. A few drops can make all the difference in soothing their tired muscles and helping them sleep soundly under the stars. Grab your gear, lace up your boots, and hit the trails with your favorite four-legged companion!