Camping With Your Dog.
There is nothing nicer than experiencing the great outdoors and sleeping under canvas. New and exciting landscapes can be discovered with your four-legged friend for company. But, – is it a good idea to go camping with your dog and are there likely to be any pitfalls? Holidays4Dogs finds out.
There are a few things to consider before embarking on a camping trip with your dog, especially if he is a young puppy.
If you are intending to camp on busy sites, it will be easier if your dog is sociable and comfortable with people and other dogs.
There are lots of campsites across the UK that allows dogs. However, this is usually on the condition that you keep your dog on the lead and clear up any mess he makes.
Many campsites have dedicated dog walking areas and enclosed fields, where dog poop bins are usually provided. Always make sure you check that dogs are allowed before booking a campsite.
Safety and security.
Bedtime can sometimes pose a challenge when camping with dogs, not least because many tents have fly sheets that a dog can escape under.
You may need to use a crate at night to keep your dog secure. If you have a caravan this will be less of a problem, but it is still essential to ensure your unit is escape proof.
A corkscrew dog tie-out is an essential piece of equipment when camping with your dog. This will keep your dog safe and secure while you are on the campsite. It goes without saying, you should never leave your dog unattended on your pitch.
There are a few campsites in the UK that provide day kennels if you want to go out for the day, where dogs are not allowed. However, these are usually un-staffed.
Therefore, your dog needs to be comfortable being left alone in an unfamiliar environment. Woodlands Grove campsite in Dartmouth has such a facility, as does the Inside Park in Dorset.
Balmy days and nights.
In the summer heat, temperatures can soar so, hot, humid heat inside a tent, will be unbearable. Always make sure your dog has some shade when he is on his tie-out. Use the shade of the tent, or by provide him with his own umbrella. Make sure he has plenty of water to drink.
Identification.
Another important consideration when camping, is to make sure your dog’s identification is clear and secure. Include your mobile phone number.
You may even want to consider having a separate disc showing you are on holiday – with dates – and provide the telephone number of the campsite.
Your dog should also be microchipped under new 2016 laws. Check to local veterinary surgeries where you are staying and jot the numbers down in case of emergency.
Dog friendly places.
It’s a good idea to check out the area you are intending to stay for dog friendly places. Some coastal areas have dog bans on certain beaches in high season, so this may have a bearing on where you decide to go camping.
Much of the Welsh coastline, for example, seems to have less restrictions on dogs.
However, popular tourist destinations in Devon and Cornwall have strict dog bans on many of their beaches during high season.
Conclusion.
If you become a member of the Camping and Caravanning Club taking your dog to their registered sites, (over 60 across the UK), means they go free of charge. Other sites may charge a small fee for dogs.
Generally dogs enjoy camping trips just as much as we do. However, some dogs may find it stressful.
Heat can also be a contributing factor – being under canvas, or in a caravan, means that it can be difficult to get out of the heat during the day.
If your dog is of a nervous disposition, is not fond of people or other dogs, or is perhaps getting on in years, it might be kinder to leave him at home. Holidays4Dogs can always find a suitable local carer to you, so that Fido can have a holiday too. To find out more follow the link.
