Dogs love camping too!

My favorite time to camp is in the fall. It’s quieter, less buggy and sometimes… the colors are spectacular as far as you can see. So if you’re thinking of an October getaway, here are a few tips to help you make sure your camping dog buddy is comfortable and safe.
Keep Them Warm
Nights are cooler so you and the dog need a little more cover. My dog is small so he loves to get in the bottom of the sleeping bag to stay warm. And as a bonus, he keeps my feet warm too. If your dog is crate trained at night, bring their crate but bulk up on the blankets for them to burrow into and think about two crate pads. One to act as insulation and the other to sleep on. A nesting bed like a Poof are perfect because they can curl up and really get burrowed into the bed.
And if you have a big dog, think about getting them their own sleeping bag. There are many on the market now, made just for dogs. My nephew just returned from a UP trip and took his Newfoundland with him. They both slept toasty in the tent, each in their own sleeping bag.
Keep Them Full
When the weather cools down, the need for additional calories goes up. So as you’re planning your camp dinners, don’t forget the dog. Bring a little extra food and plan on keeping it warm too. No one likes a cold dinner, even the dog!
Keep Them Bug Free
Even though it’s fall, there are still lots of bugs in the wild. Ticks have been especially bad this year, so bring a tick puller or tweezers as part of your first aid kit. Make sure they are up to date on their preventatives before you go. And you might want to invest in a bug shirt too. I have one that is treated with a bug repellant that seems to work pretty well. There are also non-toxic bug repellants on the market for dogs that are effective. But either way, before you go into the tent for the night, take your flashlight and go over your dog thoroughly and look for ticks. That way, you’re both protected.
Keep Them Safe
My dog Bailey is deaf, so I am hypervigilant when it comes to him accidentally wandering off. So I invested in a GPS collar from FI. That way I can track him no matter where he is. If you have a wandering dog like a hound, they can bring a lot of peace of mind. But at the minimum, make sure your dog is chipped and has current tags with name and phone number on at all times.
The other thing to keep in mind is it is hunting season. So don’t forget your orange. A dog jacket or at least an orange bandana should be part of their gear every day when you’re in the wild.
Fall camping is the last chance to get out and enjoy a weekend in nature before the snow starts to fall. And with a little planning, you and your dogs can be comfortable and ready for any adventure! So, find your fleece and hit the road.
Your dog will say thank you.