One of the best things about camping is having your dog there for all of it: the early morning walks, the new smells and the quiet evenings beside the caravan.
I've travelled and camped with my dogs, Patsy(Pug) and Bree(Pit Bull), enough to know that a little preparation makes the trip more comfortable for everyone. Whether you're heading away for a weekend or setting off on a longer road trip, here's what I check before we leave.
Start with the everyday essentials
Pack your dog's usual food, plus a little extra in case your plans change. Bring their food and water bowls, plenty of fresh drinking water, treats, poo bags, a lead and a towel for wet or muddy paws.
A familiar bed or blanket is worth the space it takes up. After a day somewhere new, it gives your dog a comfortable place that smells like home.
Before you leave, check that their ID details are up to date. Pack any regular medication they need and make a note of a vet near your destination.
Plan the drive around your dog, too
On a long drive, plan stops where your dog can have a drink, stretch their legs and take a toilet break. Bring water in the car rather than assuming you'll find it at every stop.
Make sure your dog can travel safely and comfortably in the vehicle. And even if you're only ducking into a shop, take your dog with you—never leave them alone in a parked car.
Check where dogs are welcome
A campsite that welcomes dogs doesn't always mean the nearby walking tracks or beaches do. Before booking, check the campground's pet rules and look up the places you hope to explore together. Some areas have lead requirements, seasonal restrictions or no-dog zones.
It's much nicer to discover a dog-friendly walk before you arrive than to get to the trailhead and have to turn around.
Pack for the ground and the weather
Australian adventures can take you from warm sand and prickly grass to rocky tracks and chilly mornings. Think about where you're going and what your dog will be walking on.
For warm-weather trips, pack for shade, water and breaks, and plan walks for cooler parts of the day. A Coolaroo Cooling Vest can be a helpful addition to your warm-weather kit when used as directed, but always pay attention to the conditions and how your dog is coping.
If the ground is hot, rough or covered in prickles, All-Terrain Boots can help protect their paws. Try them on at home first so you can check the fit and give your dog time to get used to wearing them.
For cold mornings or winter trips, a Brumby Puffer gives your dog an extra layer of warmth. Choose what suits your dog and the conditions—you know when they're ready for a break or a warmer spot.
Be ready for the unexpected
A compact first-aid kit, Trek Pack, is easy to pack and reassuring to have when you're away from home. Keep any medication your dog needs close at hand, and know where to find veterinary help along your route. A first-aid kit is for immediate care while you arrange professional help when it's needed.
The quick dog-camping checklist
Before you close the boot, run through this list:
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Food, treats and a little extra food
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Fresh water and food and water bowls
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Lead, collar or harness, and up-to-date ID
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Familiar bed or blanket
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Towels, poo bags and a favourite toy
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Medication and first-aid supplies
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Cooling vest or warm puffer to suit the weather
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Dog boots if the ground calls for them
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Planned breaks and dog-friendly places to stop, walk and stay
You don't need to pack for every possible adventure. Just think about your dog, your route and the conditions ahead. Then you can get on with the best part: being out there together.
Because the best adventures leave paw prints.
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