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What you should consider when camping with a dog
Once the campsite has been selected, the right preparation for your winter camping with a dog is essential. Your four-legged friend does not know what to expect, so it is up to you to make all arrangements so that the entire tour group can fully enjoy the trip. We have itemized 9 easy tips and tricks for traveling with your dog on a winter vacation:
Highlights:
- The right parking space
- Arrival and long journeys
- The sleeping place for your four-legged friend
- The dog food.
- The drinking bowl and other stumbling blocks
- Spout and movement
- Wet dogs.
- Dog hair in the camper
- Rent a motorhome for winter camping with a dog
1. The right parking space
Once your camping destination has been selected, it is important to find a suitable parking space. When looking for a parking space, make sure that dogs are expressly allowed. Besides, pitches with a dog shower, dog toilet, dog meadow, dog spot or beach, and possibly a nearby outdoor area are ideal.
2. Arrival and long journeys
Plan your arrival and longer trips so that you and your dog have enough breaks and exercise. Generous breaks mean less stress for all travelers, but especially for your dog.
3. The sleeping place for your four-legged friend
While your dog may like to sleep outside the camper or dog tent for the rest of the year, winter camping isn’t always an option. Depending on the destination, temperatures and weather may not be suitable for sleeping outside. A quarter in the camper must, therefore, be found. If the pad is new or unfamiliar, it can be helpful if your dog can get used to the unique circumstances before the trip.
4. The dog food
Even if you may be looking forward to the new culinary specialties of your travel destination, this does not necessarily apply to your dog. Even if it takes up a lot of storage space, it is advisable to take the regular dog food with you from home. Your dog will perceive many new impressions and changes on your journey, so it is a blessing if the food tastes delicious as usual. A change can often mean diarrhea.
5. The drinking bowl and other trip hazards
Dogs often have the habit of lying in the way in the camper. Bring your toys, dog blankets, and bowls can also be a trip hazard. Since the camper can be quite cramped even without a dog, this condition does not improve when winter camping with a dog in the camper. If you use a spill-proof travel bowl in this case, you can at least save yourself the annoying wiping after stumbling.
6. Spout and movement
Probably the most tiresome topic when winter camping with a dog. If you are not in the warm south, walking and taking a walk can be an uncomfortable task. But no matter how much it snows, winds, rains, or freezes, your dog needs enough exercise and exercise.
In winter camping, in particular, regulated and sufficiently long runs are particularly important. Your dog has less movement in the camper than in other places and is therefore generally less busy than he is used to. It would be best if you compensated for this lack of exercise together with your dog. Unfortunately, even if it is uncomfortable outside. A small consolation: the well-deserved cup of tea, coffee, or mulled wine tastes even better afterward.
7. Wet dog
The probability is high that you will come home drenched from the long walk during winter camping with a dog. If you want, you can protect your dog from wind and weather with a dog coat. This does not stop everything but does not turn the inevitable shaking of your four-legged friend into the motorhome into a deluge. Many raincoats for the dog are also equipped with essential reflector strips. So your dog is visible even in the dark months.
Quick-drying travel towels for rubbing your legs and paws dry, as well as a dog bath in which you can dry your dog in the motor home and clean it, are other essential travel companions for camping with dogs in winter.
8. Dog hair in the camper
Fur changes are certainly a big topic in your home. It won’t look any different in the motorhome, on the contrary. Because the travel stresses, no matter how small they are due to your preparation, in many cases, ensure that your four-legged friend has more hair than usual. So equip yourself with suitable means to sweep up hair and brush through the fur to master the dog hair.
9. Rent a motorhome for winter camping with a dog
If you do not have your camper or caravan, you should consider your special needs when wintering with a dog when looking for a rental vehicle. Make sure that the owners allow pets. Discuss the topics “wet dog,” “sleeping space in the motorhome,” and “dog hair” with the owners. This is the only way to avoid having issues after your trips with your dog on a winter vacation.
Camping with a dog in winter – our conclusion
Camping with a dog in the winter is more challenging than in other seasons. However, our tips will should you prepare and plan. With proper plans, you’ll have an unforgettable trip with your dog. The right preparation and the right attitude to the somewhat more difficult conditions are the key to a perfect winter holiday with your dog: inexpensive, exciting, and only a great experience.
Click here for other camping hacks recommended by The Lazy Society.