Camping Gear

How to Protect Your Dog from Ticks While Camping

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Camping brings you and your dog closer to nature — but it also means more exposure to ticks. Knowing how to protect your dog from ticks while camping keeps them safe from bites and serious illnesses like Lyme disease.

Why Ticks Are a Risk for Dogs While Camping

  • Ticks carry diseases that can affect both dogs and humans.
  • They thrive in grassy, wooded, and damp areas — common in campsites.
  • Dogs often explore brush and tall grass where ticks wait.

Best Ways to Protect Your Dog from Ticks While Camping

Use Tick Collars or Spot-On Treatments

Veterinarian-approved tick collars and monthly topical treatments provide ongoing protection.

Carry Tick Sprays and Wipes

Pet-safe sprays and wipes add an extra layer of defense before hikes or playtime.

Check Your Dog Daily

Run your hands through their fur each evening to find and remove ticks early.

Keep Campsite Clear

Set up camp away from tall grass, dense brush, or damp leaf piles where ticks hide.

Pack a Tick Removal Tool

Specialized tick removers make it easier and safer to take ticks off if you find one.

Pro Tips for Tick Prevention Outdoors

  • Keep your dog on a leash in high-risk areas.
  • Brush them daily to spot ticks before they latch on.
  • Wash bedding after your trip to kill any hidden pests.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to protect your dog from ticks while camping is about preparation and vigilance. With collars, sprays, and daily checks, you can enjoy your trip knowing your pet is protected.

For a full list of must-have supplies, see our Pet-Friendly Camping Gear Checklist

Camping Gear

How to Keep Your Dog Cool While Camping in Summer (2025 Guide)

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Summer camping is fun, but dogs can overheat quickly. Knowing how to keep your dog cool while camping in summer is essential for safety and comfort. These tips and products will help your pup stay happy, hydrated, and cool at the campsite.

Why Dogs Overheat While Camping

  • Thick coats: Many breeds retain heat.
  • Limited airflow: Tents can trap warm air.
  • Hot ground: Paws absorb heat from soil or sand.
  • Activity levels: Hiking and playing raise body temperature.

Best Ways to Keep Your Dog Cool While Camping

Provide Plenty of Shade

Set up a canopy, tarp, or elevated cot with canopy so your dog always has a shaded spot to rest.

Use Cooling Mats and Beds

Products like self-cooling gel mats or portable cooling beds help regulate body temperature even on hot days.

Keep Hydration Easy

Collapsible bowls and portable water dispensers ensure fresh water is always available.

Plan Walks and Playtime for Early or Late

Avoid mid-day heat and stick to mornings and evenings for activities.

Carry a Dog Cooling Vest

Cooling vests absorb water and slowly evaporate, keeping your dog’s core temperature lower.

Pro Tips for Hot Weather Camping With Dogs

  • Brush your dog to remove excess undercoat before the trip.
  • Never leave pets unattended in a tent or car.
  • Test surfaces with your hand: if it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for paws.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to keep your dog cool while camping in summer is about preparation and the right gear. Shade, hydration, and cooling products can make the difference between a stressful trip and a safe, enjoyable adventure. For more essential camping gear check out our pet-friendly gear guide!

Camping Gear

Best Dog Backpacks for Hiking and Camping (2025 Guide)

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If your dog loves the outdoors, a backpack can make camping trips even more rewarding. The best dog backpacks for hiking and camping let your pup carry water, food, and essentials — lightening your load while keeping them active and engaged. Before we get started, see our pet-friendly gear checklist here!

What to Look for in the Best Dog Backpacks for Hiking and Camping

  • Fit and Comfort: Adjustable straps, padded harnesses, and breathable mesh.
  • Weight Distribution: Saddlebags should balance evenly on both sides.
  • Durability: Weather-resistant fabric that holds up against brush and mud.
  • Safety: Reflective trim and secure clips.

Best Dog Backpacks for Hiking and Camping in 2025

Ruffwear Approach Dog Pack

A top-rated option with secure fit, durable construction, and great weight distribution.

OneTigris Dog Pack Hound Travel Gear

Affordable and rugged, with adjustable straps and plenty of storage pockets.

Outward Hound DayPak Dog Backpack

Lightweight, bright colors for visibility, and a budget-friendly choice for casual campers.

Pro Tips for Dog Backpacks While Hiking and Camping

  • Don’t overload: carry no more than 10–15% of your dog’s weight.
  • Start with short hikes before a full camping trip.
  • Always bring collapsible bowls and water.

Final Thoughts

The best dog backpacks for hiking and camping give your dog a job to do while keeping gear organized. Whether you choose Ruffwear, OneTigris, or Outward Hound, you’ll both enjoy smoother, more enjoyable adventures.

For more must-have accessories, see our Pet-Friendly Camping Gear Checklist!

Camping Gear

Top Dog-Friendly Camping Chairs (Yes, They Exist!)

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Camping is all about comfort — not just for you, but for your dog too. While most people think of tents and sleeping bags, few realize that there are camping chairs designed with pets in mind. This guide highlights the best dog-friendly camping chairs that keep your pup cozy while you relax by the fire.

Why Choose a Dog-Friendly Camping Chair?

  • Comfort: Gives your dog a raised, supportive place to sit or nap.
  • Cleanliness: Keeps your pet off damp ground.
  • Convenience: Many fold and pack just like human chairs.
  • Durability: Built with scratch-resistant fabrics and sturdy frames.

Best Dog-Friendly Camping Chairs for Camping

K&H Pet Products Elevated Pet Cot

One of the most popular dog camping chairs, with breathable mesh fabric that keeps pets cool and off the ground.

Amazon Basics Elevated Cooling Pet Bed

Budget-friendly option with simple setup and durable fabric. Great starter chair for camping with dogs.

Suddus Elevated Dog Bed

Lightweight, foldable, and travel-ready — perfect for dogs that move with you from campfire to tent.

Dog-Friendly Camping Chairs for People and Pets (Combo Picks)

Coleman Portable Camping Quad Chair with Cooler

Not just for you — the wide seat and side cooler make it easy for small dogs to snuggle up beside their owners.

Veehoo Outdoor Dog Bed with Canopy

Provides shade, airflow, and elevation. Perfect for hot summer trips when you need comfort for both people and pets.

Pro Tips for Using Dog Chairs Outdoors

  • Place the chair near you so your pup feels secure.
  • Always supervise, especially with puppies.
  • Bring a washable blanket to layer on top for extra coziness.

Final Thoughts

The best dog-friendly camping chairs are more than a luxury — they’re a simple way to give your dog a safe, clean spot at the campsite. Try one of the elevated cots or combo chairs above, and both you and your pet will enjoy longer, more comfortable nights outdoors.

Planning a full camping trip? Don’t miss our Pet-Friendly Camping Gear Checklist!

Camping Gear

Best Sleeping Bags for Camping with Dogs (2025 Guide)

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Camping with your dog is an amazing experience — but only if both of you stay warm and comfortable through the night. In this guide, we’ll cover the best sleeping bags for camping with dogs, including options that are durable, easy to clean, and spacious enough for two. Before we dive in, see our complete pet-friendly camping gear checklist.

dog camping sleeping bag outdoors
Dogs love sharing a sleeping bag on camping trips

What to Look for in a Dog-Friendly Sleeping Bag

  • Durability: Dogs scratch and shift around — you need ripstop fabric.
  • Washability: Mud happens. Machine-washable liners are a must.
  • Space: Look for rectangular bags or doubles so your pup can sprawl.
  • Warmth: Down or synthetic insulation rated for your camping temps.

Best Sleeping Bags for Camping with Dogs (Sharing With Your Dog)

Teton Sports Mammoth Double Sleeping Bag

Roomy double bag with solid warmth and tough materials; great value for car camping with a dog.

Kelty Tru.Comfort Doublewide Sleeping Bag

Cozy double bag with individual covers and easy cleaning; excellent for couples plus a pup.

Coleman Big & Tall Sleeping Bag

Budget-friendly, wide rectangular shape; plenty of wiggle room for medium to large dogs.

Sleeping Bags for Camping with Dogs (Made Just for Dogs)

Ruffwear Highlands Dog Sleeping Bag

Lightweight, packable, and durable; ideal for backpacking or cooler nights in a tent.

Chuckit! Travel Dog Bed

Not a sleeping bag, but a soft, washable travel bed that layers well on a tent floor for warmer trips.

Pro Tips for Camping Comfort

  • Use a washable liner or blanket to protect your sleeping bag.
  • Keep a collapsible water bowl inside the tent for easy access.
  • Air out bags and pads each morning to stay fresh and dry.

Final Thoughts

Choose a double bag for maximum space with your dog, or pair a standard bag with a dedicated dog sleeping bag/bed. The options above keep both of you warm, comfortable, and ready for the next day’s adventure. With the best sleeping bags for camping with dogs, you can rest easy knowing both you and your pet are comfortable outdoors. For more essentials, see our complete Camping Gear Checklist for camping with your pets.

Safety Tips

How to Keep Your Dog Safe Around a Campfire

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A campfire adds warmth and atmosphere to any camping trip, but it can also be risky for pets. With a little preparation, you can keep your dog safe while still enjoying evenings by the fire. Here’s what every pet owner should know.

Teach Fire Safety Commands

Basic training helps your dog understand boundaries. Commands like “stay” and “leave it” can keep them from getting too close to the flames. Practice these at home before your trip.

Set Up a Safe Zone

Create a designated resting area for your dog a safe distance from the fire. Use a blanket, portable travel dog bed, or tether to give them comfort while keeping them out of danger. A raised cot with a canopy also works well to keep them cool and protected.

Use Protective Gear

An LED collar or reflective harness makes your dog visible in the dark. This reduces the risk of tripping hazards and ensures you can spot them quickly if they wander near the fire.

Never Leave Pets Unattended

Even a well-trained dog can get curious around fire. Always supervise your pet closely and never leave them alone by the campfire, even for a short time.

Final Thoughts

Campfires are a highlight of camping, and with the right precautions, they can be safe for your dog too. By setting boundaries, creating a safe zone, and staying attentive, you’ll enjoy cozy nights by the fire without worry.

For must-have supplies, see our Pet-Friendly Camping Gear Checklist

Camping Gear, Guides & Checklists

Essential Pet-Friendly Camping Gear Checklist

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Camping with pets is fun and rewarding, but forgetting key gear can make the trip stressful. This checklist covers the must-have camping essentials for pets so you can pack with confidence and focus on making memories outdoors.

Pet Sleeping Essentials

  • Portable pet bed or sleeping pad
  • Blanket dedicated to your pet
  • Ground tarp to protect against claws and dirt

Food and Hydration

Safety and Health

On-the-Trail Gear

Comfort and Extras

Final Thoughts

With the right gear, camping with pets is safe, comfortable, and stress-free. Use this checklist before each trip to make sure you’re fully prepared, so you can relax and enjoy the adventure with your four-legged companion.

Camping Gear

Best Tents for Camping with Dogs (2025 Guide)

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Camping with your dog can be one of the best outdoor adventures — but the wrong tent can ruin the trip. In this guide, we review the best dog-friendly tents that keep you and your pup safe, comfortable, and happy outdoors.

What to Look for in a Dog-Friendly Tent

When camping with pets, not every tent will work. Here are the features that matter most:

  • Durable floor material → resists claws and prevents punctures.
  • Extra space → room for your dog’s bed, bowls, and gear.
  • Ventilation → fresh air flow keeps pets comfortable.
  • Easy setup → less hassle when managing pets at camp.
  • Weather protection → waterproofing and strong poles for stability.

Best Tents for Camping with Dogs

Coleman Dome Tent with Screen Room

  • Spacious screen room for pets to rest.
  • Affordable and durable.
  • Easy to set up, good for car camping.

REI Co-op Half Dome SL 3+

  • Lightweight for backpacking with dogs.
  • Vestibule space for pet gear.
  • Excellent ventilation.

Eureka Copper Canyon LX 6

  • Tall interior and roomy floor space.
  • Perfect for larger dogs or multiple pets.
  • Strong weather protection.

Tips for Camping with Dogs in a Tent

  • Bring a ground tarp to protect the floor from nails and claws.
  • Pack a washable blanket just for your dog.
  • Keep water and a collapsible bowl inside the tent.
  • Use a leash or tie-out at camp to keep pets safe.

Final Thoughts

The right tent makes camping with pets safe and enjoyable.

  • Budget-friendly → Coleman Dome Tent
  • Lightweight backpacking → REI Half Dome SL 3+
  • Maximum space → Eureka Copper Canyon LX 6

For more must-have supplies, see our Pet-Friendly Camping Gear Checklist

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