When it comes to vacationing with a dog, the first question is always "Where can the dog come along?". Many hotels now welcome dogs on vacation. But such a hotel is not always located in the desired vacation region. We have a tip: camping vacation with a dog. For many, this is one of the most original ways to vacation. They rave about: freedom, independence, no dress code, no crowded hotel restaurants, and lots of nature. There are now a variety of dog-friendly campsites across Europe that have embraced the idea of camping with dogs. Nevertheless, there are a few things to consider, especially when camping with a dog for the first time. We have put together a few professional tips for you.
Camping with a dog means driving with a dog
If you're camping with a dog, you also need to get to your desired destination. This will usually be by car with a camping trailer or a motorhome. While the first option still allows the dog to occupy its usual place in a car it knows, it becomes more difficult with motorhomes. The problem with traveling with a dog in a motorhome: many experiences show that larger dogs in particular tolerate riding in the back poorly because it can sway quite a bit there. If at all possible, try a short trip to see how your dog reacts, how they tolerate it, and only then plan a longer camping vacation with your dog. And don't forget the three golden rules: breaks. More breaks. Even more breaks.
Professional tip for camping with a dog:
- Make sure your dog stays in the front area of the motorhome.
- Lay out their favorite blanket or dog mat there and look for an opportunity to safely leash your dog in this spot. Practical car accessories for dogs will also help you transport your four-legged friend comfortably and safely while driving.
Special motorhomes for camping with dogs
In the meantime, some providers of rental motorhomes have specialized in dogs. The provider Camper Dogs from Schalkham in Lower Bavaria has also specialized in camping trips with dogs. Accordingly, you will only find large motorhomes here that have been specially converted for traveling with dogs. The front area, where four people can usually sit at a table, can be converted into a dog travel area including a seatbelt option. In the rear area, a sleeping place for the dog is available instead of the lower bunk bed. Another advantage: if you book with Camper Dogs, you don't have to worry about the necessary equipment, because you get an all-inclusive package. More at www.camper-dogs.com.
What to pack in your travel luggage
- Plenty of towels for drying, rubbing off sand, etc. The dog towel BUDDY has proven effective.
- A small broom to regularly free the motorhome from dog hair and sand.
- A dog brush to pre-defuzz the dog before entering the camper.
- A large supply of your dog's favorite food as well as treats and chew bones; you never know if they'll be available near the campsite.
- A tracking leash to tie up your dog at the campsite.
- A suitable water bottle or bowl for travel.
- Your dog's favorite blanket or a roll-up blanket like travel mat RESOR, which you can easily take with you.
- Even your dog's usual dog bed will quickly find a place in the motorhome.
- You must carry your current EU pet passport and dog insurance papers, especially when camping outside of Germany. Also, familiarize yourself with the entry requirements if you are traveling to another country.
- Enough poop bags and a water bottle for on the go.
- And of course, any medication, tick removers, aids, or similar, i.e., a dog travel first aid kit.
A campsite that allows dogs is not necessarily a dog-friendly campsite
If a campsite allows dogs, it doesn't necessarily mean it's equipped to be dog-friendly. Located in a city, you'll find fewer opportunities for walks. Dog-specialized campsites offer agility areas, special exercise areas like dog parks, dog training, and special dog showers. Dogs are forbidden in the sanitary facilities.
How to best behave with your dog at the campsite
Even at a campsite where dogs are allowed, not every user is necessarily a dog lover. Leash laws for dogs apply at many campsites. As a courteous dog owner, you will certainly be considerate of other guests anyway. For everyone else, there are house rules at every campsite. You certainly don't want to greet a strange dog at the camping grill, staring greedily at your meat. In addition, the many visible and accessible new impressions can prevent your dog from settling down. And other motorhomes are constantly driving back and forth. For safety reasons alone, you should shield your dog as much as possible, for example by positioning it behind your motorhome away from the road.
As a general rule: allow your dog to have its rest periods. This works best with a comfortable, orthopedic dog bed and a suitable dog cave that gives it security and comfort. It knows the place somewhat, you don't disturb anyone outside, and besides, it's not exposed to the sun in summer or has to lie on the cool spring ground. Of course, you also have to pay attention to the temperatures in the camper; those who transform into shade parkers here drive better. In hot temperatures, you can also hang wet towels in the motorhome or place reflective plates in front of the windows to reduce the temperature. You should also equip your dog at the campsite with a tag including your mobile phone number, you never know.
Professional tip for tying up your dog at the campsite: use something sturdy like a tree to tie up your dog. Alternatively, use a fixed eyelet on the motorhome; the foldable side mirror is not a good idea. It is important that you have a robust dog leash!
Health tip for tying up: it is best to use a harness if you choose a tracking leash for tying up, so that the high forces that arise when running off do not cause injuries to your dog's cervical spine or larynx.
As you can see: in principle, you don't have to consider much more when camping with dogs than when vacationing with dogs in general.
Top 3 advantages of camping with a dog:
- You can easily take many things your dog likes in the motorhome and are not limited to a few kg per person.
- You don't have to worry about flight stress or the condition of the hotel on site.
- You are closer to nature, very flexible, and more independent than in a hotel.
Do you have experience with camping vacations with dogs? Do you know a particularly beautiful, dog-friendly campsite? Let us know in the comments.
