Dogs love getting out and about in the wild as much as their owners do. Their senses go into complete overdrive when they’re out in the bush, and you can see the joy all over their furry little faces.

You can’t expect your dog to sit at the campsite all day long, which means you’re more likely to get out and explore the area. Hiking adventures are always high on the agenda, and your dog will push you to go further afield and explore places that you might have otherwise skipped. When you see their wagging tails of excitement, you might struggle to drag yourself back to your tent at the end of the day! But that change of scenery and fresh air will send you home with an extra bounce in your step.

Campers typically fall into one of two categories. Some people are meticulous in their planning, organising everything from the car packing arrangements to the scheduled times of snacks. Other campers adopt a much more relaxed approach, throwing everything into the car at the last minute and hoping they’ve packed everything on their list. Whichever category you fall into, and particularly if it is the latter, bringing your dog along for the ride will force you to improve your ways!

When you’re packing, Don’t just think about what your pup will need once you’re at the campgrounds, but also what is needed for the journey too. Items to consider could include a car harness or travel cage, water for the drive, bedding and some cleaning items. When you’ve got your logistics hat on, it’ll be easy to stay on top of everything your human family needs too!

Camping with your dog is a truly rewarding experience for everyone involved. Dogs love handing out with their owners, and camping is the ideal opportunity for some quality time together. Your beloved pet is also a great way to bring your family or fellow camp-goers together. When you’ve got the common excuse of a dog to keep you active, you’ll be exercising together, exploring the wilderness together and you might even all squeeze into the same tent. Things to Consider

At Murphy’s Creek Escape, we see plenty of furry friends all year round. With acres of wildlife adventure, as well as remote camping areas, there is plenty to explore together. Before you pack the car and set off, we do have a few suggestions, especially for anyone bringing their dog along for the first time.

Remembering to stay hydrated is important for everyone while camping, dogs included! Remember to pack enough water for your furry friend, with extra supplies just in case. Don’t let your dog drink salt water or any standing water either. Collapsible bowls are also super handy to keep in your bag for any long hikes or big days of exploring.

Keeping your dog on a leash isn’t always fun, especially when you’ve trained them to walk without. However, not everyone knows how lovable, friendly and gentle your dog is and having your dog leash-less can make other hikers feel very uncomfortable. Letting your pet roam freely while hiking may also make them targets for other wildlife. Keeping your dog on leash is the simplest way to keep them within your reach and safe at all times.

As you’ll be spending plenty of time around the campsite, we suggest investing in a spacious tent. A tent with double entries and vestibules is the ideal way to ensure you have enough space for you to sleep, as well as a little sleeping pad for your dog to curl up in at night. Some people with short hair dogs prefer to keep them in their tent on cold nights, and then make use of the vestibule during the warmer weather.

No one wants to think about their dog being hurt, but it’s important to prepare for the worst case scenario. Having a basic first aid guide book included in your first aid kit is a great place to start, and you can usually get away with a pretty simple set up. Some of the most commonly included items in the kits include iodine for cleaning wounds, wax paw protector for dry pads and a tick remover. You can also consider liquid bandages, dog boots and tongue compressors that can be used as a splint.