Want to take your furry friend camping with you? Are you wondering if that is a good idea? You are in luck today; this article extensively discusses what you can expect when taking your dog hammock camping.
There are only some things in this life that are as comforting and refreshing than taking your loving companion hammock camping if done correctly. A lot of people fail to consider essential elements when going hammock camping with their dog.
But you are in luck today!
This guide will explain how to prepare beforehand, where your dog will sleep, what to pack, and how to make your dog comfortable. With this information, you will be set for a successful hammock camping with your dog in a heartbeat.
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First Thing First – Is Your Dog Physically Fit for Hammock Camping?
This is the first question to ask; nevertheless, many people still overlook it. Preoccupied with the happy thoughts of going camping with their dog, they forget to consider if the dog is fit enough to go camping with them.
Several factors will determine if your dog is fit for camping, and these factors are subjective depending on how intense the camping trip will be. Smaller and older dogs will enjoy a light hammock camping when the conditions are right, especially if it does not involve much hiking.
Carry out an honest evaluation of your dog’s fitness, based on their everyday activity levels and ruggedness of the breed. If the breed is one that can naturally run for miles in a day without fatigue, like the shorthaired pointer, then you can go on long hikes with your dog.
However, if you have an older/smaller dog, stick to less physically demanding camping trips. Older and smaller dogs will quickly become fatigued while on long hikes. Dogs do not have the same levels of endurance as humans, let alone older and smaller dogs.
When on long hikes, your dog sometimes may not stop to rest when tired, because of their loyalty instinct to you. They exhaust themselves beyond healthy limits just to keep up with you.
The Dog Pack – What to Bring?
For a smooth camping experience, ensure your dog has everything it needs with this checklist.
Find a Dog-Friendly Campsite
You stand the risk of incurring a heavy fine if you bring your dog to a campsite where they are prohibited. When planning your trip, do thorough research before picking a hammock camping spot.
In addition, you also need to choose a spot to hang your hammock. The spot should be safe for you and your dog. Your hammock should be hanged on level ground, avoid spots close to cliffs, slopes or sharp rocks. Selecting a safe hanging spot means reducing the risk of getting your dog injured, as he/she jumps in and out of the hammock.
If your dog will be off-leash during day time; wear a collar tracker for the dog in case it wanders off into the woods.
Where Will Your Dog Sleep?
The bigger your furry friend, the bigger your hammock needs to be. Ensure you go hammock camping with a hammock large enough to accommodate you and your dog comfortably.
During the planning phase, see if your dog is comfortable with sleeping in a hammock. Practice at home, hang your hammock in the backyard and test your dog on it before embarking on the trip.
If your dog does not like sleeping in the hammock at home, bring a hammock tarp and a hammock quilt, so they can have a comfortable bed to sleep on in the wilderness. Set up your dog bed under the rainfly so the dog and its bed can stay dry when it starts to rain.
How to Get Your Dog Comfortable?
The tips below will help keep your dog warm and comfortable in the wilderness.
1. Towels
Whether your dog sleeps in their own bed or in your hammock, ensure they are towel-dried before they go to bed.
If your dog is wet before bed, they will wet their bedding, your bedding, and you; this will make you cold and uncomfortable overnight.
2. Tarps
A tarp or rainfly is important to keep you dry and protected from unfriendly elements.
If your dog is sleeping on the ground, keep it dry by placing the dog and its bedding under the hammock tarp.
3. Blankets or Sleeping Bags
If your dog favors sleeping on the ground, keep them warm by padding their blankets. Consider the use of a sleeping bag to keep them warm at night.
4. Hammock Top Quilt
Hammock top quilt will cover both you and your dog, keeping you and your dog warm and cozy.
5. Hang Your Hammock Lower
Hang your hammock lower than usual. This will make it easy for your dog to get in and out of the hammock with ease.
6. Practice Entry and Exit if Your Hammock Has a Mosquito Net
Does your hammock come with a mosquito net? Do you plan to set up one in the wilderness? (It is advisable you do).
Practice entering and exiting with your dog in the hammock with the mosquito net closure.
Clip Your Dog Nails
Before embarking on a camping trip, clip your dog’s nail. Hammocks are made up of lightweight nylon material, and sharp nails or claws will damage the hammock.
Alternatively, if it is rocky, snowy or cold, wear booties for your dog. This will keep their feet warm, prevent injuries, and protect your hammock from damage.
Conclusion
Hammock camping with your dog is not too hard. You will save yourself from about 90% of the troubles if you plan ahead. Once you get to the campsite of choice, it will be smooth sailing from there on, if you are adequately prepared.
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