7 Proven Ways to Keep Your Dog Safe & Cool While Camping

Planning a camping trip with your best furry friend? Camping with a small dog is awesome, but it also means keeping a few things in mind. The great outdoors can be risky, with things like getting too hot, dehydration, and new dangers your dog might not know about. These are even bigger worries for small dogs, who can be more affected by changes in temperature.

1. Water is a Must – The Key to Summer Fun

Ever see how fast your small dog starts panting when it's warm? Dogs mostly cool down by panting, so they need plenty of water when camping.

Always bring more water than you think you'll need. A good idea is to have at least one cup of water per pound your dog weighs each day, and even more when it's hot. Pack bowls that fold up so you can easily carry them to give your dog water on the go.

Here are some easy ways to get your dog to drink:

• Put a few ice cubes in their water bowl (it's like a treat!).
• Add a little bit of low-sodium chicken broth to their water to make it taste better if they don't want to drink.
• Take water breaks regularly, especially after your dog has been active.

Keep in mind that dogs can get dehydrated fast. When you're hiking hard or it's really hot, offer water at least every 30 minutes. Your little buddy relies on you to give them water.

2. Become a Shade Expert – A Cool Escape from the Sun

Small dogs can get too hot quicker than bigger dogs, so shade isn't just nice, it's a must. When picking your campsite, try to find spots that have natural shade from trees or rocks.

If there's not much natural shade, get creative! Hang a tarp between trees to make a shady spot, put your tent where it will cast shadows when it's hottest, or bring a pop-up canopy. Some people even attach small umbrellas to their dog's leash to give them their own shady spot.

The Shade Check

Not sure if your shade is good enough? Put your hand on the ground in the shade for 30 seconds. If it's too hot to touch, it's too hot for your dog's paws and body.

Make a cooling area with a small cooling mat in the shadiest part of your campsite. This gives your dog a place to go when it gets hot. Remember, dogs naturally look for cool spots when they're hot, so having one ready could save their life.

3. Plan Activities Smartly – Avoid the Heat by Scheduling Well

Why put your dog at risk by hiking when the sun is blazing? The smartest campers plan what they do based on the temperature, not the time.

Early mornings (before 9 am) and evenings (after 5 pm) are usually much cooler for being active. Save the hottest times (usually 10 am to 4 pm) for easy things: relaxing at the campsite, napping in the shade, or playing gently in a shady area.

Check the weather forecast before planning each day's activities. What might be okay in the mountains could quickly become dangerously hot in a canyon or open field. Being flexible is important – change your plans if the weather changes.

Your dog's breed also matters. Flat-faced dogs and dogs with thick fur will have a harder time in the heat and might need even shorter activity times when it's warm.

4. Use Smart Cooling Gear – Tech to Help on Hot Days

Cooling Vests and Shirts: Your Dog's Summer Wardrobe Essential

Contrary to what you might think, certain dog clothes can actually help prevent overheating. A specialized cooling vest and cooling shirt for dogs use evaporative technology to lower your pet's body temperature. Simply wet these garments, wring them out, and put them on your dog—as the water evaporates, it creates a cooling effect similar to how sweating cools humans.

These useful garments are particularly beneficial for small breeds who can struggle to regulate their temperature efficiently. The best cooling vests feature lightweight, breathable fabrics that don't restrict movement while hiking or playing.

UV Protection: Sunburn Defense

Did you know dogs can get sunburned too? A dog UV shirt offers protection from harmful rays, especially important for dogs with thin coats or pink skin. These specially designed dog shirts block UV rays while remaining breathable to prevent overheating.

When shopping for dog clothes for your camping trip, look for:

• Lightweight, quick-drying materials
• Proper fit (not too tight or restrictive)
• Reflective elements for visibility at dusk
• Adjustable features to ensure comfort

A wet bandana tied loosely around your dog's neck can also provide quick cooling relief. For maximum effect, target the areas where blood vessels run close to the skin: neck, armpits, and groin.

5. Protect Paws from Hot Ground – The Reality of Ground Heat

Hot ground can burn your dog's paws in seconds. A good way to check is the "7-second rule": put the back of your hand on the ground for 7 seconds. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for your dog.

Trails might be cooler in the morning, but by afternoon, dirt, sand, and especially rocks can get very hot. Dark surfaces get even hotter. Metal surfaces like boat docks or picnic tables can also get hot enough to burn surprisingly fast.

To protect your dog's paws:

• Walk on grass or dirt paths instead of rocks or sand when you can.
• Use protective booties (but train your dog to wear them first).
• Put paw wax on before going out.
• Carry your small dog across hot areas.

Burned paws can take weeks to heal, which can ruin your camping trip and make your dog uncomfortable for a long time.

6. Recognize Signs of Heat Distress - When Fun Turns Dangerous

Would you know if your dog was overheating? The first signs can be easy to miss, but knowing them could save your dog's life.

Watch for:

• Panting a lot, even when resting
• Bright red or pale gums
• Drooling more than normal
• Acting confused or wobbly
• Not wanting to move
• Throwing up or having diarrhea

Overheating can quickly turn into heatstroke, which is an emergency. If you see these signs, immediately get your dog into the shade, give them small amounts of cool (not cold) water, and wet their paws and belly with cool water. Never use ice water, because it can cause shock. Understanding these warning signs is crucial for effective heatstroke prevention in dogs during summer activities.

Some dogs are more likely to have heat problems, like older dogs, puppies, overweight dogs, and dogs with health problems. You need to be extra careful with them.

7. Make Your Campsite Safe - Your Home-Away-From-Home Security System

Your campsite should be a safe place for your dog. Start by checking the area for things that could be dangerous, like broken glass, poisonous plants, or animal holes.

Keep your dog safe with a tie-out, but never leave them alone. Dogs can get tangled up or get to dangerous things if you leave them by themselves. At night, put a reflective collar or a small light on their harness so you can see where they are.

Campfires can be dangerous. Sparks can burn your dog, and the fire might attract them. Make a "safe zone" around the fire where your dog can't go.

Wild animals are attracted to the smell of food. Keep all dog food in sealed containers when you're not using it, just like you would with your own food.

Start Getting Ready Today for Stress-Free Camping!

If you plan carefully and pay attention, camping with your dog can be fun and safe. These seven tips will help you protect your dog from summer dangers, from making sure they have enough water to knowing the signs of overheating. Pack cooling vests, plan for shade, and choose the right time for activities. Your dog is depending on you to make sure your outdoor trips are both fun and safe!