Keeping you, and your family dog cool while camping in British Columbia

Keeping cool by the water

While most of us enjoy the hot, lazy, sunny days of summer, it is sometimes a challenge to keep cool and that goes for your family pet too. Here are some ideas that our family have found helpful on our camping trips.

1. Certain breeds of dogs are more prone to overheating than others; dark coloured and/or long- haired dogs are at greater increase risk of overheating. So find a campsite with shade, or make your own shady spot by setting up an umbrella or canopy.  For your dog, you can build your own shady shelter by supporting a piece of cardboard, plywood over two logs of firewood, etc.
2. Pack a small inflatable kiddies pool, shallow rubber tub or even a Tupperware box to set up in your campsite, keeping in mind the size of your dog. You only need to add a few inches of water to cool your dog’s paws and belly. An added bonus to cool down yourself, is to use the container to soak your feet as well!
3. Wet a towel and place behind your neck. Have an extra one for your dog to lie on to cool his underside.
   

   Staying safe on the water

4. If your campsite is near a lake or river, consider frequent swims for you and your dog. If your dog has never swum, a doggy life jacket or a swimming floaty could be an aid to introduce your pet to water. On a side note, make sure you only take your dog into the water where they are allowed to swim. Sometimes campgrounds don’t permit dogs in the same swim area as campers.
5. Keep hydrated. Make sure you and your family drink lots of water. Ensure your dog has a container of accessible water in the campsite at all times, and adding ice cubes will keep the water cool. Also, chewing ice cubes helps reduce your pet’s core body temperature.
   

   Camping dog

6. Protect yourself, children and your dog (especially on their nose) from getting a sunburn by using sun screen. Dogs are susceptible to skin cancer and burn like us. You should use a sunscreen especially formulated for dogs so that when they lick it, it won’t harm them.
7. Don’t leave your dog in your parked RV or car in the sun with windows rolled up.

Making plans before you camp with your dog

Find campgrounds for you and your dog

More tips on camping with your dog