All the van camping lovers will attest to the fact that camping in your van is so much fun, adventurous and it has so many advantages. What makes it even better is when you are in the company of your furry best friend, it makes the whole experience even worthwhile. There are a number of campsites in Australia that are pet friendly hence giving you the chance to make amazing memories with your furry friend. They too get to enjoy the outdoors without too much restriction and the new interesting smells and people. Though before deciding on van camping with your dog, there are a few things that you should do and prepare for so that you and your furry friend can have a comfortable and amazing camping experience. With that being said, let’s look at some of these tips.
Read More: Top Dog Friendly Campgrounds near Brisbane
Pet Proof Your Van
Pet proofing your van helps prevent unnecessary damage that can be caused by your dog. The fur and claws can do a number on your car seats or your curtains damaging the interior which can cost a hefty amount of money to repair. Firstly, think about your upholstery and your flooring. Consider getting seat covers or having leather or vinyl upholstery as they are more wallet friendly and they donβt absorb smell and are quick to clean. Also for your floor, it would be best if you forgot about putting a carpet instead go for wooden floorboards or vinyl. When choosing between curtains or blinds, each has their own pros and cons. Curtains attract more pet hair but they are easy to clean whereas blinds break easily but are stylish and durable as well. What you go for depends on your preference. Last but not least, you could invest in installing barriers. This keeps your dog safe while camping, preventing them from sneaking out of the van when you are asleep or doing other things.
Figure out the sleeping arrangement
It’s important that your dog is as comfortable as possible, hence why you should set up a comfy space for them to sleep, especially if they will be spending most of their time on the floor. Get them something cushioned to sleep on such as a dog bed or a foam sleeping pad. The foam pads give your dog the warmth they need especially if you are visiting places that are cold. Additionally you can carry a blanket for them. Alternatively, if you would like them cuddling up with you in your bed then that could be an option as well just make sure you avoid using white or light colored bed sheets.
Regularly clean your van
Dogs love being outdoors as they get to play freely and wander around the campsite so you can only imagine the amount of dirt they will bring with them in your van. This is why you should regularly clean your van. The positive thing is that you are staying in a smaller space so cleaning it wonβt be much of a hustle. Ensure that on your packing list, you include a small broom and dustpan for regular sweeping. Also bring some soap, a sponge or brush to clean off some stubborn stains. If your dog has been swimming, make sure you dry them off with a microfiber towel before letting them back into the van and if they are muddy make sure you rinse them off first.
Have a regular eating schedule for your dog
Pay attention to your dog’s eating habits and try to stick to it. This is important because it prevents them from eating at odd hours and waking you up during the night. The easiest thing you can do is ensure that you and your dog have meals at the same time. Remember also to give them water as well. Leave out a bowl of water for them 24/7 to encourage them to drink water often.
Ensure you have your dogβs camping gear
Never leave your dogβs camping gear behind. This is one way of ensuring your dog takes full advantage of being outdoors and exploring the wild, safely. Some of the camping gear you can bring along include dog food and a bowl, biodegradable poop bags, a dog sleeping bag, dog backpacks, I.D tags, dog leash, a collar, first aid kit etc.Β
Read more: Dog Camping Gear You Should Never Leave Behind
Ensure there is proper ventilation in your van
Last but not least, ensure there is proper ventilation in your van. Letting fresh air flow in your vehicle is not only important for you but your dog as well as it keeps both of you cool. It’s quite uncomfortable staying in a car that is stuffy and hot, keeping in mind how the temperatures in Aussie can get really high. Ensure you crack open your windows and leave it that way for sometime or you could install a vent fan. You could also attach reflective window coverings to deflect some of the heat being absorbed through the glass. If it’s too hot, you can wrap your dog in a cooling towel.