Camping With Elderly Dogs

Our furry friends still want to come with us when we are traveling even as they are aging. When you are traveling to your destination plan for more frequent stops so they can have a drink of water and stretch their legs. When you stop for a break and while you are camping, keep them on a leash at all times, except for designated off leash areas, as new places can be quite scary especially as eye site and hearing diminishes with age.  Many campgrounds like ours have a lot of wildlife roaming around, squirrels, groundhogs, chipmunks, and deer.  Seeing or smelling unfamiliar animals can be scary to your elderly pet causing them to bolt unexpectedly so leave them on a leash even while on your lap. Bring as many familiar things from home as you can on your trip, so they feel relaxed vacationing with you. We look forward to hosting you and your furry friend.

Mobility and Accessibility

• Level Campsites: Select sites that are level to prevent slips and make moving around easier for arthritic joints. Choose a tent site that is perhaps not as woodsy, so it doesn’t have as many tree roots on it. Choose an RV site that is more secluded and has less traffic passing by so unfamiliar sounds don’t scare your elderly pet. Feel free to call us at Gilboa KOA to ask for specific site suggestions for your dog’s needs.  Most Campgrounds are very willing to help you with selecting a great site for your trip.
• Loading Assistance: Use ramps or portable stairs to help your dog enter and exit vehicles or RVs safely or pick them up and carry them up and down..
• Alternative Transport: Our park is large so consider bringing a wagon or pet stroller for longer walks, allowing them to enjoy the sights and smells but not get tired.
• Ground Cover: Use outdoor rugs or mats to provide a non-slip surface around your seating area. 

Comfort and Safety

• Padded Bedding: Bring their familiar dog beds and extra padding, such as closed-cell foam pads, to insulate them from the hard, cold ground in a tent or the hard floor in a camper. Bones begin ache as your dog ages you want to keep them comfortable.
• Temperature Control: Older dogs struggle to regulate their body temperature. Use doggie sweaters or blankets for cold nights and ensure they have constant access to shade and fresh water during the day so they don’t overheat.
• Containment: Portable exercise pens or off leash dog parks (We have two) allow senior dogs to relax and play off-leash in a safe, designated area while staying near the family.
• Health Prep: Visit your veterinarian for a checkup before the trip and bring a supply of their regular medications and supplements. 

Essential Gear List

• Leash, Dog Brush, Food and Water Bowls. 
• Flea and tick prevention
• Updated ID tags and microchip information
• Nighttime visibility: LED collars or clip-on lights for safe evening potty breaks
• Familiar Food and Water Bringing this from home will keep your dog’s stomach from getting upset.