Seasoned campers, but this year's trip will be the first where we've owned a dog. We have a border collie.
The concern I have is shade - I'm thinking about buying a tarp with a single pole to make a sun shade for him to lie under when we're on the site, and small enough to pack away and take on walking trips - we're massive walkers, but sadly our dog is awaiting a hip replacement, so he won't we joining us on long walks - there's four of us camping, so three will walk and one will stay with the dog for some mooching and lazing about near the car (we're staying on Dartmoor).
What tarps do people use for this kind of thing? Any recommendations? There seems to be loads available.
I've got a Border Collie, and as breeds go, the usual double coat serves them well for keeping them cool in the sun as well as warm in the winter cold, but there are limits and providing shade from the hottest sun is advisable.
Mine is happy just on a tether lying on the grass in the shade of the caravan, but a friend with 4 Collies uses pop up Dog Sun Shades (she got hers from Lidl or Aldi for only a few pounds - one for each dog), similar to a typical open sided beach shelter, they are UV protecting so reduce sunburn risk (dogs do get sunburnt on noses particularly!) as well as provide shade from the heat. If your dog suffers from the heat, then a Coolmat in base of shelter should help.
My daughter's border collie is happy in the open extension on the front of their tent, or in the shade cast by it - that might not be appropriate, depends what sort of outfit you have. One thing I will say - your dog might be different, but ours is a complete klutz when it comes to guy ropes! He keeps getting the long lead tangled.
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What sort of tent are you using? I have a 3 man gothic arch tunnel tent and 2 tarps. The small tarp is a vango one and provides shade for a small table and chair. My tent door is in the side of the tent.
The big tarp is the length of the tent and extends the whole tent sideways.
The Vango tarp came with one pole, I had to buy 2 poles for the big tarp.
Bring nylon cord and extra tent pegs the first time you set this up connected to the tent, you never quite know what you'll need.
You may not need the full length of your poles.
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We use a cool jacket from Pets at Home, ( small sizing though, so go up a size at least) when you put your hand underneath it definitely feels cooler and our dog seems more comfortable when she is wearing in the heat.
I think a tarp will just trap the heat and make it hotter, go for a sunshelter (dog or childs) with some uv protection
Ours was only a pup last year so couldn’t bring him and I think he might be too full of beans to stay under a tarp but if I was in your position I’d consider something small with reinforced rings to accommodate pole. Terranova do a small one.
https://youtu.be/j6kPWJ26r3w
Or DD Tarps do great ones and their superlight small is a great tarp and packs down small 👍🏻
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Dog camping and dog safety
via mobile 02/4/2021 at 5:09pm
