Summer Camping with Dogs: How to Manage Heat, Wildlife, Food, and Fire Hazards

Managing the heat and hydration

Australian summers are stinking hot — Pepper starts panting the minute it hits 30°C. When camping, always set up a cool, shaded spot for your dog. Carry more water than you think you need; I bring multiple large water bowls and refill them throughout the day (one spilled bowl and an empty water tank is a nightmare scenario).

Avoid physical activity in the middle of the day. We walk Pepper at sunrise and sunset when the air and ground are cooler — a good rule is if the ground is too hot for your hand after 5 seconds, it’s too hot for your dog’s paws. And yes, dogs can get sunburnt too, especially those with pink noses or thin coats, so consider pet-safe sunscreen and protective gear for long beach days.

Know the signs of overheating. Excessive panting, drooling and searching for shade are early red flags that your dog is struggling. I’ve seen Pepper go from playful to listless in minutes when she overheated. Give your dog regular rest breaks in a ventilated area — even set up a battery-powered fan or a damp towel for them to lie on.

Never leave your dog inside a closed tent or car on a warm day, not even for “just a minute.” Temperatures inside vehicles or tents skyrocket and can lead to fatal heatstroke in no time. If your dog does show heat stress symptoms, act fast: get them into the shade, offer small drinks of cool water, and start cooling their body with wet towels (focus on belly, paws, armpits). Always keep the nearest vet’s location in mind when camping, just in case.

Wildlife hazards at camp

Camping in Australia often means sharing the space with wildlife — some of which can pose a real threat to dogs. Snakes are a big one in summer. Curious dogs like Pepper might stick their nose where it doesn’t belong, and in snake country that’s a recipe for disaster. Keep your pup on a leash or within close range, especially at dawn and dusk when snakes are active. If you’re hiking, stay on paths and don’t let your dog rummage in undergrowth, hollow logs or rocky crevices. In known snake habitats I’ve even attached a bell to Pepper’s collar so snakes feel the vibrations and slither off.

Despite all precautions, snake bites can still happen — and they’re life-threatening. If a snake strikes, do not try any bush remedies (no sucking venom or cutting the wound). Keep your dog as still and calm as possible to slow venom spread, carry them if you can, and seek a vet immediately. Time is critical (experts say you only have a small window to save your pet), so having a plan to reach the nearest vet is essential. If the bite is on a limb, you can apply a firm pressure bandage over and above the bite site while heading to help. And never attempt to catch or kill the snake — that just adds another patient (you) to the emergency room.

Ticks are another invisible danger, especially in bushy or coastal camp spots. Paralysis ticks in eastern Australia can latch onto your dog and inject toxin that causes paralysis. Use a vet-recommended tick preventative (yes, it’s an extra ongoing cost, but absolutely worth it). Each evening at camp, do a thorough tick check — run your fingers through your dog’s coat, and inspect under the collar, between toes, inside ears, and around the gums. I make it a game with Pepper, a sort of massage she happily tolerates. If you find a tick, remove it promptly with tweezers or a tick removal tool, gripping as close to the skin as possible.

After removal, keep an eye on your dog for any odd symptoms. Early signs of tick paralysis can be subtle — things like a wobbly walk, weakness in the hind legs, or a change in your dog’s bark. If you notice any of these, even if you haven’t spotted a tick, get to a vet pronto.

Don’t forget the cane toads up north either. In Queensland and the NT, these ugly critters are everywhere on summer nights. Cane toads are extremely toxic — dogs often lick or mouth toads out of curiosity, which releases the toxin. If you suspect your dog tangled with a cane toad, immediately rinse out their mouth with water (tilt their head downwards so you don’t make them swallow more), and get to a vet without delay. The same goes for spider bites or stings from bees or bull ants: monitor your dog and seek veterinary advice if you see swelling, breathing issues, or severe reactions.

A final wildlife tip: respect the local fauna. Keeping your dog under control isn’t just for their safety — it protects native wildlife too. Many national parks across Australia actually ban dogs entirely to protect native animals (for good reason, as Parks Victoria explains). Always check if dogs are allowed where you’re going. Even in dog-permitted areas, use a leash and prevent your dog from chasing or harassing wildlife. It’s safer for everyone. Plus, you won’t have to deal with the guilt (and fines) of your pup disturbing a nesting bird or getting quilled by an echidna.

Food and rubbish hazards

It’s not a true-blue camping trip without a barbie or campfire cook-up, but you need to be mindful of food hazards for dogs. First up: human foods. A lot of what we eat at camp isn’t safe for dogs. Onions from your sausage sizzle, chocolate in your marshmallow s’mores, leftover cooked bones from the BBQ — all these are dangerous for dogs. Onions (and garlic) can cause anaemia in dogs, chocolate can poison them, and cooked bones can splinter, causing choking or internal injuries. I never give Pepper barbecue scraps unless I’m absolutely sure they’re dog-friendly (plain cooked meat with no bones or seasoning). Even then, I keep it minimal — sudden rich or fatty foods can trigger pancreatitis (trust me, you don’t want to spend your holiday at an emergency vet because your dog scoffed a tray of sausages).

Store your food and rubbish securely. Dogs have a knack for raiding tents and bins if they smell something yummy. On a hot day, garbage can turn toxic quickly (imagine your pup eating old, fly-covered food… not pretty). Use a sturdy cooler or sealed box for food storage and have a lidded bin or bag that can be hung out of reach for rubbish. This not only stops your dog from eating something nasty, but also deters wildlife from coming into your camp looking for a free feed. I learned this after finding Pepper happily licking out a nearly-empty baked beans can one night — now I double-bag all food waste and stash it in the car overnight.

Think about your dog’s own meals too. Keep their kibble or dog food in airtight containers so it doesn’t spoil or get invaded by ants. Bring plenty of your dog’s regular food so you’re not tempted to substitute with leftovers. Sudden diet changes, especially junk food or unfamiliar scraps, can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, or worse. Clean up any spilled food quickly — bits of meat or chips on the ground can attract ants, wasps, or larger unwelcome visitors (hello goannas) that might confront your dog. Bottom line: stick to your dog’s normal diet as much as possible while camping, and save the treats for home where you have easy access to a hose and mop if things go sideways. For a handy reference, the Victorian Agriculture department keeps a human foods to avoid list that covers everything from chocolate to xylitol sweetener.

Fire safety for dogs

Campfires and summer camping go hand-in-hand, but they introduce a whole set of hazards for dogs.

Open flames, hot coals, and even camp cookers can cause burns or injuries. Never assume your dog will naturally avoid the fire — I’ve seen excitable pups get way too close. Pepper once singed the hair on her tail because she wagged a bit too enthusiastically near the firepit. Now, I always set up her bed or tie-out well away from the fire and cooking area.

If we’re toasting marshmallows or grilling steaks, I keep Pepper on a short lead by my side so she doesn’t sneak up to investigate (or steal a sausage when I’m not looking). Be cautious with campfire cooking utensils and hot plates. A curious dog can easily burn their mouth or paw by touching a scorching cast-iron pan or walking over hot charcoal buried in sand.

Dispose of hot coals responsibly — douse them with water, and make sure your dog isn’t going to step on them. I also check the ground around the fire the next morning before letting Pepper roam, in case there are any smouldering bits left.

Summer in Australia also means bushfire season. When camping, stay aware of fire danger ratings and local regulations. If there’s a total fire ban, respect it — that means no campfire, period (and you’ll need to plan dog-safe activities without the nightly fire). Always have an emergency plan: how would you evacuate with your dog if a bushfire threatened the area? Keep a leash and your dog’s essentials (water, bowl, any medications) packed and easily grab-able.

Many evacuation shelters don’t allow pets (except maybe service dogs), so have a backup plan like a friend’s place or a pet-friendly motel identified. In extreme heat or high fire risk days, it might even be wiser to reconsider camping with your dog. Safety first. I’d rather cut a trip short than put Pepper in danger from a fast-approaching grass fire or extreme heat wave.