Essentials needed for taking your four-legged friend camping
It’s always fun to take your furry friend camping, but there can be a lot of danger if you aren’t prepared. Quick example, you and your fur baby should never go camping or hiking during the peak weeks of heat in the summer. This can cause your pal to get heat stroke or major dehydration, even if you have the proper essentials and tbh it is not a risk you want to take.
Peak weeks of summer usually tend to be the middle or July and sometimes extend into early August. If you do choose to take your furry friend with you camping or hiking the following items are truly essential to help prevent heat stroke, dehydration, and any other possible dangers you may encounter.
Now, this list might vary depending on the size and how many fur babies you are taking on your trip. But I never leave my house without any of these items when I am going camping or hiking with my pals.
WATER BOWLS
You always want to make sure you pack enough water bowls and water. I prefer water bowls over the travel water bottles just because it always my pals to absorb as much water as needed. I also like to use the water bowls where the dish can actually be put in the freezer prior to it being used. This allows the water that is being poured in the bowl to be extremely cold which will help your pupper stay cool. I also make sure I pack extra cold water bottles to pour on my pupper & their paws. Also, you can bring alcohol (the kind used for wounds, not to drink) and pour it on your puppers paw pads, this will naturally help bring any dogs temperature down to make sure they do not over heat.
TOWELS
I bring towels for numerous things. To dry my pal off if he goes into some water, or to let him lay on under a shady tree. I prefer towels over blankets when camping or hiking because they are easier to clean, and they aren’t too thick where they will make my pupper too hot.
WALKING WIPES
Walking wipes are a MUST. Even if its just a walk around the neighborhood. I prefer PL360 Walking Wipes. Typically sold at Target in the Pet section. I really like these wipes because they come individually packaged, which makes it super easy to put in your doggy backpack or even on a pouch on your leash. They help clean your puppers paws while also sanitizing them which is amazing!
DOGGY FIRST AID KIT
Having a doggy first aid kit is always a must when hiking or camping because you never know what is going to happen. These can be found on Amazon, or Chewy, and even your local REI. They are jam packed with an emergency water bowl, gloves, gauze, saline, bandages, instant ice pack, lice clip, scissors, antiseptic wipes, and SO MUCH MORE. Obviously in the event of an emergency or you have no idea what to do try to contact the closest Veterinarian or take your pet to an Emergency Pet Hospital.
LEASH AND HARNESS
Another item I like to have, which seems obvious ( but to some people may not ) is a good leash and harness. You can use a collar when hiking or camping, but if your dog likes to chase wildlife ( like mine do ) I prefer a harness so it has a better hold on my pupper and I don’t get dragged through the wilderness. I also prefer using a leather leash because I feel like it has a better grip instead of a retractable leash or rope-style leash. But again these are personal preferences based off of experiences, so it may not be the same for everyone.
TOYS
Lastly, just like any other place you take your furry friend, you got to bring some toys. Any kind of toy will do, but if you’re looking for easy clean up I would suggest bringing rope toys, and rubber or tennis balls. These are always some favorites and they don’t usually end up getting too dirty, which is always a plus.