It’s Fall and you know what that means; Camping Season! And what’s better than camping with your doggy. Not only are they great indoor companions, but they’re the perfect buddy for a trip into the great outdoors.
Like any adventure in the outdoors, you and your dog will encounter many different environments and situations during your outing. The best way to ensure a smooth, enjoyable trip, is to prepare a checklist of essential items before you leave home.
Here are some of the items I never leave home without when taking my pups camping:
1- Food & Water
For obvious reasons, this is the most important point on the checklist. You want to make sure to keep your pup fueled with the right foods to complete the trail. Above all, avoid dehydration by taking along a water flask with some chilled water.
2- Canine First Aid Kit
You never know what to expect in the wild, whether it’s along the hiking trail or at your campsite. Your dog may be at risk of getting injured or even bit. In order to avoid any major setbacks, take along a first aid kit specialized to fit your dog’s conditions.
3- I.D. Tags with Contact Information
Life happens, and you never know when your adventure buddy might wander away and get lost. That’s why I make sure my dogs always have their I.D. tags on when we leave the house for any occasion. In case they manage to break away from you or go exploring if they’re off-leash, whoever may find them can easily get in contact with you and get your pup safely back to the campsite.
4- Poop Bags or Shovel
Although you’re outdoors it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be considerate of others who may cross the same path. That’s why you should make sure to pick up after your dog. For a more eco friendly option, you can take a small shovel and bury your dog’s poop
5- Safety Flashlight
It’s always best to attach a small safety flashlight to your dog’s collar or harness so that you can keep track of them in low light conditions or in the dark. It’ll even come in handy in case you run into some sketchy weather along the way.
Now that we’ve got the essentials covered, here’s a list of bonus items you might want to pack to make the journey a bit more enjoyable for your furry friend!
Dog Travel Mat/ Tent
Even though your pup can get perfectly comfy on cool earth or grassy terrains, it would be nice if they get their own personal space to hunker down for the night.
Dog Booties
If you know you’ll be covering grounds with some rough terrains, then take along a pair of protective dog booties, to keep your pup’s paws safe.
Paw Balm
If you don’t own dog booties you can pack paw balm to rub into your dog’s paws after your hike. That way, you can keep them moist and prevent them from cracking.
Toy/ Treat Dispenser
When adventure time is over and you want to kick back and relax around your campfire, giving your dog their favorite toy will keep them happy and entertained.
Whether you decide to hike up to your favorite camping spot, or take a road trip and spend the night in your tent in the great outdoors, this simple checklist will ensure you and your pup a fun and pleasant camping experience!