Prepping your doggy bug-out bag: 15 Must-have items for your pet

If you’ve ever thought about taking your dog along with you on a camping trip, know that, much like taking a child, some extra precautions need to be made and you need to put some essential items in your dog bag. Here are 15 things your dog might need when you’re out in the wild. (h/t to SurvivalSullivan.com)

Temporary tag

Ideally, your dog should be microchipped, enabling him to be returned to you wherever they are. However, if your dog has an ID tag with your phone number and your home address, any other camper or hiker he comes across will be able to contact you immediately or drop your pooch off at your home.

Ball or frisbee

If you’re bringing both a kid and a dog along with you, it’s important to keep them entertained. Having a ball or a frisbee will provide them both with endless hours of fun at the campsite, especially if they both still have a lot of energy left after the hike.

Short and long leashes

If you’re hiking through difficult terrain, keep your dog on a short leash so they can avoid getting tangled up in trees and rocks and accidentally dashing off into dangerous areas. If you’re in a safer and more open location, a longer leash can help your pooch have a little more freedom to run around.

Dog bed and camp pads

A dog bed can provide comfort, especially during difficult times. If you’re camping out in hotter conditions, a dog bed allows your pet to be elevated several inches off the ground, allowing them to get maximum airflow to keep them cool. If you and your dog are in a colder area, camp pads lift your dog’s bed high enough to prevent it from getting too chilly.

Leash clip

A leash clip fastens your dog’s leash to a part of your body other than your hands, giving you more freedom to move, which is especially important when navigating difficult terrain. There are a variety of clips that you can choose from, with the most popular ones allowing you to attach your dog’s leash to your waist.

Collapsible food and water bowls

Collapsible bowls are lightweight and take up very little space in your bag, making them a great alternative to large, stainless steel bowls.

Dog snacks

Other than your dog’s regular food, pack some of their favorite treats that they can enjoy during breaks, such as a large beef bone or two to keep your dog occupied when you’re finally at the campsite.

Bear bells

Attaching a bell to your dog’s collar allows you to keep track of where your pet is. Plus, the bell will alert other animals of your dog’s presence, making them run off and lowering the risk of your dog encountering a wild animal. (Related: Prepping with pets: How to train your pets so they have a better chance of surviving when SHTF.)

Dog grooming items

Going on a hike is dirty business. Your dog might pick up seeds, burrs and even parasites along the way. Having a dog comb and a tick key or tweezers solves this problem.

Face cloth

Along with your dog comb and tick key, having a face cloth can help you safely wipe away any dirt in and around your dog’s eyes and ears.

Muzzle

Ideally, your dog won’t need this. But if he gets injured, putting a muzzle on him prevents him from nipping at the injured part of their body. Also, if your dog likes licking and eating stuff they find on the ground, a muzzle can help lessen their chances of accidentally eating something poisonous.

Life jacket and dog shoes

A life jacket with bright yellow material can save your dog from possibly drowning, especially if you’re going to cross rivers and streams during your hike. Dog shoes, on the other hand, can protect your dog’s foot pads, especially if you expect to hike through some rough or very hot or cold terrain.

Silent dog whistle

A silent dog whistle allows you to call for your trusted companion in case the two of you get separated, while also not alerting and disturbing fellow hikers who might be drawn to a whistle.

First aid kit

Consider the type of terrain you plan to hike through and build your dog’s first aid kit accordingly. Some essential items include sterile saline solution, wound cleanser spray, tweezers and some bandages.

Doggy backpack

Giving your dog a small backpack made out of breathable material allows you to take some of the burden off your own back – just be careful not to overload it, as it might make your dog too tired or too hot. You can put some small items in your dog’s backpack, like a first aid kit, some treats and your collapsible bowls.

Whether you’re at home or on a hike, taking care of your pets is essential. Learn how to better take care of your animal companions from PetHealth.news.

Sources include:

SurvivalSullivan.com

UrbanSurvivalSite.com

ASPCA.org

OutsideOnline.com