Camping is one of the most popular activities in Australia. Aussies love the outdoors and often whole families embark on this adventure. The “whole family” also means any pets the family owns, especially dogs. Dogs are outdoorsy and love to explore which is all that camping is about. However, when going camping with a dog, you should think about its needs and bring some essentials to keep it safe and comfortable.
First Aid Kit
We all know the saying “Better safe than sorry”. When going camping with a dog many things can happen that will endanger your dog’s health. One of the best ways to prevent this or lessen the damage if something happens is to have a well-supplied dog first aid kit. Just like the human kit, it should have all of the essentials your dog might need in case of an injury.
You should first think about the location you’re going to and the potential risks it brings to the table. For example, camping by a lake won’t be the same as camping in deep forests. You should also consider your dog’s overall health and possible health conditions. You have the option to buy a pre-made kit at the store or create one on your own according to your dog’s specific needs.
Before packing anything else in the kit, make sure you add the important paperwork like ID cards, medical records, vaccination records and prescriptions. Next add dressing, non-stick wraps and sticky tape. They’re here in case of an open wound problem. You’ll be able to cover it until you take the dog to the vet.
Hydrogen peroxide is also a must in case your dog eats something they’re not supposed to (which can happen a lot in the wild). Anti-toxin spray will eliminate contamination from cuts and scratches. Bring anti-bacterial wipes as well if they’re easier to use. Benadryl is used as antihistamine. It’ll be helpful if the dog has an allergic reaction. Just make sure you know the right dosage for your pup.
Nail clippers can be useful if your dog rips a nail during your camping days. Get some styptic powder as well. It’ll stop the nail from bleeding. Bring blunt-tip scissors to cut the bandages or trim some hair around a wound. A clean bath towel can replace a bandage, apply pressure to a wound, clean the wound before bandaging or act as a sling for an injured leg.
A few pairs of disposable gloves can go a long way in keeping hygiene at a top level while dealing with a wound. They’ll also protect your hands from bacteria and other substances. A tick remover or tweezers are something you can’t forget. Ticks are dangerous and can transmit diseases to your dog. Some of the other supplies you can get are:
- Epsom salts;
- Eye wash;
- Thermometer;
- Probiotics;
- Oral syringes;
- Pet stretcher;
- Soft muzzle.
Food & Treats
Most dogs love the outdoors and love to explore every corner of the world. If your puppy loves doing this, they’ll be very active and waste a lot of energy. This means they’ll eat more than usual so supplying yourself with lots of treats and food is a good idea. Just like with humans, dogs get lazy after a meal. So, to make sure your pup will have a good time and won’t stay behind, feed it at least 1 hour before going on a hike or some other activity.
This allows the body to process the food before working out. Prepare meals and snacks that will satiate your puppy’s appetite before going for short walks. You can make sweet potato chips, carrot sticks, some high-protein cheese cubes and other vitamin and mineral-filled snacks.
However, if you’re going on a longer walk, you should feed them multiple times a day to stay safe and make sure they get the nutrition and energy they need. Bring their favourite treats and chewies for energy. They’ll enjoy the adventure with you while being satiated and energised. You can even pack a few treats in the dog first aid kit, just in case.
Sleeping Bag
Just like you need your sleeping bag, your dog should have one as well, especially if you’re staying in cooler weather conditions. The dog might not get used to the temperature fluctuations and will feel cold and uncomfortable. It can catch a cold and you’ll have to use the pet first aid kit.
A dog sleeping bag will keep your pup warm and comfortable during the night. It’ll provide insulation and protect them from the elements that can sometimes be harsh. This is very important especially if your dog is smaller and has short hair. Plus, it keeps small insects and animals away. The dog sleeping bag is lightweight and you can easily carry it around in your backpack.
Carrier
A dog carrier can make a big difference on your camping trip. It’s specifically designed to keep your dog cosy and comfortable. Your pup may be anxious in such unfamiliar circumstances and carrying them in a backpack can provide a safe environment. These carriers can vary in shape and size. Some of them have padded interiors for added comfort.
The carrier is also useful when your dog gets tired from a long walk. You can simply pick it up secure it in the carrier and move on with your walk. These backpacks are ventilated so the puppy doesn’t sweat. Make sure you get the proper size. Take your dog with you when shopping for a carrier.
Boots
Dog boots are very practical when you and your companion are on a camping trip. They’re especially important for pups with small paws that aren’t used to harsh weather conditions, sharp rocks, mud and insects. The boots will protect against all of these factors. Make sure you get the right fit and get the dog used to the boots before heading on the trip. Dogs need some time to adapt to the boots so don’t rush them.
Doggy Bags
Even though you’re in the wild, you can’t just leave dog poop everywhere you go. Bring enough god bags with you so you can clean up after your dog. This way no other hiker or camper will come across a smelly and unpleasant surprise.
