Influencer II
Overlanding is awesome, and who better to go on an adventure than your four legged friend! Including pets on trips can make your experience more entertaining and your pet will be thoroughly happy. Bringing along a furry companion will require a some modifications to your list of items to bring and rethinking vehicle organization. Below are a few tips and essentials that pets will require if you bring them along for an adventure.
Before your adventure begins and you set off to your destination, make sure that pets are allowed in the area. Many national parks have changed their regulations for pets because they "disrupt nature". Call ahead and know where your pets are allowed, some areas only let pets stay in the parking lots which would be a major bummer if you drove a few hours to find this out.
building a list of items your pet will need can be just as long as your own. The idea is to hit the essentials to maintain space in your vehicle. Depending on the size of your pet, you will have to reserve space for them to be able to lay down comfortably during your trip. Your pet would not be to thrilled if they were wedged between your cooler and storage containers. So keeping that in mind, you might have to remove some nonessentials from your own list if space might be an issue.
Essential items for your pet
-plenty of water: your pet will be more inclined to be active outdoors, be sure to pack more water than you usually take or get a water purification system to save space
-food: bring enough food for your pet that will last for the duration of the trip
-bowls: food and water have to go somewhere, I use collapsing bowls to save space and weight
-treats/snacks: these are a great to carry if you plan on taking hikes to keep energy levels up, I put them in a ziploc bag so they fit in my pocket and keep them protected from water etc..
- collar with tags: important to have a set of tags with your name and two sets of phone numbers on them, this is for worst case scenarios. Have a rabies tag because you can use the info on them to contact owners
- leashes: there are numerous leashes available on the market, I typically carry a standard 6ft and a sturdy retractable leash when out in the woods. Many national parks require pets to be on a 6ft leash when walking
-harness: a properly fitting harness that is sturdy will relieve strain on your pets neck that leashes create using the collar. Your pet will be more comfortable and happy.
-first aid kit: this is by far one of the most important items on the list. You can pick up a basic pet first aid kit that are pretty good. I recommend getting a booklet for pet first aid since it is different than how we treat people. I also recommend carrying children's Benadryl. This can be a lifesaver if your dog happens to get into something. Look up the recommended dosage for your animals weight. Wet snacks come in handy if you need to get meds in your pet asap. Make sure you have a good set of tweezers for removing ticks, thorns, splinters etc. peroxide is not good for pets so do not use it on them. Get a pet friendly version of neosporin at the pet store.
-shade: whether it be an awning or tent, your pet will require shade to keep them cool. If using a tent with your dog, make sure they are comfortable going into it before your trip. Set it up in your backyard and let them get used to it. I also recommend getting an extra tarp or blanket to cover the floor because their nails can puncture the plastic easily. Dog beds work great for this.
-local veterinary info: this is for worst case scenarios
- recent picture of your animal: for worst case scenarios
- some toys that are rugged
-make sure sure pet is up to date on vaccines and gets some sort of heartworm prevention and a form of flea/tick repellent
-poop bags: enough said
-dog booties: depending on your environment such as desert, snow, woods... Your dog may require boots to protect their feet from high/ low ground temperatures or rough terrain such as rocks/thorny areas.
-weight rated clothes line: I use 100 foot line that is rated for 200lb+ to attach to my recovery point and to a distant tree. I then attach the dogs 6ft leash handle to a carabiner, then connect the carabiner to the long line. This method allows your dog to explore up to 100ft while being attached to a "leash". Gives them ample exploration and still have access to their items at your rig. It also allows you more peace at mind by being able to look down the line to see where or what your pet is up to. These can be found at any hardware store and even places like Walmart.
Overlanding with your pet brings a whole new element of adventure. They will look forward to going on more trips and will watch to see if you grab the keys to your rig. Once you start taking your furry friends, you will never want to leave them home. This is just a basic list that you can customize based on your needs/space/budget. Camping with your pet should be fun and relaxing, by making sure you are prepared, it will prevent a lot of stress and early departures. Please post if I missed something!
Before your adventure begins and you set off to your destination, make sure that pets are allowed in the area. Many national parks have changed their regulations for pets because they "disrupt nature". Call ahead and know where your pets are allowed, some areas only let pets stay in the parking lots which would be a major bummer if you drove a few hours to find this out.
building a list of items your pet will need can be just as long as your own. The idea is to hit the essentials to maintain space in your vehicle. Depending on the size of your pet, you will have to reserve space for them to be able to lay down comfortably during your trip. Your pet would not be to thrilled if they were wedged between your cooler and storage containers. So keeping that in mind, you might have to remove some nonessentials from your own list if space might be an issue.
Essential items for your pet
-plenty of water: your pet will be more inclined to be active outdoors, be sure to pack more water than you usually take or get a water purification system to save space
-food: bring enough food for your pet that will last for the duration of the trip
-bowls: food and water have to go somewhere, I use collapsing bowls to save space and weight
-treats/snacks: these are a great to carry if you plan on taking hikes to keep energy levels up, I put them in a ziploc bag so they fit in my pocket and keep them protected from water etc..
- collar with tags: important to have a set of tags with your name and two sets of phone numbers on them, this is for worst case scenarios. Have a rabies tag because you can use the info on them to contact owners
- leashes: there are numerous leashes available on the market, I typically carry a standard 6ft and a sturdy retractable leash when out in the woods. Many national parks require pets to be on a 6ft leash when walking
-harness: a properly fitting harness that is sturdy will relieve strain on your pets neck that leashes create using the collar. Your pet will be more comfortable and happy.
-first aid kit: this is by far one of the most important items on the list. You can pick up a basic pet first aid kit that are pretty good. I recommend getting a booklet for pet first aid since it is different than how we treat people. I also recommend carrying children's Benadryl. This can be a lifesaver if your dog happens to get into something. Look up the recommended dosage for your animals weight. Wet snacks come in handy if you need to get meds in your pet asap. Make sure you have a good set of tweezers for removing ticks, thorns, splinters etc. peroxide is not good for pets so do not use it on them. Get a pet friendly version of neosporin at the pet store.
-shade: whether it be an awning or tent, your pet will require shade to keep them cool. If using a tent with your dog, make sure they are comfortable going into it before your trip. Set it up in your backyard and let them get used to it. I also recommend getting an extra tarp or blanket to cover the floor because their nails can puncture the plastic easily. Dog beds work great for this.
-local veterinary info: this is for worst case scenarios
- recent picture of your animal: for worst case scenarios
- some toys that are rugged
-make sure sure pet is up to date on vaccines and gets some sort of heartworm prevention and a form of flea/tick repellent
-poop bags: enough said
-dog booties: depending on your environment such as desert, snow, woods... Your dog may require boots to protect their feet from high/ low ground temperatures or rough terrain such as rocks/thorny areas.
-weight rated clothes line: I use 100 foot line that is rated for 200lb+ to attach to my recovery point and to a distant tree. I then attach the dogs 6ft leash handle to a carabiner, then connect the carabiner to the long line. This method allows your dog to explore up to 100ft while being attached to a "leash". Gives them ample exploration and still have access to their items at your rig. It also allows you more peace at mind by being able to look down the line to see where or what your pet is up to. These can be found at any hardware store and even places like Walmart.
Overlanding with your pet brings a whole new element of adventure. They will look forward to going on more trips and will watch to see if you grab the keys to your rig. Once you start taking your furry friends, you will never want to leave them home. This is just a basic list that you can customize based on your needs/space/budget. Camping with your pet should be fun and relaxing, by making sure you are prepared, it will prevent a lot of stress and early departures. Please post if I missed something!
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