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What is essential in you dog hiking pack?

Me and my German Shepherd mix are going to take an overnight hiking trip. He and I have hiked before, but it's little 3 hour trips over the mountain in town, and I've made the hike we are taking tomorrow before, even when I was little so I trust the spot we are hiking for both of our skill levels. I have the basics packed: water, first aid kit, emergency supplies, etc. I also have basics packed for him: extra leash, treats, a hitch leash for tie out, a pocket dog first aid guide, poop bags, food and portable bowl. At least two of my bottles are wide mouthed with big lids that can turn into water bowls for the dog, I have a calorie-high energy paste for him, and heavy duty dog boots. His collar, harness, and backpack are all tagged with his name. My brother is coming along too, so there will be an extra back pack for supplies. (He is a sight to see. Everyone on our normal hike has heard of him, and some have even asked to take pictures because people will never believe them.) He is conditioned to wear his pack, and I packed it fairly light (not over 5 lbs, on a 70 lb dog) and there is space in my bag for his if it is too much.

But, this is a longer trip and much farther from home (and we are staying the night, hopefully at the camp site below so that we can get an early start. This is kind of a test trip for much longer, nicer hikes later on. Everything I have packed, most times, seems overkill, but I was always taught that is was better to have it and not need it to need it and not have it.

So, dog hikers/campers, what have you added to your packs that you have found invaluable? Any funny stories, or advice to give about our extended trip to give me warning of what to expect?

Public Comments

1. if ur dog has any favorite toys, or blanket, or something in that area, i would bring it. it may help comfort him for the over night part, as many dogs can become afraid in an area they dont kno at night, even if they've been there during the day. and i would take scissors, just in case. my dog is always getting stuf matted into his fur, and it can hurt after a while. he also ran off and got his leash tangled very badly into a bush, and it had to be cut, so they may be useful

2. Make sure not to let your dog drink from mountain streams and lakes and purify his water just as you will purify yours. Even very pristine areas have problems with Giardia in the water and dogs can get it just like humans. The antibiotic treatment for it is tough and you will be dealing with doggy runs for weeks if he gets it. So be sure and keep him from drinking from lakes and streams and purify his water too.

The water pumps designed to purify human water and remove bacteria including Giardia will work well for you. Take iodine tablets as a last-resort backup in case for some reason your pump breaks. Also we find that duct tape can fix anything from broken boots, torn tents and leaky water bottles. We wrap duct tape around a water bottle or portable toothbrush handle so we always have it on hand every trip. Invaluable item that has helped many times in a pinch.

3. I always pack more than what I need, you never know what might happen. For over night or weekend trips, I pack two dog first aid kits, and 1 human first aid kit. I make my own first aid kits for my dog, with Cut Stop for his pads, Penicillin, a muzzle, and Vetrap in just one of the first aid kits, and in both go neosporin, tweezers, cotton balls, cotton swabs etc. All of the dog specific items can be found on DrsFosterandSmith.com I use this website for all my dog and cat supplies, and they have never ever failed me. Shipping is quick and they are reliable! Other than that, it sounds like you have it under control, maybe consider taking a bumper or tennis ball for play time in case you run into some water or something, as well as a whistle in case your dog gets off leash and runs off. If I think of anything else I will add more!

Good luck and have fun! I know me and my dog LOVE camping and over night hikes!

4. sounds like you have it pretty well planned out.

5. i think thats everything you need i dont have a big dog. i have a 15 pound maltipoo that goes hiking with me though. i usually hike for 2-3 hours only since hes small but he is also very energetic.

6. Your dog has to be trained a lot, and able to be ferocious in case a mountain lion appears. Those are seen a lot in mountains. Bring lots of water, comfy pillows or a bed for your dog, and some toys in case he gets bored.

7. Sounds like you've got pretty well everything covered. I'm assuming you have his license on his collar, you will need that in case anyone stops you. Also, I would take his vaccination records with you. That way if any authorities hassle you, you have proof of his vaccs, and if (heaven forbid) anything happens to him, you have his medical record to take to a local vet.

Happy hiking!

8. Here are some things that I think are a must if you're going on a trip like that with your dog.

A tube of EMT Gel http://emtgel.com/whatitis/index.php
I've known people who have had dogs get caught on wire, or something else sharp who have cut themselves so badly, that they would have bled to death before the owners could have gotten them to a vet. It stops bleeding like a dream, and is great for treating wounds as they heal.

A old tie, or a soft muzzle. If your dog gets hurt, they could go into shock, and bite, or could just bite because they don't want you to touch them where it hurts. Even the sweetest dogs can do this, I had one of mine nail my hand when I was trying to get their paw uncaught from a fence.
If you go with an old tie, here's how to tie a muzzle: http://books.google.com/books?id=W9QZ6AEjXVUC&pg=RA1-PA5&lpg=RA1-PA5&dq=tying+a+muzzle+with+an+old+tie+on+a+do+guide&source=bl&ots=4smjUTuKID&sig=T9pM-6Mjqc6KaYX7xEGbyH3nIyw&hl=en&ei=hOyKSuS-IpKQsgO1t-XDDQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=1#v=onepage&q=&f=false


And then, I'm sure your first aid kit has the usual gauze, and such, though an old dish towel wouldn't hurt to bring in case you need something more absorbent.

I'd also recommend, if you have any experience with one, a skin stapler if you need to patch your dog up that much, but if you haven't used/seen one used many times before, it would be a bad idea, but otherwise they're nice to hold skin together until you get to a vet.


And yes, I am quite the pessimist. At least I'm prepared for the worst. XD

9. I've never seen dog boots what do they look like and can you post a link to the site you got it from?

10. see, i was always taught to reduce reduce reduce...

provided you have water, sustenance, and a first aid kit, there is little else you'll need. 5 lbs on a 70 lb isn't bad, if he's been conditioned for it.

just don't forget your cell phone!!!

11. Sounds like you have the basics pretty well covered. I would add fliers (or maybe business cards) with your dog's picture and information and your contact information to post at the trail head and hand out to other hikers just in case you and your dog get separated. I would also pack an extra leash in your backpack. The extra leash can come in handy if you loose yours (or your dog breaks it somehow) or if you come across a stray dog on the trail.

You might also be interested in the Traildog Yahoo! Group. It's a fairly active group with a lot of experienced hikers who hike with their dogs (and most of them pack with their dogs) and they tend to have a lot of helpful suggestions. Not to mention that the archives have the answers to a lot of the basic questions.