Dog Backpack - Tips To Consider Before Using A Dog Backpack

There are many kinds of backpacks in the world. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you will probably purchase a regular backpack. However, if you are an animal lover and like to go on outdoor adventures with your canine friends, you will probably want to purchase a dog backpack. Dogs can be one of the best animals to take with you on a camping or hiking trip. Not only will they give you companionship, but they will help protect you in the wilderness. Here are a few things you can use a dog backpack for wind going on your favorite camping excursion.

The concept of the dog backpack is not a very new idea. As long as dogs have been part of the domesticated lifestyle of mankind, people have utilized their dogs by creating dog backpacks for them so that they can help carry the load where ever they are going. In today's society, it is more of a luxury item then an item of necessity or survival. Today, dog backpacks are very popular with those hiking and camping on or along the great trails and wilderness sites of the world. There are a few things to consider, however, before going on your trip with your canine pal loaded up with camping gear.

One thing to consider before purchasing your dog's backpack is to make sure that it fits your dog properly. If possible, bring your dog to the store and get him or her a fitted properly for their backpack. If you are thinking of putting any kind of extensive load into the backpack, nature it fits snugly and is okay for the dog to wear for long durations of time. Never overload the backpack, especially if your dog is a smaller variety which cannot support a large amount of weight.

Before loading your dog up with things for your camping or hiking trip, make sure that your dog is healthy. Just like humans, dogs that are not healthy are probably not going to be able to help you carry very much weight. Likewise, if the dog is under the weather, you may end up putting your dog in your backpack and taking him or her home due to their illness. So always check to see if your dog is well before going on your trip.

As you might have guessed, it is probably not a normal feeling for your canine companion to wear a backpack. Dogs are used to being free. They are somewhat domesticated with collars, but not wearing an entire backpack, especially ones that are weighted down with many objects and items. The first thing you should do is get your dog used to the backpack without anything in it. Put it on your dog for a few minutes a day. Allow them to get used to it. Gradually, over the course of a few days or weeks, your dog may grow to love their backpack and at that point you can begin placing items in it to condition them for carrying things for the trip.

Overall, the most important thing to remember is the well-being of your dog. Though it would be cute and also helpful to have your dog help with the burden of bringing certain items along on camping or hiking trips, it is better to make sure that your dog is well and comfortable with its new backpack before going on any excursion into the wilderness. Dog backpacks can be an ideal addition to any camping or hiking trip may take. Just make sure that it is okay with your dog you will both have a happy and healthy time in the wilderness together.

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What to Take Along

Dogs love the outdoors. Active and agile they thrive on running trails, romping through the woods and then cooling off in a nice stream is an ideal adventure for any healthy dog.

Before you plan your adventure there are some things you should pay attention to so you can insure a safe adventure. You don'’t want to end up with a hurt dog because you didn't plan properly.

So lets get started:

First Aid Kit:– Having a first-aid kit for your adventure is an excellent idea. Your first aid kit should contain these basic items:

1. Medicated powder
2. Gauze bandages
3. Adhesive tape
4. Hydrogen peroxide
5. Cotton and cotton swabs
6. Tweezers
7. Petroleum jelly
8. Bacitracin-neomycin ointment
9. Plastic bandages
10. Boric acid powder

Should your dog get diarrhea or eat something that is poisonous a few things to carry along to help are:

1. Kaopectate: two tablets every 4 to 6 hours
2. Milk of magnesia: one tablespoon every 6 hours
3. Charcoal: one tablespoon in 4 ounces of water
4. Mineral oil: two tablespoons every 8 hours

In the event of an injury or ingestion of an unknown substance get to the vet as fast as you possibly can to ensure your dog gets immediate and proper care.

Backpack:– A doggy backpack is a great idea. Having your dog wear their own backpack will allow you to bring extra water, food, toys, your first aid kit and items you may need that are small.

Put everything for your dog in their backpack so when you need something you won’t have to search for it. You will be able to find whatever you need easily and fast.

Backpacks cost roughly from $30-$100 depending on the size and quality.

Collapsible water bowl:– Bringing plenty of water should be a priority. For drinking and you never know when your dog might roll in something funky. Which if you’re like me you’ll want to wash off immediately.

Boots: Depending on the terrain and/or the time of year some doggy boots are also a good idea. These are fairly affordable and stop things like splinters, cuts from sharp rocks, and will keep your dogs pads safe and healthy.

Cell phones: If you have a cell phone make sure it is fully charged and keep it in a safe place for emergencies.

Flea and Tick Preventives: There are some nasty little bugs in the outdoors. Having your dog up on their shots and bringing along some flea and tick repellents will help keep those nasty critters down to a minimum.

Every once in a while check your dog over for ticks. I always check their ears first then under the base of the tail and the rest of them from that point on.

Also, If your dog is trained, your trip will be much more enjoible, without him pulling on the leash and other things like that. Want help? Click Here!

TIP:– I bring a long a little squirt bottle with some garlic in it. I spray them down pretty good before we take off into the woods.

From time to time I give them a little squirt as well. You might not like the smell of garlic, but it will help keep the fleas and ticks off your dog and it'’s all natural.

You might want to use some on yourself as well. Yes, you will smell, but I'’d rather smell like I had eaten a huge Italian dinner than to find a little critter in a not so nice space when I get home to shower. Of course that’s just me. :o)

Make sure your dog is shape for the activity.– Older pets should be monitored and given plenty of chances to rest during your outdoor adventure.

Taking frequent breaks and given your dog a chance to rest will help prevent any possible heat exhaustion problems from occurring in the first place.

Have them on lead:– I can'’t stress this one enough. Even if your dog obeys voice commands near perfect you should still restrain your dog for safety reasons.

Especially if you are walking in areas with cliffs or drop offs. You never know when your dog might take off after a critter and end up in a serious situation before you have time to recall them.

A 30'’ lead will give your dog plenty of freedom and you can rest assured they are safe and under your control at all times.

Some parting tips: Make sure your dog is wearing their collar with ID tags. This way in case of some weird accident and your dog gets away from you they can be identified.

Collars can come off as well so having your dogs micro chipped is another way of ensuring they can be identified and returned to you in case they get away some how. This is a good idea even if you aren'’t going on an outdoor trip.

Consult your vet before you take your trip and have your vet do a check up on your dog to ensure they are in shape and ready for your outdoor adventure.

Have a safe and exciting adventure with your dog!


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