For many pet owners, exploring the great outdoors is even more enjoyable when furry friends are by their side. No one wants to leave their beloved dog at home when heading out for an adventure. Just think of those sad, sad, puppy eyes staring at you while you close the door feeling guilty and wishing you could somehow have your canine buddy join you for the fun! In this comprehensive guide, we will explore some key aspects of overlanding with pets, providing tips and considerations to make your journey a positively awesome adventure. Dogs love going on an adventure, and we’re here to share some approaches for bringing them along the next time you head out!
Checklist: Your Dog’s Overlanding Needs
Here’s a great basic checklist to get you started on what to bring on your next overland adventure to ensure your pup — and you — has the best experience possible.
- Collapsible portable water bottle
- Water, at least one ounce for each pound of your dog’s weight, for each day. If you know you’ll have access to water along the trail you can bring purifiers instead, but make sure your concerns for your dog’s hydration level are as high as your own.
- Enough treats and food for the trip in resealable bags
- Plenty of poop bags
- Pet first aid kit, including tick removal kit
- Paw protection such as dog paw balm
- Towels to help clean and dry your pup
- Doggy brush
- Some favorite toys
- Doggy blanket
- Warm blankets for overnight camping outdoors
- Outdoor doggy bed
- Leash, collar, harness, and tie out (heavy duty clothesline you can use to extend your dog’s leash so they may roam the site freely)
- Make sure all information on your dog’s collar is up to date
- Snap a picture or two of your dog just in case
- Portable crate
Safety and Security
Safety and security are paramount when overlanding with pets. We’ll discuss the importance of restraining your pet while traveling to prevent injuries and distractions. We’ll explore various options for pet restraints, such as harnesses, crates, or seat belt attachments, and how to choose the right one for your pet’s size and temperament. Additionally, we’ll provide tips on securing your campsite to prevent your pet from wandering off and encountering potential hazards. By prioritizing safety and security, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your pet is protected throughout the journey.
Prepare Your Pet for Travel
Whichever way you’ve chosen to contain your pet during the journey, make sure it is familiar and comfortable with it before you embark. Have them practice sleeping in their kennel or on the bed they’ll be using on the trip, take a short drive with them in their new harness, and introduce your kitty to its new litterbox locale.
You’ll also want to ensure your critter is in top shape before traveling, particularly for longer trips or international destinations. Have your veterinarian perform a pre-trip exam, ensure you’re up to date on vaccinations and have an ample supply of any medications needed. Print out health and vaccination records to have on hand at borders or in case of emergency trips to a new vet.
Putting your pet on a good flea, tick, and heartworm treatment is a good plan, as traveling means they may be exposed to new and potentially harmful insects and parasites. Ask your veterinarian for details. Consider taking out a pet travel insurance policy if traveling with your animal frequently, internationally, or for longer durations.
Health and Hygiene
Maintaining your pet’s health and hygiene is vital during an overlanding trip. We’ll discuss strategies for keeping your pet hydrated, providing access to fresh water at all times. We’ll explore the importance of monitoring their diet to ensure they receive proper nutrition while on the road. Additionally, we’ll provide tips for managing their hygiene, including grooming, cleaning ears and paws, and preventing pest infestations. We’ll also discuss the importance of regular exercise to keep your pet happy and healthy during the journey. By prioritizing health and hygiene, you’ll ensure your pet stays in top condition throughout the overlanding adventure.
Emergency Preparedness
Preparing for emergencies is crucial when overlanding with pets. We’ll discuss the importance of creating a pet-specific emergency kit, including essentials such as first aid supplies, medications, and contact information for local veterinarians. We’ll explore the significance of familiarizing yourself with emergency veterinary clinics along your route and having a plan in place for unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, we’ll provide tips on recognizing signs of distress or illness in your pet and knowing when to seek professional help. By being well-prepared for emergencies, you’ll be equipped to handle any unexpected situations that may arise during the trip.
Research Your Destination for Animal Health Concerns
Even if you’re not crossing international borders, it pays to research your destination. Find out about potential hazards in advance by checking the weather in order to be prepared for temperature extremes. Ask your veterinarian about any parasites or diseases to look out for and dangers such as venomous snakes you could encounter.
Quality pet food can be challenging to find outside of developed countries. Suppose your pet has food allergies or is a picky eater. In that case, consider bringing enough food for them to last the entire trip, assuming customs and agricultural regulations allow you to do so. Also, consider researching easy-to-prepare meals for your pet from human-grade ingredients. Standards ensuring the safety of pet food, treats, and toys may not be as stringent abroad as they are at home, and it’s wise to bring items from home, if possible.
Assume animals you see on the streets have not been vaccinated and may be a possible vector of rabies, distemper, or parvo, one more reason it’s often safest to keep pets on a leash in developing countries. Driver awareness in watching for animals may differ abroad; always keep a close eye on your pets around other vehicles.
Enjoying the Journey Together
The ultimate goal of overlanding with pets is to enjoy the journey together. We’ll discuss the importance of setting a comfortable pace, allowing for regular breaks and opportunities for your pet to stretch their legs and explore. We’ll explore activities you can engage in together, such as hiking, swimming, or simply relaxing in nature’s embrace. Additionally, we’ll provide tips on capturing and preserving memoriesof your overlanding adventure with your pet, such as taking photos and journaling about your experiences. We’ll also emphasize the significance of being present and fully enjoying the moments shared with your furry companion. By embracing the journey together, you’ll create lasting memories and strengthen your bond with your pet.
When you take your dog out into the wilderness, it’s important to recognize that you are the one held responsible for their actions. While your dog may be your best buddy in the whole wide world, there may be others who don’t feel that way, are afraid of your dog, or have their own pets or small children. Taking dogs along means plenty of new challenges, distractions, messes, and disruptions but also new pleasures: a buddy for companionship, a guardian in camp, and a new source of comic relief and laughs for the adventure.
Finally, remember that most pets thrive with routine. Traveling can be tiresome for us and even more so for our animal companions. It’s important for them to have a safe, quiet place to sleep where they can get adequate rest. By looking out for their health and safety, you can be sure of a happy, healthy companion for all your overlanding adventures.