5 Essentials for Summertime Adventures with Your Dog
June 21, 2020
Canine Camping Essentials with Meg and Maverick
The Pacific Northwest is the perfect place for summer adventures with your dog, whether it’s a weekend exploring the mountains or a week-long camping trip into the forests. Before you head out, be sure to check out our article on Campsite Pet Etiquette, as well as Pet Care While Camping. Then, plan ahead and pack these canine camping essentials and enjoy your next adventure as much as Meg and Maverick do.
Give Your Pooch Someplace to Be
Maverick has brought along his favorite camping dog bed and soft-side crate from Coastal. Both pack away easily in the back of any vehicle. Of course, your pooch is going to want to sleep with you in the warm tent, so be prepared to leave a bit of room.
Bring Enough Food and Water
When you’re away from home, bring more than enough food and water for your dog. Also, bring along the proper receptacles. A backpack-friendly dog bowl is a great option. Plus, pack all of the food and treats in air-tight containers and bags. Meg has divided out Maverick’s treats and food in separate baggies inside an air-tight container. The last thing she wants to do is attract critters or large predators to her location.
To ensure there’s enough water for everyone, pick up an Ag Container or Aqua-Tainer at Coastal. These plastic containers hold a lot of water and make transporting easy and less messy.
Coastal tip: Looking for information about the right food for your canine? Read our Healthy Dog Nutrition Guide.
Dogs Can Get Hurt So be Prepared
Pack a first aid kit for dogs (which should include a tick remover, gauze, self-adhering wraps, and more), along with Natural Botanical Flea & Tick Spray for dogs of all ages. Check out our article Avoiding and Treating Flea and Tick Infestations. You’ll also want to make sure your canine has an identification tag, paw booties, and a dog coat. Why the booties? During the summer heat, rocks and dirt can get very hot. And because our weather is unpredictable, it can be a good idea to fit your pooch with a dog jacket. Looking for more on pet safety? Read our article Pet Health: Avoiding Summertime Hazards.
Coastal tip: Talk to your vet about regular flea and tick prevention for your pet, including options from Seresto and Frontline available at Coastal.
Yes, it’s easier to go without a leash or a tie-out, especially when you’re hiking along a narrow trail. But in some areas leashes are required – even at camp. You could even be fined if your pooch is off-leash in restructured spaces. Of course, there are plenty of spots that don’t require a leash. However, there is a catch. Your dog must be “under control at all times.” Under control means your dog will come when called.
Coastal tip: When choosing a tie-out, be sure to get the right size for your dog.
Pack in and Pack Out (especially their #2)
Depending on the size of your dog, their waste can be massive and rather odorous. Plus, their poop can be harmful to wildlife. Do the right thing, and pick up after your pooch and drop it into a garbage can. If that means packing it back out with you, do so. Otherwise, a park ranger might have a word or two with you.
Start Your Adventure at Coastal
Your Northwest owned and operated Coastal has everything you need for your next summertime adventure. While you’re in the pet aisle, check out the beds, toys, treats, leashes, food, and training tools. Then, head over to the outdoor department, where you’ll find the gear you need to make your camping trip as comfortable as possible.