As the days become warmer, the call to spend time near the water, near the trees becomes louder. Camping and hiking are great ways to spend summertime and bringing along your four-legged friend can make it even more enjoyable. Many dogs love the outdoors as much as or even more than their people but just like you have a must have list for your pack, your dog needs one as well.

1. Medical Information

Wherever you take your dog out, it is important to have a copy of your dog’s up-to-date shot record. Not only do some parks or private campgrounds require up-to-date rabies vaccinations for all pets, but if anything were to happen to your dog, you would want to have their medical information handy. Be sure to keep it in a Ziploc bag to keep water and dirt from ruining the paper.

2. The Essentials

A few things you should always have when travelling with your dog are a leash and collar. The collar should have some sort of identifiable tag with a cell number on it, even it the dog is micro-chipped. If you are going camping overnight, I recommend a collar that refracts light or even glows so that you can see your dog in the evening. Be sure to bring enough food and fresh water for your trip as well, dogs thrive on consistency so changing food, portions, or time of feeding is not in the dog’s best interest..

3. Backpack

If you are backpacking or hiking, you want to keep your load as light as possible, so let your dog pull his own weight. Dogs can comfortably carry about 10 percent of their weight so if your dog is 50 pounds, they can carry 5 pounds in their pack. Do not use their pack for the first time on a hike. Start with an empty pack on a daily walk and slowly add more weight so your dog gets comfortable with the feeling of the pack. Get the ”The Cadillac of Dog Backpacks” here.

4. Travel Bowls

Collapsible bowls are a lifesaver for feeding and especially watering your dog. I attach them to my backpack and even keep one in my purse. They do not take up much space, are easy to clean, and inexpensive to replace. Get two here.

5. Extender Leash

It should go without saying that you need a leash and collar, but if you want to give yourself a break and relax while your dog explores the beach or campsite, invest in an ultra long extender leach. They are a little more study than a retractable lead and much more travel friendly. Throw some zip ties in your bag and you can attach the leash to a picnic table or your pack if it is heavy enough. A 26 foot retractable leash is available here.

6. Life Jacket

Even if you’re confident in your dog’s swimming ability, a life jacket is very important if you are taking your dog on the water. Every year, over 4,000 dogs drown in swimming pools alone; even the strongest swimmer can become incapacitated in a boating or water and jet skiing accident. There are a variety of different types of life jackets but it is vital that you choose a brightly colored one to aid visibility of your dog in the water. Here is a list of quality life jackets.

7. First Aid Kit

The first rule of going on outdoor excursions is, “It is better to be safe than sorry.” Of course we like to imagine that nothing will happen to our precious pooches but in case there is an injury it is best to be prepared. Important things to have ate tweezers, styptic powder, small pliers, gauze, alcohol pads, Benadryl, and a small bottle of peroxide (to induce vomiting). While it is best to add to a premade kit, many kits have most of these items and more.

8. Brush

If your dog has long hair, it is best to bring a brush to comb out your dog’s fur, especially if your are somewhere sandy or with a lot of stickers.

9. Flea and Tick Preventative

Fleas and ticks are everywhere, but if your dog is wandering in the wilderness, the likelihood of their exposure will increase. There are topical preventative treatments as well as collars and wearables that repel parasites.

10. Dog Bed or Tent

Just like you need a place to lay your head, if you are camping with your dog, they will need somewhere to sleep. The best option depends on your dog. For independant dogs and owners, there is a separate pet tent, just placing your dog’s bed or sleeping bag in your tent, or a matching sleeping bag for you and the dog that zips together.

11. Boots

Many dogs are not fans of boots but they are handy to have in your bag/first aid kit if your dog gets a cut on their paw. In addition, if you live in a snowy climate, boots are very important to protect your dog’s paw from salt and snow.