10 Essential Items to Bring on Every Adventure with Your Dog
I’ve been hiking, camping, and traveling with my Dachshunds over 15 years.
I love dog gear but, over time, I’ve found that there are several essentials I take with us every time we go on an adventure.
My dogs may be small but I know my must-have list would be the same even if I had a bigger dog.
Here is what I bring on every adventure.
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10 Important Items for Adventuring with Dogs
1) A comfortable harness
When your dog will be walking long distances, their harness might get wet, sandy, or dirty, or they might be wearing it 24-7 when traveling, it’s extra important to get one that is comfortable and won’t chafe or rub them raw.
You can read my full warning about the harness chafing issue but, for us, it boils down to using a harness that doesn’t rest in my Dachshund’s armpits.
The primary harness we use when I think chafing is a potential issue, is the Casual Padded Y Harness from Hurtta.
Because of the pointy breast bone Dachshunds have, the strap that is supposed to run down the middle of the chest does sometimes slide to the side but it doesn’t cause any fit issues for them.
My second favorite choice for when my Dachshunds are going for a long walk or hike is the Ruffwear Flagline harness.
2) A waterproof dog leash
You never know what adventure will throw at you so it’s best to use a leash that won’t absorb water, attract dirt and mud, and is easy to clean.
I’ve been using using waterproof biothane leashes – also referred to as coated nylon webbing – for years and can’t imagine using anything else.
3) Pet grooming wipes
Did your Mom or Grandma always keep a Wet-Nap in their purse to wash off your hand or face if they got grimy?
It’s like that but you’re the responsible adult and your dog is the messy kid.
Slip a couple hypoallergenic, deodorizing, individually wrapped dog grooming wipes in your bag so you can clean paws, wipe errant dog poop (on bums or hands), clean eye boogers, or clean up other little messes quickly.
If you prefer to buy in bulk so it creates less waste (you can tuck a couple in a resealable bag in your purse), the Earthbath Pet Grooming Wipes are one of my all-time favorite pet wipes (and I’ve tried a LOT).
4) A dog jacket
There are few places in the world where the weather doesn’t change at least once a day.
One minute it could be warm and sunny at the other it could be breezy, rainy, cold or all of the above.
The Teckelklub Fuzzie is a great light fleece Dachshund sweater to keep tucked in your bag for those chilly moments.
Read about other jackets Teckelklub makes HERE.
If the weather is wet or cold, you may need a rain or winter Dachshund coat.
You can either use this heavier jacket along or use the Teckelklub Fuzzie as part of your dog clothes layering system.
5) A collapsible dog bowl
Keeping your dog hydrated when you are out and about is very important.
Your dog won’t have free access to water like at home.
Even if a dog has access to a public dog water dish, they may not always want to drink it.
Also, sometimes they can be so nasty that you don’t want your dog to drink the dirt and germs.
Carrying your own bowl means that you can give your dog a drink whenever you have access to water.
A collapsible silicone dog bowl folds down flat so it’s easy to slip into a purse or bag.
Our favorite – and the one we’ve used for years (and it still looks new) – is the Dexas Popware for Pets Collapsible Travel Cup (affiliate link).
6) Dog treats
Dog treats are essential for many reasons.
Besides the obvious of keeping your dog from going hungry, they can be used to:
- Distract your dog from an upsetting situation
- Work on training commands in public places
- As a focus point if you want to get that perfect shot with your smartphone.
I prefer to use tiny, low calorie dog treats so I don’t have to worry much about how many they get in a day.
These are my favorite dog training treats for small dogs.
7) A microfiber towel
I always bring at least a small microfiber towel or washcloth with me on hikes to dry the dogs off before I pick them up if I have to carry them for some reason.
When hiking in the snow, I bring a larger microfiber towel for them to stand on when we stop for lunch (if I don’t actually bring a blanket).
Microfiber towels are made of lightweight fabric that is designed for increased absorption and quick drying.
They’re typically light and compact (depending on the fabric and size), taking up very little space in your backpack or bag.
It will be your best defense against a muddy car (I usually leave the towel in the car instead of carrying it if we’re not hiking.
My favorite is the PackTowl Luxe Quick Dry Microfiber Towel.
8) Poop bags
Of course you’re a responsible dog owner and always pick up your dog’s poop because you know it can contaminate waterways and cause a health hazard.
Be sure to carry at least two poop bags with you because your dog may go more than once and you don’t want to be caught empty handed.
9) First aid kit
Whether it’s in my pack when we are hiking, or in my car if we are in an urban area and/or will be out of the car briefly, I always have at least a small dog first aid kit with me.
You can assemble your own or purchase a pre-made dog first aid kit like the Adventure Medical Me and My Dog kit.
10) A bag to carry it all in
You’ll need a bag to carry everything in.
For me, usually that is my Dog Mom Purse.
It can get pretty full though so sometimes I need to bring a bigger tote or messenger bag.
One I really like for travel and general walking around is the Sleepypod Go Bag.
It has a strap so it can be carried like a messenger bag.
It’s definitely larger than a big purse but it’s low profile so it sits close against the body and doesn’t become cumbersome.
I haven’t found a need yet for the insulated little bags it comes with (maybe for my own lunch sometime?) so I take them out.
Thew bag is big enough to carry all of my regular purse stuff, my dog’s stuff, and some extras like a bottle of water and snacks for me.
If I’m hiking, then I put all of the dog’s stuff in my regular backpack.
Final Thoughts
My motto is always be prepared.
Above is a list of the common things I bring on any adventure, whether it be hiking, camping, or just exploring around the city.
Do you have any must-bring essentials you would add to this list?
About the Author
Hi, I’m Jessica. I’m a Dachshund sitter, President of the largest social Dachshund club in Washington State, a dog trainer in training, and I’ve been a Dachshund owner for 20 years. I have over 150,000 hours of experience with the breed. When I’m not working, you can find me hiking, camping, and traveling with my adventurous wiener dogs.
Another good thing to have is Children’s chewable Benedryl. When we got our first dachshund in 2003, she got into wild mushrooms in our yard. I was able to get an adult benedryl into her before her throat swelled up. Not the best choice an adult one, but it was after hours at our Vet and it was the first thing I thought of. That night I researched what to do. Suggested putting a tablespoon of peroxide (I think) in water and drink it. The next morning the little stinker when right back to those delicacies. This time I tried the peroxide trick, outside. She wretched for about 5 minutes. I didn’t, ever, want to dee her do that again. Needless to say, she NEVER ate another wild mushroom. Must have remembered that experience.
Also had a time we thought she had a golf ball in he mouth. One side was swollen. We figured she must have snapped at a bee in our screened deck. Another time benedryl took care of it. After these incidents we always carried it with us. Dachunds are very inquisitive.
I have articles on first aid kits and that information is in there 🙂 This list was intended to be my “lowest common denominator list” of things I bring no matter what kind of adventure we are going on. Benadryl saved our (well, Chester’s) butt one time when he had an allergic reaction to a bug bite when we were camping 6 miles into the woods and it was getting dark. I had to try the peroxide trick with Gretel once when she ate chocolate. I swear I squired a whole cup of it down her throat and she never threw up. As you discovered, apparently it doesn’t work for all dogs.