Backpacking with your furry best friend can be a fun and worthwhile adventure as long as you do it the right way. Backpacking with your dog at Murphy’s Creek Escape will be so much fun. Your dog will have plenty of other furry friends at other campsites since the area is well known for it’s dog friendly camping attitude. There are plenty of hiking trails you can explore and plenty of onsite camp activities around the campground for you to try.
Backpacking with your dog is definitely different as compared to backpacking on your own because you have a hiking companion who is going to need your care, feeding and attention most of the time. Now since you have signed up for this, here are some tips for backpacking with dogs that will help you and your furry best friend have an amazing time.
Check Your Campsite Regulations around Pets
Make sure the trail you want to hike is dog friendly. Not all backpacking trails allow pets so ensure that your pup is allowed to be there. Most National Parks, if not all, harbor delicate ecosystems so rules on whether you can bring your dog or not may vary. Some National Parks allow your leashed dog to go to specific areas but not on trails or the wilderness while other parks are completely off limits. Regulations also vary in different states and local parks so ensure you do your research beforehand.
Also while choosing the trail, check whether there are enough water sources around and if there aren’t ensure you carry plenty of water for you and your dog. Secondly , find out whether the trail is difficult and if it’s safe. Last but not least, be keen on the weather as well. Its best to backpack when it’s not too hot.
Prepare your dog for the trail
Just like you prepared for the backpacking adventure, your dog needs to prepare too. Some of the questions you can ask yourself include; is your dog physically ready? Is your dog’s immune system ready? Has your dog been vaccinated or does he/she need specific vaccinations? And so on. Also important that you ask your vet some questions before heading out in the wilderness. Remember that before you take your dog out backpacking, their bones need to be fully developed and that might be the age of one and above depending on the size and other factors.
When it comes to preparing the dog for the trail, you can start with hiking for 45 minutes to an hour while monitoring the dog. If they are still active and energetic you can increase the time during the next training hike. This will help your dog toughen up and know what to expect. Note that not all dog breeds are meant for backpacking. Note that there are also trail hazards for dogs that you should be aware of before settling on a backpacking trail such as wild plants, heat strokes and waterborne pathogens.
Purchase dog backpacking gear
Some may not know this but dogs do have backpacking gear as well starting with a doggy backpack. This somehow gives your dog the responsibility of carrying its own weight. Some of the things you can put in their backpack is their food, treats and poop bags to say the least. The other gear you pup should have with him/her is a sleeping bag, tent, dog boots to protect its paws, comfortable leash, coat(if necessary), towel, cooling jacket and so on. Other essential items you need to have with you include a dog first aid kit, water container, nail file or clippers, bowls, shovels, safety light, toys etc.
Keep your dog well fed and hydrated
Due to the fact that backpacking entails a lot of walking, staying well fed and hydrated is important as that is what acts as you and your dog’s fuel. Also note that being on the trail all day requires you to provide more food and water than your dog typically consumes. Vets recommend increasing your dog’s food intake by up to 50%. For example, if you feed your dog two cups a day while you are home, you may need to increase it to around 3.5 to 4 cups a day while you are in the wilderness. Also the intensity of the activities you will be doing will determine the amount of food you carry.
When it comes to hydration, there are clear signs that show your dog is dehydrated. These include a dry nose, vomiting or diarrhea, reduced energy levels, panting and sunken dry looking eyes. Make sure you provide clean water for your pup as they too can get sick from drinking contaminated water.
Read more: Camping Water Hacks: Conserve And Purify The Water You Use
Do keep an eye on them
Dogs love the open space so it’s very possible for them to wander off if not supervised. Giving them their space to roam around and play is totally okay as long as you have your eye on them. At night, you can opt to put a tiny light on their collar so that in case they do wander off, you’ll be able to spot them. This is where a dog fence will also come handy allowing your dog it’s own private room to run around and stay away fro other visits. You will have to keep your dog tied up at night at most campgrounds around South East Queensland.
Leave no trace
Don’t forget the leave no trace rule. Your dog’s poop should either be buried in a deep hole so that it can decompose or packed in poop bags. If your dog happens to poop near a water source, make sure you pick it up with a shovel and deposit it somewhere far. Also don’t forget to dispose of the poop bags too.
Read more: 5 Portable Camping Fences You Will Need For Your Dog