The weather is getting nice, the sun is finally out past 8pm and we are all starting to enjoy our outdoor spaces again. You and your pets might be feeling more adventurous now the weather has improved. Whether you’re climbing mountains or enjoying leisurely walks around a lake with your canine companion, you’ll be bound to need some essentials for your trip.
We all know going for ‘walkies’ usually starts with an excited dog, waiting patiently for you to grab their lead plus harness and put it on. With brands such as Red Dingo and Halti clear favourites in the market, due to their comfortable fit and padded handles for your comfort. Getting the right fit for your dog can make all the difference to your walks and ultimate comfort means longer walks for you and your dog. When buying a collar or harness for your dog, always ensure you measure and check the sizing guide for the right fit. When buying leads ensure you check that the lead is recommended for your dog’s size. Some dogs may need thicker, stronger leads, while others less so.
When planning adventures with your furry friend, you might want to consider taking some canine essentials.
Things to pack for your trip:
Water, food and their favourite treats, of course!
Be sure to keep some light snacks and hydration to hand. We have an extensive range of options in our food and treat collections. For hydration, we'll cover that next.
Travel bowl or bottle
Such as the Henry wag travel bowl or water bottle, help you to keep your dog hydrated on your day out without adding unnecessary weight to your backpack. Remember to offer water at regular intervals to ensure your dog stays hydrated.
Poo bags
Don’t forget the poo bags! Nothing worse than being caught out and having to improvise, resulting in mucky hands. We have a range of eco-friendly poo bags from, Earth Rated and Beco which can be put into a dispenser which can easily be clipped onto your lead, harness, belt, backpack or just about anywhere really.
Travel Pet First Aid kit
Might not be something you’ve thought of before, but what would you do if your dog cut their paw on your adventure? The mini kit from Charlie the Vet is a great addition to your day bag, can be easily clipped on your bag or fastened to your belt. It contains everything you might need for First Aid, meaning you’ll be prepared should the worse happen.
Towel
Such as the microfibre towel from Henry Wag or the disposable towels from Dot Dot Pet help to keep your car or home clean from muddy paws. Cleaning off your dog also ensures that no irritants such as grass seeds and mud remain on your furry pal.
Hi-Vis
If you are out late or staying overnight on a camp site, you might want to consider their visibility with items such as the Pet Gear Hi Vis Jacket or the Hem & Boo Flashing LED Dog Collar. You might want to consider taking a torch or head lamp as well so you can make your way in the dark.
After Walk Care
Groomed to Perfection
After being out and about, it’s important to give your dog a check over. Make sure their eyes, ears and paws are free of grass seeds, although small, some seeds can bury themselves into the skin so removing them as soon as you see them helps to prevent unnecessary vet trips! A quick brush after a walk helps to prevent seeds from sticking in their coat, brushes such as the Ancol Ergo Double-Sided Brush for Dogs are perfect for after walk brush downs as you have two brushes in one.
Troublesome Ticks
As you are wiping their muddy paws, you should also look out for ticks. If your dog is up to date with their Flea and Tick treatment, chances are any unsuspecting tick will die once they’ve bitten your dog. However, if you find a tick they can be removed with a tick twister such as the one from O'Tom.
Follow our guide on How To Remove a Tick From A Dog Or Cat.
Nasty Smells
Your dog may have had a great time during your walk, getting themselves into mischief and delighted in rolling in all the smelly things they find. Unfortunately for our noses, this behaviour is part of our dog’s natural instincts. Whether they rolled in fox poo or plunged into the muddiest puddle they could find, there’s one thing you may want to do to clean them up - bath time!
Fox poo smells eliminated with Animology Pre-wash Fox Poo Deodorising Dog Spray and Animology Fox Poo Dog Shampoo both products are specifically designed to help with the breakdown and neutralisation of unpleasant odours caused by your dog's encounters with faeces, decreased creatures, and other repugnant substances.
Quick and Clean
If you’d rather not give your dog a full bath, there are grooming solutions that make cleaning up quick and easy! The No Rinse Shampoo for Dogs from Earth Rated is a water-free no-rinse solution to clean your dog’s coat and moisturise their skin. No-rinse shampoos make cleaning less stressful for dogs who are anxious at bathtime or dogs that may struggle to get in and out of the bathtub. Dogs with more sensitive skin may benefit from quick-fix products such as Douxo Itching Elimination Calm Mousse which helps to moisturise, restore the skin barrier and control inflammation without giving them a full bath.
When bath time just isn’t an option, products such as DOUXO® SPA Multipurpose Grooming Wipes and Earth Rated Dog Grooming Wipes make cleaning up your dog quickly a breeze. Great for post-walk paw cleaning or quick touch ups when you're out and about. They can be chucked into your car’s boot alongside a towel for when you just need a speedy cleaning solution. Once the tidying up is all done you and your canine friend can finally settle down to a well-earned rest, a smell-free cuddle and some refreshment.
