Emergency Preparedness on the Go: What to Bring When You’re Out With Your Dog

In our last emergency preparedness blog, we focused mostly on being prepared at home. But what happens when you're already out with your dog?

A hike, road trip, dog event, or even a normal day away from home can get complicated if your dog gets hurt, overheats, or experiences another emergency situation.

You don't need to pack for every possible emergency every time you leave the house, but a few basics, plus the right gear for what you're doing, can make a big difference.

A dog-specific first aid kit is something every dog owner should have.

There are plenty of premade kits available, or you can build your own. Here are a few essentials to include:

Depending on your dog, a muzzle may also be worth including. Even a normally easygoing dog can react differently when they're scared or in pain.

For everyday outings, the first aid kit can live in your vehicle. For longer hikes or more remote trips, bring it with you.

Water feels obvious until you don't have enough of it. For longer outings especially, bring more than you think you'll need.

Don't rely on natural water sources as your backup water. Natural water can contain bacteria, parasites, harmful algae, and other things that could turn your fun day out into a vet visit.

Be aware of signs of dehydration or overheating, including:

• Heavy or excessive panting
• Excessive drooling
• Slowing down
• Falling behind
• Weakness
• Trouble coordinating their movements
• Reluctance to keep going

The same idea applies when it's cold. Some dogs handle low temperatures just fine. Others may need extra protection depending on their coat, age, health, size, and how long they'll be outside.

Pay attention to how your dog is doing, not just how far you planned to go. If they're slowing down, struggling, or showing signs they've had enough, it might be time to turn around.

A neighborhood walk and a five-mile hike obviously don't require the same setup. Think about where you're going, what the weather looks like, and the kinds of problems you could realistically run into.

Emergency carry gear. If your dog couldn't walk, could you get them back to the car? For a small dog, maybe. For a 60 pound dog two miles into a trail, that's a completely different situation. An emergency rescue sling or carry system can help you move a dog who is injured or unable to walk. If you bring one, make sure you've tested the fit and know how to use it before you hit the trail.

Paw protection. Hot pavement, sharp rocks, snow and ice, rough trails, thorns, and foxtails can all be hard on your dog's paws. Boots can provide protection on rough or extreme surfaces, while paw waxes and balms like Musher's Secret can add a layer of protection in snow, ice, and other winter conditions. On longer outings, check your dog's paws periodically instead of waiting until they start limping.

Weather gear. What you bring will also depend on the conditions. In warmer weather, that could mean cooling gear, extra water, more shade and breaks, or paw protection from hot surfaces. In colder weather, it might mean an insulating coat or layer, paw protection, and a dry towel or blanket waiting in the car. Not every dog needs every piece of gear, so choose what makes sense for your dog and the outing.

Throw an extra leash or slip lead in your vehicle, backpack, or first aid kit.

A lightweight backup leash or slip lead takes up almost no room and gives you another way to safely secure your dog if your normal setup fails. It can also come in handy if you safely encounter a loose or unleashed dog.

While you're at it, make sure your dog's identification is current.

Check that:

• Their ID tag is readable
• Your phone number is current
• Their microchip registration is up to date
• You have a recent photo of them on your phone

For dogs who spend a lot of time hiking, camping, or traveling, a GPS tracker can add another layer of security too.

When you're traveling to an unfamiliar place or far from home, make note of the closest emergency services, both for you and your dog.

If something does happen, call ahead when possible. Emergency hospitals can get busy fast, and they may be able to direct you somewhere else before you make the drive.

It's also worth knowing what kinds of risks are common where you're headed.

Depending on the area, that could include:

• Snakes
• Ticks
• Foxtails
• Blue-green algae

You don't need to research every possible thing that could go wrong, but familiarizing yourself with the area before arriving can go a long way.

You don't need to carry every emergency supply on your back. Your vehicle can hold the bigger backup kit.

Depending on what you do with your dog, that might include:

• A larger first aid kit
• Extra water
• Towel or blanket
• Backup food
• Spare leash or slip lead
• Flashlight or headlamp
• Paw protection
• Weather-specific gear

Then take what makes sense for the actual outing.

A neighborhood walk, road trip, dog event, camping weekend, and long hike all come with different needs.

A Few Places to Start

There are a lot of products and tools available for dog owners looking to be better prepared on the go. We haven't personally tested all of the products below, but these are a few options to use as a starting point while researching what might work best for you and your dog.

You don't need to pack for every possible emergency every time you leave the house with your dog.

For one outing, that might mean boots. For another, it might mean a coat, cooling gear, or an emergency carry sling.

The goal isn't to bring everything everywhere. It's to make sure the things you may actually need aren't all sitting at home when something goes wrong.