12 practical items when camping with your cat and dog

Heading to the woods with Fido and/or ChatChat? Check out our checklist for practical suggestions to make your expedition a success.

By Louise Dugas

• When you’re hiking, a collapsible silicone bowl (which is easier to pack than a conventional bowl) and a water bottle with a built-in bowl (small enough to fit in a pocket) are both practical.
• A thin, waterproof mat that you can easily fold (or a waterproof yoga mat) will allow your dog to stretch out on the ground even if the grass is wet.
• A spiral stakeout to which you can tie your dog’s leash or rope will allow your dog to walk outside your tent or camper in safety. Carefully measure its length, to prevent Aria from snatching the lobster carcass from three campsites down.
• An illuminated (or flashing LED) collar clipped to your dog’s collar at night will let you see where Obiwan is hiding after you’ve been calling for him for 10 minutes.
• Bring baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and some washing-up liquid in case Miko has a close encounter with a skunk. You’ll thank us later.
• Throw in several—not just 1 or 2—large towels. They’re very practical to have when you’re coming back from the beach and you want to go to bed dry. Or when Romeo has rolled on a dead bird or chased after that skunk.
• Don’t forget to store his food and treats in a plastic container, otherwise you may find yourself sharing your tent with a raccoon, a bird or that same skunk.
• A large carrier bag with comfortable handles will help you transport everything.
• KONGS filled with peanut butter and taken out of the freezer just before setting out—or other chewable toys—will keep Rita busy in the car. Because, we’re not sure she’ll pay that much attention to Snow White on the iPad.
• Although we haven’t had the chance to try them out yet, car window grills, which allow air in without letting Chouchou stick her head out the window, are now available. Test them out and let us know!
• If Zeus is strong enough, consider getting him a doggy backpack. Just be sure that he doesn’t carry more than 20% of his body weight.
• And hiking booties will help protect your dog’s paw pads from baking sand and asphalt.