Which way do you prepair for your four-legged friend on a outdoor-trip or a survival-/bug-out scenario? What items do you carry for them? Which way do you care for their shelter-needs (special kind of sleepingbag for example) ?

Thanks
Molf

Dogs don't really need much, since they are closer to being wild animals than we are. The fur coat really helps. I bring a little mini-tent as a portable kennel, just because she feels more secure when she's got a "home". She sleeps in the big tent with us at night though. I also have half of a yoga mat that I lay out so she doesn't have to lay in the dirt, and I also use one in the big tent by the door to keep her from tracking in dirt. If it's going to be at all warm out, I bring a cool-pad: a water filled pad that helps keep the dog cool. Dog's have much more problems keeping cool than warm.

Most of a dog's first aid needs can be met out of the human kit.

My dog is a Lab (YMMV w/ other breeds) and I don't make any special preparation for her in my kits. She doesnt need any first aid items other than what I already carry for myself and she is quite capable of finding her own food and water and as Goatrider already pointed out, she carries her shelter with her everywhere she goes. <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

And the worst possible thing you could do to a dog is leave it behind. Dogs LOVE being in the wilderness with their people.

My lab bernie knows two tricks and just to make sure he doesnt screw up he does them both at the same time. But Bernie is my pal and a sidekick. I had a dogie harness for him that would fit 10 beers <cough> dog food cans </cough> but he looked misreable with it while running around. I don't have a heart to train him to walk with it. When we camp he sleeps outside guarding the tent and than he comes inside to warm up. I don't make any special provisions for him and we know that Nathans tastes better than Alpo.

What I'm trying to say I would love Bernie to be what he is in the survival situation because it would bring more of the positive attitude and I be much happier having him around.

As far as the defense goes he is huge but he is a coward but he has the intimidation factor going for him.

Bernie

Sled dogs have booties made of leather or heavy nylon with a simple single lace. If you anticipate rough terrain, or possible debri from an urban disaster they are usefull.

Identification! Collar, tags, microchip.

And if anyone here says "Oh, MY dog wouldn't run off", I will track you down and beat you up with a big stick. I've found thin, starving dogs in the desert and the mountains, both times wearing tags.

I also have a second ID tag with my vet's phone & address, and a written agreement with them that they will take her in no matter who delivers her: a friend, a stranger, a LEO.

Sue

If my pup of 15+ years was alive and cancer-free, I would've rigged a baby-carrier style backpack for her. She wouldn't have been able to walk much in her old age.

They have these neat life vest sets that you and your dog can wear, with loops to rig a leash. A guy I know goes canoeing with his lab, but the dog will get tired of swimming and needs to get towed back in the canoe after a while.

In general, I tend to mostly concentrate on urban survial situations. Mostly centering around working in downtown Seattle in an older part of town which I don't think would tollerate an earthquake very well. If I was lucky enough to make it out of the building alive, I figure I need to deal with some injuries and then a long hike home in most likely rough terain (debris). In my case this would be hoofing it 25 miles, and that assumes the bridges are passable.

I have an older lab (~80lbs) who comes to work with me. In thinking about how I'd survive and make it home, I have also thought about Sophie and steps to take for her.

Most of the things common with my own needs, like first aid, food and water:

I tend to see water as one of the major components of my office and car BOB and I keep a fair amount to cover both myself and Sophie.

Along with water, I do keep some food, but I see this as much less of a critical area. My office BOB has some of those little cans of tuna and I figure both her and I could use the same stash of food.

I do carry a few items just for her as well, but in general she is tough and adaptable. We exercise her a fair amount and have a good feel for her limits.

I keep a set of those dog booties in my backpack in case of rough terrain.

While I haven't got one yet, I've had my eye on these Dog Rescue Harnesses.



I consider the harness for two reasons. One, in an earthquake, it seems to me that there could be a lot of obsticles to deal with. Also, in case of injury, it would be very helpful to have a way to carry her.

I would really like a dog dust mask, but I just haven't seen anything like this and haven't come up with too many brilliant ideas on making one.

I haven't had good luck with dog backpacks and due to her age, I've not really tried to find a good one (but I'd be interested if others have any recommendations). EDIT: The main problem I've had with them is they chafe the dog. Same for harnesses. While I'm sure there are better packs and harnesses, I think part of the problem is the dog's shape works against you here a bit.

I agree about the tags/id chips and Sophie always has both. But I never thought about this as kit gear because I think this is just part of the basics of having a dog. Good point tho.

-john


Sophie

Susan,

You will need to track a long way down to Istanbul, my malinois will not run off. But you are right about ID, she wears a collar and a tag all the time.

I always have the box for her in the car, she always travels in the box and we always have her favorite toy with us.

Not all the dogs necessarily run off. That is breed and training related.

Burak