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Why does your dog need a backpack?
Backpacks are only for people, right? That’s not the case if you are planning to take your dog on outdoor adventures such as hiking and camping trips. The deeper you get into the backcountry, the more you will wish that your dog could help you carry part of the weigh in your pack. Good news! There are many excellent dog backpacks available today, and you probably do need one. Even if you are only going on road trips and you don’t plan on any hiking, it can be great to have your dog carry their own supplies to the car.
Loading your dog’s backpack is similar to loading a human’s backpack, with one important caveat. You should NEVER load more than 25% of your dog’s body weight into the pack. This may seem like not much weight, but any more can injure your dog. This is especially important if your dog is getting a bit older. It’s also important to consider breed related issues as well, such as with golden retrievers which may be more genetically predisposed to hip dysplasia as they age. Also, make sure to build up to a more full pack over time to allow your dog’s muscles to adjust and for the dog to get used to the feeling of the backpack on their body. The first couple times, you can start by just allowing the dog to wear the unloaded pack to get comfortable, and build from there. The health and safety of your best friend is always the highest priority on any adventure!
What should I pack?
The contents of your dog’s pack will always vary depending on the activities that you have planned, but on all of our adventures there are a few items that are always present. No matter what the adventure, it’s always important to bring additional water to keep your dog hydrated. Water can be easily carried in plastic water bladders that load into the sides of your dog’s backpack. Water should typically be the first supply that you add to the pack since it tends to be the heaviest item that you bring. You will want to make sure that the heaviest items are packed closest to your dog’s body. In addition to water, you should also consider packing a collapsible travel water bowl to make drinking easier. If you are planning a multiday adventure, you will definitely want to pack food and any medication that your dog may need. It’s a great idea to keep a dog first aid kit stored in the backpack as well and learn how to use it. Finally, we recommend packing extra waste bags and a tennis ball or another toy. At this point, if you have fully loaded all of your dog’s supplies in the pack and the weight is still below the 25% limit, feel free to ask your dog to help you out by carrying some items from your pack!
Which one should I buy?
After seeing the benefits of adding a backpack to your furry friend’s gear, it’s time to decide which model to purchase. We always recommend that you first try to buy a used backpack locally if you can find one – this helps you save money and keeps products in use and out of landfills. We will be following up this post in the future with our top recommendations for the best dog backbacks to consider in case you need to buy a new one.