Image Credit: RecShaw
A few years back, I was on a trail ride with some friends in their side-by-side. Their rig had a small bed behind the cab, and that’s where our dogs rode. All was great until my friend gunned it to make it through some deep mud, which sent my dog over the tailgate and onto the trail behind us.
Fortunately, my dog wasn’t hurt. However, that was the last time he rode in the bed of that UTV! If you’re like me, your dog is more than a furry friend; taking care of them is of the utmost importance.
So, what do you do to protect your dog when you’re overlanding, off-roading, and otherwise adventuring outdoors? Read on to gain some insights into enhancing safety when overlanding with dogs.
Table of Contents
- Prepare Your Dog for Outdoor Adventures
- Make the Ride Safer When Overlanding With Dogs
- Plan Dog-Friendly Overlanding Routes
- Overlanding With Dogs Requires Canine First-Aid Knowledge
- Invest in Safety Gear When Overlanding With Dogs
Prepare Your Dog for Outdoor Adventures
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Before hitting the road, it’s necessary to prepare your dog for the experience. After all, it isn’t a casual ride to the dog park you’re about to embark on; instead, overlanding involves long hours in your vehicle, sometimes on very rough terrain. Needless to say, this can be stressful for a dog that isn’t used to that kind of travel.
The first order of business for overlanding with dogs is to gradually introduce them to this kind of travel. Take them on shorter trips to help them get used to their space inside your vehicle. This also acclimates them to the vehicle’s movement on different types of terrain, as well as the sights and sounds they might encounter as they ride along with you.
Photo by Andrey Yurlov via Shutterstock
As time goes by, gradually increase the length of your trips as well as their difficulty. Doing so allows your dog to build tolerance for the experience while minimizing the stress they feel along the way. You might find that your dog gets car sick – this is common. If this happens, pull over, get your dog out of the vehicle, and allow them to get their “sea legs” before continuing on. You might need to consult with your dog’s vet about medications they can prescribe to help with your dog’s motion sickness.
Also of importance is creating a comfortable, safe space for your dog in your vehicle. Some folks like to use a crate, which is a great idea if your dog is already crate-trained. Others use a hammock in the vehicle’s back seat to help contain their dog while protecting the interior. But if you ask me, there’s an even better option…
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Make the Ride Safer When Overlanding With Dogs
Image Credit: RecShaw
I recently discussed the virtues of the RecShaw RecRac as one of the best bed rack systems I’ve come across. In short, this rack is built like a tank, offers an incredible level of modularity, and provides unique features like charging ports, cargo baskets, and other accessories so you can create a bed rack system specific to your needs.
One of the most impressive accessories, though, is the kennel option provided by RecShaw…
Image Credit: RecShaw
The concept is simple – it’s a 14-gauge steel kennel that can be added underneath a RecRac tower assembly (a basket or tent must be in place to complete the kennel; it provides a roof for the kennel space). As you can see in the image above, the three-piece kit is made of 14-gauge steel that’s been powder-coated for added durability.
What’s more, the side panels and tailgate panel create a completely enclosed space for your pet to enjoy the journey. If your truck has a locking tailgate, the kennel is completely secure, too, so you can confidently leave your rig without worrying that someone will come along and take off with your dog or whatever gear you might have in the bed of your truck.
Image Credit: RecShaw
What I like about this kennel is that your dog can enjoy the fresh air of your overlanding or off-roading adventures without concern that they’ll end up in a pile of fur and legs on the trail like my dog did all those years ago. And since the kennel is completely enclosed, your dog won’t just be safer, but they’ll also feel safer. The safer your dog feels, the less stress they’ll experience, and the more fun you’ll both have out on the trail!
Of course, this kennel design isn’t just to protect your dog. If you load up for a trip and need to utilize the cargo space in the bed of your truck for extra gear, you can put your expensive overlanding accessories inside the kennel, knowing that they’ll be completely secure once you put your truck’s locking tailgate up. Not bad, right?!
RecShaw offers a number of kennels, too – small, mid-size, and full-size to fit your specific truck. As far as traveling safely with your dog on overlanding adventures, a truck bed dog kennel is precisely what you need!
Plan Dog-Friendly Overlanding Routes
Photo by Maria-Isabel Werner via Shutterstock
Now that you’ve acclimated your dog to the rigors of overlanding and have a means of securely transporting them on your adventures, it’s time to plan dog-friendly routes…
Before heading out, do your due diligence. Ensure that where you want to go is dog-friendly – national parks, for example, allow dogs in some areas, but there are strict restrictions regarding how far from paved surfaces your pooch can go. Some public lands have strict rules about where dogs are allowed, too, so taking the time now to plan your trip will prevent disappointment later on.
Photo by Anna Averianova via Shutterstock
Likewise, as you plan your trip, look for camping areas that offer shade where your dog can take afternoon naps after exploring the area with you during the day. Your campsite should offer enough of a buffer from other people, too – though most people seem to love dogs, not everyone will want your dog coming over for a visit (or listen to them bark!).
When overlanding with dogs, it’s also necessary to take your dog’s endurance into account. Younger dogs might be able to handle hours of rough travel on trails and hours more of exploration once you get to camp. Older dogs might tire easily and may not be up to the task of long days in your truck. Wherever you decide to go, map out areas for breaks along the way. Just like humans, your dog needs to be able to get out, stretch, have a look around, and go to the bathroom in a safe, comfortable area.
Overlanding With Dogs Requires Canine First-Aid Knowledge
Photo by Jaem Prueangwet via Shutterstock
Despite all your efforts to plan your overlanding trip and ensure your dog’s health and safety, accidents and illnesses can happen and put your dog’s health in danger. As such, it’s imperative to have a canine first-aid kit and understand how to use it.
A basic first-aid kit should have things like bandages, antiseptic wipes, a thermometer, and tweezers (for removing thorns or ticks). Your first-aid kit should also include any medications your dog takes.
Alongside a basic first-aid kit, you should also be well-versed in recognizing symptoms of common canine ailments. Heatstroke, for example, can be extremely dangerous, especially in hot or humid conditions. Symptoms to look for include the following:
- Excessive panting
- Drooling
- Weakness
- Collapse
If your dog experiences these symptoms, immediately get them to a shady spot, offer them cool water (not cold water), and wet their body with lukewarm water. If symptoms persist, get a hold of a veterinarian immediately (be sure to find veterinary care along your route ahead of time; that way, you have phone numbers to call and know where to take your dog in the event of an emergency).
Photo by travelarium.ph via Shutterstock
Your dog might also suffer injuries to their paws while you’re out adventuring. Rough terrain, like sharp rocks and surfaces that are hot from the summer sun, can cause cuts, blisters, or even burns – all of which can be extremely painful for your pet. Get into the habit of regularly checking your dog’s paws and address any signs of injury by cleaning them and bandaging them. You might consider investing in dog booties to circumvent this issue in the first place.
Invest in Safety Gear When Overlanding With Dogs
Photo by Milaspage via Shutterstock
Last, but not least, overlanding with dogs will go much more smoothly if you invest in safety gear before you head out.
As I mentioned above, dog booties are a great investment for protecting your dog’s paws from cuts, scrapes, and hot or cold surfaces. A rock-solid harness is another good idea. I know when I’m on a hike with my dog, he can barely contain his excitement, which sometimes means he pulls hard on his leash. If I connect his leash to his collar, he can choke himself, but with a harness, that problem isn’t an issue.
When shopping for a harness, be sure to get a crash-test-rated one; if things get wild on the trail and your vehicle rolls, you want your dog restrained to minimize injuries. In the backseat, the harness simply connects to your vehicle’s seat belt system. In the bed of your truck, you can rig up a connection to the truck’s tie-down system or to a kennel if you go that route.
Photo by encierro via Shutterstock
Speaking of leashes, ensure you have a solid leash, too. When overlanding with dogs, I’d avoid long, retractable leashes in favor of a six-foot nylon leash. Nylon is extremely strong, and with a six-foot leash, you retain more control over where your dog is going and what they can do.
As for your dog’s collar, it’s worth considering a high-visibility collar with reflective material. Not only does this make your dog more visible when you’re walking or hiking at dawn, dusk, or night, but it also makes it easier for you to spot them around camp at night. A collar light might be worth your money, too – these lightweight, low-profile lights kick the visibility of your pet up a notch.
At the end of the day, overlanding with dogs is a lot of work. But in my book, all that work is worth it to have your best friend along for the ride. By following these tips, you will ensure your dog stays happy, healthy, and safe no matter where your journey takes you.
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