It wasn't until I first moved to Chicago that I realized just how important bags were. Since it's so hard to drive around the city, I would end up prepping for the day and lugging everything I needed in a single bag.
Now that we have the pooches, I realize how much more important it is to have supplies with us when we go on our longer walks. Since we can't just jump on a bus or train, and I can't just bring them into stores, I like to be prepared. I have quite the bag addiction, and right now I'm liking
this one and
this one from Etsy, but I also keep a pre-packed bag devoted just to dog supplies. This is what we have in our bag:
1)
Water Bottle and Collapsible Dog Bowl:
Most stores do leave water out for passing dogs, but we still want to make sure we have water at all times. I actually just picked up the Canine Equipment packable water bowl from
4 Legs pet store which I really like because it has a carabiner to make sure we don't lose it.
2) Sunscreen, Extra Bandana, and Sarong--
In the summer we take extra precautions. Dogs need sunscreen as much as we do, and of course I always forget to apply it to them. We use a children's brand without zinc which is perfect for the pink hairless part of Mr. B's nose and the white parts on Miss M.We also like keeping an extra bandana that we can soak in water in case it gets too hot for the pooches. We keep a lightweight sarong in our bag that is perfect for impromptu picnics.
3) Diana F+ Mini Camera
I love how our camera makes the pooches look circa 1970's and how we end up with serendipitous photos. Plus it's super tiny and lightweight, so it's nice to have on hand.
5) Treats, extra poo bags and hand sanitizer
We are always
'in-training' so we keep some extra treats on hand to motivate the pooches, and of course, the other items just to be prepared.
6) Plenty of Extra Room in our Bag
We do like stopping by Farmer's Markets, so we always want to make sure that we do have some extra room.
What are your recommendations for dog supplies you always make sure to bring with you?
22 comments:
I envy your red Nike's!! Super cute! And, the picture of Miss M with her head in the bag is priceless!
Did you have poop bags on the list? One thing I noticed with my boys is that if I have a poop bag, I don't need to use it, but if I forget one, they turn into lean, mean, pooping machines!
Sam
I also try to always have a ball on me. We don't do dog parks, but sometime you luck out and find an empty one. Sometimes havi will just chew on one while we eat or lay out and it keeps her clam.
Besides that, youre very prepared!
You're so organized! Since I drive everywhere, I have a set of leashes, poop bags, treats, water bowl, ball, and a whistle in a plastic milk crate in the back. But I'm a sucker for a cute bag!
One thing that strikes me again and again with your posts is how organized city life dictates you must be. In the 'burbs, we get a little spoiled, because we have the industrial size steel reinforced bag (aka the car) to keep all stuff dog and non-dog close to hand.
Items I have just added to my dog go-bag: Benadryl tablets and a couple of pill pockets.
The other day I was on a four mile walk with my dog, he was sniffing around, and when he looked up at me his face was all swollen above his left eye and on the top of his head. I think he'd been stung by a bee. I freaked out a little since we were a couple miles away from home (and we live in the boonies).
I got him home and gave him 25 mg of Benadryl and the swelling went down. But it definitely scared me and I will always have Benadryl on hand in the future!
I had read that about half the country was above the 90 degree mark yesterday - feel free to send us some cooler weather! :)
Loved your post about what to bring when out and about with the pups - sunscreen is the one thing I always flake on too, and considering G and Ms. M and Mr. B all have some white fur on the head, I have to get better about this!
I never realized that you can put sunscreen on dogs! My girl has a pink nose like Mr. B and I've always wanted to share my 50 SPF (I'm equally as pink :) but worried she would lick it off and get sick. Is the children's stuff the best option?
These are some great ideas! We generally always bring a collapsible bowl and water (and poop bags) but I admit to forgetting almost everything else. :-P I know I should be a lot better about the sunscreen thing but usually I don't even remember to put it on myself until I am long out the door.
It's such a great idea to always have a bag pre-packed, that way you don't have to worry about forgetting something as you head out.
Yes on all of the above. We'd add to the list: tennis balls for any sudden games of catch and Neosporin Plus to help heal & numb any scrapes that might happen.
For strictly dog walks I have a little bag that I hold treats, extra bags, a ball and camera. I throw in my wallet and phone and Im out the door.
Well, some of it depends on where we're going. I have a bag packed with stuff we need when we are out and about in town or going to the nursing home or the odd meet and greet. There's a different one for our hiking outings.
We bring a hand towel. Comes in handy to wipe dirty or wet paws.
Such pretty bags :) Mom takes a backpack so her hands are free. Our walks are usually at parks and not in any urban sectors so water, bowl, treats, extra leash (long), float coat for salt water swims, etc.
Waggin at ya,
Roo
PeeS: Mom would luv to take me to a Farmers' Market but they are really crowded and some dogs I just don't do well around so, we choose not to go to them.
I agree with Sam's comment about poo bags. If, just once in a thousand times, I forget to take a bag, Penny will poo - usually right in front of a stern-looking stranger.
I always carry a small first aid kit - a few no stick gauze pads, a roll of gauze, some paper tape, neosporin, bandaids (for me) and a baby sock. That way if we have a foot injury I can address it right there (the baby sock slows down the anti bandage response).
I also walk about the city a lot and nearly always have large bag full of most of the things you mentioned.
Sharona has a thing for sticking her head in bags, every bag that enters the house gets a thorough inspection! She also has some pink on her nose and I do apply sunscreen before we leave the house.
Reggie likes to check out my bags when I come home just like Miss M. He likes to pull things out to inspect them.
Do you have any road tips with your pooches? Being a city dog, Reggie and I don't drive around much, but now and then we'll take a road trip to visit my family. I've learned a few things after a 14 hour car ride, but I'd love to get new ideas too.
lots of poop bags and treats :)
Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com
Jacquelin--We wanted some road tips too, so one of our friends is going to post a "Tourist in Your Own City" post about all the roadtrips they take with their 4 large dogs and include some tips. It should run this coming Friday.
Very nice review, and your personal style choices are impeccable (as always). I carry similar items with me when MJ and I go for a longer walk or visit a new place. Right now, I'm starting to give diaper bags a serious look because I could really use more compartments/external pockets. It can be tricky to dig through a deep bag, especially when your adolescent male pittie has other ideas!
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