My dog Angel is a "Gollie" (a mix between a border collie and a golden retriever). She's a great dog and she just loves canoe tripping. Angel carries her pack full of kibble on the portage, doesn't whine or bark in the canoe, and she stays close to us - except when a squirrel or chipmunk wanders into camp.

Some dogs are well-behaved and considerate, while others may prove to be a nuisance on a camping trip. Taking care of your dog on a trip, and making sure it behaves, are equally important.

Pack a sleeping bag for cool nights. There's also insect repellent for dogs that contains less harmful ingredients. A slab of form padding glued to the bottom of the canoe provides a perfect place for a dog to sit, and gives it a place to call its own, which in turn, helps control the dog while in the boat. An umbrella holder can be attached the the gunwale of the canoe to help prevent the dog getting heat stroke. There are also PDFs (personal floatation devices) for dogs.

Here are some ideas for a doggy first-aid kit:

  • Ace self-adhering athletic bandanges
  • cotton balls/Q-tips
  • Vetrap bandage (the kind used for dressing a horse's leg)
  • sock (great for keeping a bandage on)
  • gauze sponges
  • liquid bandage (good for mild cuts on a dog's foot pads)
  • antiseptic towlettes
  • hydrocortizone acetate 1%
  • rubbing alcohol
  • eye-rinsing solution
  • Vaseline
  • hydrogen peroxide (to induce vomiting, 1-3 tsp. every 10 minutes until dog vomits)
  • Benadryl (1-2 tables every 8 hours for an average size dog)
  • Pepto Bismol tablets (1-2 tablets every 6 hours for an average size dog)
  • emergency ice pack
  • ear syringe
  • antibiotic ointment
  • bandage scissors
  • tweezers
  • blanket
  • dog's health record and phone number of your veterinarian