You raise some interesting points about my dogs well being on the trail. I'm not to concerned about water and snacks, I have always looked after our needs that way. I actually started some time ago bringing along Nutrition Bars

Of particular concern, after reading your suggestions, was Casey's (woof, woof) first aid kit. He doesn't have one. The only things that he carries specific to him is some skunk shampoo, raincoat, and MuttLuk boots. I have always been of the belief that everything in my first aid kit could be used on him, and for the most part I think this is the case.

This is a list of things in a canine first aid kit:

* Gauze sponges -- 50 four-by-four inch sponges, two per envelope
* Triple antibiotic ointment
* Rubbing alcohol
* Ear syringe -- two ounce capacity
* Ace self-adhering athletic bandage -- three-inch width
* White petroleum jelly (Vaseline or similar)
* Eye wash
* Sterile, non-adherent pads
* Pepto Bismol tablets
* Generic Benadryl capsules -- 25mg, for allergies
* Hydrocortisone acetate -- one percent cream
* Sterile stretch gauze bandage -- three inches by four yards
* Buffered aspirin
* Dermicil hypoallergenic cloth tape one inch by 10 yards
* Hydrogen peroxide
* Kaopectate tablets maximum strength
* Bandage scissors
* Custom splints
* Vet Rap bandage

Other suggested items were:

* Blanket
* Tweezers
* Muzzle
* Hemostats
* Rectal thermometer
* Ziplock bags
* Paperwork, including the dog's health record, medications, local and national poison control numbers, regular veterinary clinic hours and telephone numbers, and emergency clinic hours and telephone number.

I will be adding a couple of things to our kit - eye wash syringe, muzzle. Everything else in my kit should work for him. Neither one of else will need a rectal thermomter on the trail, so that's not in the kit.

Thanks for bringing this issue to light longhair.