Canine Camping Winners Hit the Woods!

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

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Camping Tent and Blanket

Let the camping begin! Our Petco giveaway of camping supplies for Fido has closed and today I have winner announcements. What a terrific way to start the Independence Day weekend, planning another fun Summer getaway. 

Tigers and Leopards for Playtime!

One lucky winner scores a pup tent and a bedding blanket that folds up to fit whatever space is available. In the photo above, Oliver is sitting on the blanket as it is folded in half. This blanket is large and has nice batting for comfort. The tent, pictured below, comes in a plastic carrying case to keep it clean and dry till next year's camping season.

Our best tip for a long tent life is to assure that the tent is wiped out and dry before rolling it up and storing. This will help to assure that you don't reopen it next year to mold or mildew. Prevent is key!

While you're out in the woods relaxing around the campfire, Fido will need some fun ways to enjoy his time. Two of our winners will receive a wild animal toy appropriate for most sizes of dogs, along with a surprise from Petco that is sure to delight every pup.

courtesy Petco.com

You can learn more about the tent and about Petco by referring to our review, linked above. On their website, you'll find other great supplies for camping, including the all important prevention for fleas, ticks and mosquito-born illnesses. Be sure to treat your pup with appropriate methods to prevent any problems from pests. We recommend you get your "pupatrician's" (aka veterinarian!) advice on this topic.  Be safe and have fun!

One final tip. Never leave home without an adequate supply of your dog's regular food. Changing food abruptly will often lead to digestive upset which could disrupt the camping fun. Shop Petco.com for our favorite: ORGANIX organic dog food. You'll find other travel tips appropriate to camping here and here.

Our winners are M. Tabora, S. Cole, and C. Joslyn. I'll be in touch via AllThingsDogBlog@gmail.com. Watch your inbox and your spam file for my message requesting your address for shipping, and other details.

Happy camping,

Petco has provided these products for promotional giveaway. I have not been compensated to tell you about them and the comments above are my own thoughts.

Fido Fun at the Campground!

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

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Leopards and Tigers! Oh My!

Summer is here and many a dog owner is singing the blues. No need to leave your dog behind due to high pet fees at hotels or worse yet, the NO word. Take your dog along on a camping adventure that includes hiking, sightseeing, and exploring the natural world. He's sure to sleep soundly after a day on the trail.

Petco has provided us with a package of goodies for our winners, including a nice little tent for Fido that's perfect for naptime at the campsite or while you picnic with the family. Well-ventilated, this tidy little tent will be comfy with the blanket that offers one side for Winter warmth and one for cool Summer napping. You can order from their website or stop by a store near you to see what's in stock. Colors may vary, so shop for some color-coordinated Fido fashions for the trip, while you're there.

When dogs go deep in the woods they're sure to think of two important things: wildlife and snacks. So two of our winners will score an animal toy for the trail and a surprise to quell hungry tummies.

This handy dandy tent doubles as a pop up crate while traveling in style at hotels, and can serve as a makeshift home when you spend the night with friends and family along the way. You just can't go wrong with this easy to set up tent that's machine washable for easy cleanup.

Questions? Stop by Petco's Facebook or Twitter page to check on anything you'd like to

courtesy SturdiProducts.com

know. Their social media team will answer your questions and guide you in any research.

Now let's have some fun and give away this set of Summer fun goodies. Our Rafflecopter entry form at the bottom of this post will serve as your campground entrance. If you don't find it welcoming, please click the post title to snap it back to duty. Sometimes it naps out of sight; not a very good scout!

Happy camping,

Petco has provided these products for promotional giveaway. I have not been compensated to tell you about them and the comments above are my own thoughts.

Mutt Monday Camps with the Dogs

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

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courtesy llja via Flickr.com
Where Will You Take Fido?

Last week we shared some posts on boredom busters for our dogs, and got a few linkups. Thanks to those bloggers who joined in. This week we're specializing. With the weather finally out of the 90's here in Florida, this is a terrific time to take the dogs camping.
Despite a couple of mishaps, we're generally having fun and enjoying new places and smells, walks and scenery. So join me if you're a blogger, by linking up your adventures with Fido that even remotely resemble camping. Hiking in the woods works! :)
As usual, I'm going to announce next week's theme so that  interested bloggers can dig into their archives and locate posts that match our next theme: Dog Lover Gifts for the Holidays
I'm reasonably certain next week bring in a nice group of bloggers who are looking to show off their most recent reviews. Keep in mind that these reviews are often coupled with a giveaway. We hope to see you here, shopping and enjoying some fun ideas.
Happy tails,





P.S. If you have an idea for a topic you'd like us to share on Mutt Monday, please leave a comment with your idea below. I'd love to hear your input. Thanks!

Dogs Deep in the Woods: A Pet Solutions Post

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© Vicky TGAW via flickr.com
Preparedness Assures Enjoyment

Dear Carrie:

I’m going to take my 2 Labs camping and need to know what I need in their first aid kit.

Brenda 

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Dear Brenda:

Camping with 2 Labs sounds like my kind of fun. Tanner, my Golden Retriever, would be so jealous! 

You've asked a very good question. While pet first aid kits are quite commonly available (petfirstaid.org), there are some things that they lack.

For example, an injured dog is prone to lashing out at its owner, if in pain, even as you try to help it. A soft muzzle that can be collapsed and carried in a small space is well worth the trouble if your dog is seriously injured.

Include a spare leash just in case of a broken one. An old towel or rug serves as a clean bedding during First Aid and can be used as a stretcher if you and a partner need to carry your dog.

A cross shoulder leash/harness or hip harness for you is unbelievably useful for keeping a dog with you if one of the dogs is injured. You'll need both hands.

Most first aid kits do not include enough stretch gauze or stretchy, self-stick bandage. Take triple the amount they include. You can pick this up at any drug store. This is useful in creating a splint as well as covering a gauzed injury, and can be used on yourself as well. Additionally, I always include extra Peroxide for cleaning a larger wound. You just can't have enough if a serious wound is incurred.

Add Benedryl tablets and a dosing mechanism (small can of dog food, cheese, ham wrap, etc) for allergic reactions or bites. Treat your dog with pest repellent that is non-toxic before entering the woods, and reapply twice a day while there. These products may include natural oils such as peppermint, cedar, and clove. Vets Best sells a complete line.

Make sure your dogs are well-identified with tags and microchips just in case you lose one. I believe PetHub now has a tag with a GPS tracker embedded--worth the cost.

Of extreme importance is taking care of yourself, as you cannot care for your dogs if you are seriously injured. Carry some sort of weapon to protect yourself from dangerous animals, both human and non-human.

Check with your vet for instructions on first aid if your dog is bitten by a snake. Have the poison control number and a cell phone with you at all times. These are your best allies.

Have fun and be safe!