Tips for Tent Camping with Your Dog

by guest writer Kelley Denz of Critter Minute

© copyright on file

Retrievers Love a Good Romp

 in Nearly Any Water Available

I love going camping, and every year I try to go camping at least once. I always take my dogs, Sadie and Rusty with me. They love all the new smells, sights, and sounds. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you go camping with your dog.

Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date with a phone call to your vet. Take a first aid kit for you and your dog. Make sure to include sun-block.

You may want to apply flea and tick preventive on your dog. Fleas and ticks can be anywhere, but are more prevalent in the woods. Using a preventative product could help to keep you from bringing fleas back to your home and yard.

Be sure to have an updated ID tag and/or microchip on your dog, just in case your dog gets lost. If you're staying at one campsite for any number of days stop by your local Wal-mart/Petsmart and create a dog tag with the name, location of your campsite and a phone number where you can be reached. Bring an extra leash in case something happens to your regular leash.

Make sure your destination allows dogs; most campgrounds are dog friendly but some national parks like Yosemite allow dogs only in certain campsites. Verify the trails around your chosen campsite allow dogs. You can go to www.GoPetFriendly.com to find an extensive list of pet friendly campsites. www.hikewithyourdog.com offers a listing of trails in the United States and Canada that welcome dogs.

When picking out your campsite try to get one that offers your dog some shade. Camping near a stream or lake is also a good idea. It will provide your dog with an easy source of water.

Pack enough dog food and water for your pooch. I always bring collapsible bowls for their food and water. I prefer the convenience of collapsible bowls because they are lightweight, and you can easily pack them in a backpack if you decide to go hiking. After feeding, empty your dog’s food dish of any leftover food. You do not want to attract any unwanted insects or wildlife.

Bring your dog’s brush with you to remove stickers, fox tails and other things caught in their fur. I have found using a small black men’s comb will remove most stickers from dog hair fairly easily.

I prefer to sleep with my dogs while camping. This way I am alerted by Sadie and Rusty if anything enters the camp area. They also help to keep me warm during the night. However, if you prefer, there are tents made for dogs, and you could bring along Fido's dog bed.  Keep in mind if you leave your dog outside all night he/she could get sprayed by a skunk or be vulnerable to dangerous wild animals such as bears.

Make sure you are aware of other animals that may be in the area. Many people take their dogs camping with them, so other dogs in the area are likely. There could be people on horseback, squirrels, rabbits, coyotes, the list is endless. Be prepared to have some adventures. Enjoy!

Kelley Denz is the author of Critter Minute, a website and blog about natural dog products and fun, helpful tips for dog lovers. Like her post? Leave a comment at the link below to show your appreciation.

Related Reading:

Camping with Your Dogs: Part I

Camping with Your Dogs: Part II

Camping with Your Dogs: Part III--Strategies for Happy Dogs and Happy Families at the Campground

Camping with Your Dogs: Part IV—Success is in the Details

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!

Mutt Monday for Multi-Pet Families

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Well, I guess I went and did it. I made a big deal about changing up the Mutt Monday format to a themed weekly event and then after a weekend of post-Thanksgiving recovery I completely forgot to post Mutt Monday. I hope you have not all fired me! May I have a second chance? Pretty puppy please....with a teacup Chihuahua on top?

Last week's Mutt Monday Themed was to be Tips for Multi-Pet Families, so that's what we'll go with this week. Next week's theme will be 

House and Crate Training

I just know you guys have tons of material on these topics. So dig through your archives and post your links. Let's pack a punch of helpful information today, and don't forget to share the code on your blog. That way you'll be spreading the love.

Anyone who would like to offer a theme for another week is welcome to leave  it in the comments section. Your input is always helpful. Happy tails and please do take a moment to share this Tweet to get the word out:

#MuttMonday is digging up Archives 2 share themed articles from our best material of the past. Join in the#BlogHop 2 Link+Learn.
— Carrie Boyko (@AllThingsDog) November 17, 2012