Tips for Tent Camping with Your Dog

by guest writer Kelley Denz of Critter Minute

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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

Is Bowser Ready for Summer Travel?

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

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Cushy, Comfortable Wash-n-Zip Pet Bed

It's that time of year again. Summer is here and families are heading out for vacation adventures. Whether you're driving or flying, camping or roughing it at the Ritz, there are still certain things you'll need. Start with an appropriately sized suitcase like this little Yorkie, and then add some other imperatives. Enjoy the video and then read on.

1. Don't forget an adequate supply of your dog's regular food. Switching food suddenly will often cause digestive upset for your pup.
2. Medications that your dog requires should be set aside by your packing area to assure that you don't forget them.
3. Essentials include bowls, bottled water (new areas will have varying bacterium in the water. Choose bottled or filtered for happier tummies), leash, collar and tags, medical records including shots, and a health certificate from your vet stating that Fido is healthy for travel. Many states will require this document for interstate travel. Make sure your dog is micro-chipped also!
4. If your pup prefers a favorite bed, try fitting it into your suitcase. If this doesn't work, you may want to give our friends at Wash-n-Zip a check. These beds travel nicely and wash easily in household or hotel machines.
5. Just in case of a health issue or injury, pack a pet first aid kit that includes everything you can imagine using. Injured dogs can lash out, so include a soft muzzle to keep you and caregivers safe while helping Fido get well. Injuries on vacation are just no fun, but preparation can make a huge difference. This fairly complete kit includes almost everything for about $80, but you'll get a good value and come close with this version for about $27. What's the difference? Quite

   

   courtesy Amazon.com

   honestly, each kit I looked at this time was missing something. Some had a dozen of every item, while others were missing important features like instant ice packs and self-stick bandage. What's more, you'll really need a guidebook if you find yourself with a seriously injured pet. I've been there and it's extremely distressing when you have no idea what to do. Pick up Amy Shojai's pet first aid book and tuck it in your carry on. It's worth the space and the price.
6. Comfort means a lot to your pet, just as it does to you. Select a couple of small comfort items--toys or other favorites--to include in your pet's travel things. These may be especially welcome during travel when stress levels can be at their highest.
7. Speaking of stress, it's good to determine what works best to reduce anxiety from travel in your dog. Is it music, a comfort item, a piece of your clothing, or your presence? Whatever it is, give it to him early and often. Your trip will be more
   
   enjoyable for everyone when the dog is a happy traveler.
8. Remember to make time for bonding with your pet while you're on your adventure. Take a hike with a view, enjoy an interesting historical area, visit a dog park or play hide and seek in your hotel room. Whatever it is that makes you and Fido feel spunky and end up cuddling. Tanner and I always end our #Doga workout with a good romp:

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I Win!

Happy bonding,

Alcott Adventures Winner Announced

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

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© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Ready for Camping or the Beach

Our readers are definitely loving the active lifestyle products they have found at Alcott Adventures via our review. And who wouldn't! Oliver has a nice shady spot no matter where we head out to, and it's easy to tote in it's compact carrying bag. 

You'll find an assortment of products to suit any active dog's idea of being busy, even if

© AllThingsDogBlog.com

you've got a nappy Pappy like I do occasionally. Oliver does enjoy his naps!

Want to learn more? Check out Alcott's other social media sites, as well as their website:

• Twitter: @FunWithAlcott
• Facebook: Alcott Adventures
• Pinterest

If you're not one of today's winners, feel free to drop in at the AlcottAdventures.com website to check out your favorites. What will your dog choose?

The winner of our $25 Gift Code is Alesha L.   I'll be in touch via email from AllThingsDogBlog@gmail.com. Watch your inbox and your spam file. You'll be able to select the product of your choice and apply the GC to your purchase. Enjoy!

Our Alcott experience that is reviewed here was not compensated; however we did receive the products free as our method of evaluating them. Opinions are completely my own.

Dog Adventure Products Giveaway

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Dreaming of Adventures

 No matter what you and your dog consider an adventure--glorious afternoon naps, travel, water fun, or camping in the wilderness--Alcott Adventures has the supplies you will need. Our Oliver recently tried out an Alcott bed and their sun shade for outdoor enjoyment, finding that both met his criteria. What was that? Good question, but he's very much enjoying them!

The even better news is that we've got a $25 gift code to give one lucky winner. This dashing doggie will get to select the product of their choice--booyah! Whether you're looking for comfort at home or equipment for your getaway, you're sure to find it at Alcott. And what's more, they're even covering the shipping. 

You can learn more about Alcott Adventures , our review, and at this link and at their social media pages:

• Twitter: @FunWithAlcott
• Facebook: Alcott Adventures
• Pinterest
• Instagram: @FunWithAlcott

To enter this giveaway you need only get cozy with the Rafflecopter entry form at the bottom of this post. Mind you, this form can play hide and seek from time to time. If it's hiding, just click the post title at the top of this article and you'll instantly find that the form will reappear and be ready for duty. Tag! Rafflecopter is it!

Entries will remain open through midnight on Thursday, August 14. Winners will be announced at the bottom of this post, as well as in a new post, here on the blog--Friday afternoon, August 15. Be sure to watch your email and check your spam file if you find you are named the winner.

Now, one last little detail. Give me and the folks at Alcott a little help in getting the word out. Click the RT link in the Tweet embedded here:

Enter to win a $25 GC from @FunWithAlcott & @AllThingsDog. #DogsLoveAdventure http://t.co/JNKOj3kvI9 pic.twitter.com/mDbQdiJh8d
— Carrie Boyko (@AllThingsDog) August 4, 2014

Thanks and good luck!

Our Alcott experience that is reviewed here was not compensated; however we did receive the products free as our method of evaluating them. Opinions are completely my own.

Alcott Adventures for Dogs

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

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© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Shade Canopy Provides
Cooler Napping Spot at Campsites

As the All Things Dog clan ramps up to do more camping in the cooler weather, our Summer adventures here in Florida require one of two things--water or shade. When our friends at Alcott Adventures asked Oliver to review a couple of their products he was all over it like the very cool dog that he is. We're looking forward to using this shade canopy at campsites everywhere we go, whether or not it's hot. After all, like any boy from the South, Oliver likes a little breather from the bright sunshine.

The left and right sides of the shade canopy zip open to allow for more air flow, as well as to keep the canopy from taking flight when there is no inhabitant.  Imagine that! We do recommend that you place a moderately heavy object (a good quality dog bed would work well) inside the canopy when it is not occupied by Fido, just to assure the winds don't whisk it away.

Weighing almost nothing, this adorable canopy comes in a carrying case that easily will sling over your shoulder for a hike to the beach or the lake. Set up is quick and painless and the reverse is a simple reversal in procedure. Clearly, Oliver decided this was the place to be!

© AllThingsDogBlog.com
Oliver's New Favorite Bed for Cozy Naptime

For indoor napping, we selected a nice bolster bed that's like nothing Oliver owns. It's quite thick with a place for him to prop his head up that goes all the way around. Oliver checked it out thoroughly, and after approving it, he snuggled in for a little test. It wasn't' long before he was deep in a snooze, obviously dreaming of treats and #doga fun as his toes wiggled and there was an occasional yip. 

Alcott allowed us to order these products ourselves to test out their system. It was smooth and easy, no glitches. I spend enough time on the computer that I have a pet peeve when I encounter a not so user-friendly website. Kudos to the web developers at Alcott.

We also took a look around at the other Alcott options. They have a lot of great stuff for your getaways. Alcott offers dogs and their owners a complete line of gear and accessories to turn everyday walks into extraordinary adventures. We especially love how Alcott reinvented sizes for dogs to make it easy on their humans. Generally speaking, if you buy a medium collar, you’ll also use a medium in all the other Alcott products. And finally, you can shop Alcott online in two ways: either by category or by adventure.  

Online you'll find four categories to peruse: essentials, explorer, traveler and mariner. Doesn't that conjure up ideas for some fun adventures? We think so! 

Want to learn more? Check out Alcott's other social media sites, as well as their website:

• Twitter: @FunWithAlcott
• Facebook: Alcott Adventures
• Pinterest

Finally, as our reviews generally conclude with a giveaway, watch for more exciting news coming soon.

Happy adventures,

Our Alcott experience that is reviewed here was not compensated; however we did receive the products free as our method of evaluating them. Opinions are completely my own.

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.