Fantastic! You want to include your dog on your next camping trip. Since our furry friends complete our families it’s a no-brainer. As pet parents we need to take the same cautions with our dogs as we would do with anyone else. Now, before the actual trip begins there are a few things to think about, and of course the essentials in dog camping gear.

Where do you think you’re gonna sleep?

HEALTH

Much like ourselves, we aren’t going to traverse a mountain while recovering from sprained ankle or if our doctor recommended holding off for a bit. Our dogs must have a clean bill of health prior to leaving for the campsite. It’s ideal to get an all clear from your veterinarian. Our dogs should able to handle the activities, strenuous and not without any major concerns. Dogs also like to have responsibility aside from being a companion. One of the must have pieces of dog camping gear we will talk about below will cover this.

DOG CAMPING GEAR MUST HAVE # 1

FIRST AID KIT

Often forgotten is the truth behind the difference in needs us as humans have versus the needs of the dog. Yes, basic instincts are universal but in the case of a first aid kit, not all items translate. Your first must have for dog camping gear is a dog/pet specific kit.

Courtesy of Baxterboo.com

An easy internet search through google reveals how readily available first aid kits are for our pets.  This valuable item is essential in your box of dog camping gear.

DOG CAMPING GEAR MUST HAVE #2

BOOTIES

As you can see after watching the video in this link it takes a little getting used to, but dog booties are very important to dogs, especially when outdoors.

Courtesy of loveadog.com

While not typically worn on an everyday basis when on walks or playing at the park, there are many more reasons to use these booties then just for camping. That fresh snow pack on the ground or walking through an urban area with lots of broken glass or other debris, dog’s paws are susceptible to injury. A thorn or a stick could easily puncture the padding causing pain.  If not treated properly infection can occur. Having no idea what our dogs may be walking through it’s best to exercise caution and put on some dog booties. Available almost at any pet store and online, it’s best to plan ahead and add some of these to your dog supplies.

DOG CAMPING GEAR MUST HAVE #3

DOGGY BACKPACK

Courtesy of camping-gear-outlet.com

When bringing along our dogs when we camp creates memories that will last a lifetime. We all need to remember that with another living animal we need to ensure they are taken care of. Extra water and snacks must be taken on hikes. Just like us during strenuous activity and potential hot temperatures, our dogs can grow tired and dehydrated. It’s about prevention not about reaction. One of the ways to help us help our pets is for them to carry their own backpack. This also gives our furry friends a sense of responsibility when they appreciate. This also eases the weight of our own backpack.  A quick internet search reveals how readily available they are. Definitely add this to your must haves of dog camping gear.

DOG CAMPING GEAR MUST HAVE #4

BRUSH

Brush me please

As beautiful as Mother Nature is, there’s tons of tiny things that can get caught up in the fur of our pets. From ticks to thorns to spurs, having a brush to keep your dog’s coat untangled and soft is a much needed piece of gear. High humidity combined with enhanced activity can make their coat matted and messy. Having a brush on hand is a must to keep their fur clean and your dog healthy.

DOG CAMPING GEAR MUST HAVE #5

POOP BAGS

Privacy Please!

Poop bags are already most likely part of your supply list at home so bringing them along should be a no-brainer.  Frankly, it’s a must. Dogs are going to poop and out in the lands where campgrounds exist so do animals that will be attracted to the aroma of your dog’s poop. To avoid these encounters it’s usually mandatory in campgrounds. If found not using poop bags, fines or jail time may occur. Please consider the rules at the campground you choose to visit and follow the directions on how to properly dispose.

And don’t forget… Have Fun!

What are your must haves for camping?

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There are times when spending that extra money will be totally worth it. Expensive dog supplies are out there and we as pet parents can benefit from adding these to our homes.  That is, unless, you just buy your dog his/her own home.

Courtesy of Therichest.com

From therichest.com number 3 on their top 10 list of expensive dog supplies… Their description is as follows, “There is a doghouse, and then there is the super doghouse. This doghouse is a perfect fit for a pet as well as a human. It is extremely secure, as a retina scan of the dog is required before access is allowed. Thus, unless your pet invites other animals in from the neighborhood, no one else can get inside. It also has a direct access to the house in case your pet wants to interact with you. There are automated food and water dispensers and self-cleaning bowls. It has its own bedroom with sheepskin beds, plus a lounge and play area. There is even a 52-inch television set that continuously plays The Dog Whisperer. To top it all off, there is a temperature-controlled spa with purification system. CCTV cameras are also installed to help you make sure your pet is not up to any shenanigans.”

Oh yeah, the cost is $410,825.00

Okay, more realistically now.

 Here are our three examples of expensive dog supplies that are worth it.

Jogger Dog Stroller

Courtesy of Wayfair

Available on Wayfair.

Do you hate leaving your dog behind when you go for a run or a bike ride? Now you can bring your pet along.  This doggy stroller easily changes into a bike trailer allowing for rides to the park to play. As far as expensive dog supplies go, this one is a must for any pet parent that’s active.

Description from the website. “This Dutch Dog Novel Jogger Pet Stroller allows your pet dog to ride safely in comfort and in style. This stroller converts to a bike trailer, with optional kit, allowing your dog to take a lovely stroll. This Novel Jogger Pet Stroller by Dutch Dog has an aluminum-alloy frame, which ensures strength and durability. It is available in multiple colors for you to choose from. This pet stroller features a head rest cushion in the front opening. It has a lowered center of gravity for optimal stability. It features alloy rims and RVS spokes for durability. This stroller has a stable and anti-slip base. It has a two section roof-front opening designed for optimal riding pleasure for different breeds of dogs. The cabin fits into the rear section of SUVs to accommodate long trips. This stroller is perfect to take ill or aging dogs to enjoy the outdoors and lets you enjoy walks or jogs with them. It is foldable, allowing you to stack it away when not in use.”

The Garden Cottage by Advantek

The Garden Cottage

A video of the Garden Cottage

This Doghouse from Advantek will make you jealous of your pet.  With a porch for morning coffee, a shelf to grow herbs, a storage box to keep from losing toys and a place to dine you may find yourself outside urging your dog away so you can have it all to yourself. It’s pretty much the house of dog dreams. Ideal for small to medium size dogs, the Advantek garden cottage dog house is part of the GoneGreen series of dog houses using lumber that is grown in government-controlled sustainable forests.

Dog Food from Solid Gold

Solid Gold

Solid Gold Dog Food

While the least expensive dog food is attractive to the eye, the nutritional content is not the strongest ingredient. 3 cans for $1 as advertised in the Sunday Paper at your local market have ingredients filled with By-Products and chemical preservatives. While a dog does not read labels we should. Solid Gold Dog Food adds nutrient rich ingredients that help develop and keep your dog in top health.

From the website, “Crafted with your pet’s well-being in mind, Solid Gold’s holistic dog foods provide a unique blend of natural ingredients with added vitamins, minerals and amino acids for your dog’s optimal growth and development. You will never find corn, wheat, soy, meat by-product meals, artificial preservatives or artificial flavors in these recipes because Solid Gold uses only the highest quality ingredients and never sources from China. What is included is the transformative power of 19 superfoods to keep your dog in peak health.” Prices vary.

Any suggestions for us when it comes to expensive dog supplies that are totally worth it? Let us know.

Put that credit card away and don’t be tempted to seek out your emergency one either. After you see some of these luxury dog supplies the urge to spend and pamper your pets will be greatly increased. To be honest, if spoiling our pets is wrong, well you know how the saying goes. Now socks with holes in them and flat tennis balls are not good enough toys. Nor are old towels for them to sleep on; the best and only the best for our furry family members.

Courtesy of sassypup.net

Gluten Free dog treats? Cashmere bedding? Gold rimmed food and water dishes? Yes. All of these luxury dog supplies exist to make you dig deep into your pockets for the high society lifestyle your dog absolutely deserves.

Luxury Dog Supplies:

For only $6900 this Royal Cabana Luxury Dog Bed can be yours. Click Here to visit the website.

Courtesy of The Posh Puppy Boutique

From the product description, “This item is made to order. It has a beautiful chocolate glass inlaid band at the base. Inside is a plush round reversible designer pet bed with one side in pelted faux brown sable mink fur and the other side in a brown and gold velvet brocade fabric.” Visit the website for the full description.

If you’re going to spoil you dog, go big or go home. This stylish house will be the talk of the neighborhood making all other dogs around town incredibly jealous.

Less expensive than the Luxury Dog Bed, but equally elegant is this $500 bottle of perfume.

Courtesy of Bitch New York

Named, Pooch De Noel Eau De Parfum, their website describes it as “These light, elegant fragrances are enhanced with two of the finest conditioners for the dog’s coat and packaged in beautiful crystal glass bottles and come in beautiful boxes making them wonderful gifts for the most pampered Pooch. From lively fresh notes for the male dog to lovely white florals for female dogs, there is a scent for all breeds for all seasons.”

When you bring your dog as your date on the red carpet or any other formal event, a spritz or two of perfume compliments any formal attire. As far as luxury dog supplies go, this is a definite go to.

After that black tie event or just to get ready for it, don’t forget to have your dog bathe in their very own shower.

Courtesy of Erin Carroll Homes

With the difficulty of using the kitchen sink or that plastic kiddie pool in the backyard, the convenience of your dog having their own shower doesn’t just benefit the pet parent but the pet itself. Think of the array of luxury dog supplies that you can pair with their very owner shower. Bathrobes are available, as are chemical free body washes and designer inscribed towels.

Meanwhile, back at The Posh Puppy Boutique, this dog bed can be yours for $5998.00.

Courtesy of The Posh Puppy Boutique

Don’t forget our dogs need a place to store all of their luxury dog supplies. Over at puppylovecouture.com this elegant armoire set is the luxurious of the luxury.

Courtesy of puppylovecouture.com

As described on their website, “This suite is beautifully hand crafted in solid wood; all architectural details are drenched in Swarovski crystal and are embellished with semi-precious stones. All the bedding is made of ultra-plush designer fabrics. Attention to every detail is unmatched in the industry.”

Items are all made to order and can be yours for $12,999.

The last item we’ll mention is the Doggy High Chair courtesy of bedzine.com.

Courtesy of bedzine.com

As our dogs complete our families sharing the dinner table makes sense.  This doggy high chair retails for $900.

Have we tempted you yet with our luxury dog supplies ideas? I’m sure we have.  Let us know what luxury items you would buy. All of our family members deserve the best treatment possible and with these luxury dog supplies we are pampering our dogs to the fullest and we love it.

FIVE THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHEN SHOPPING FOR OUTDOOR DOG SUPPLIES

Having the best outdoor dog supplies available for our four legged family members promotes exercise which we all know to be one of the healthiest things we can do. As much as we as pet parents need health benefiting activity, our dogs rely on such playtime too. Exercise has more than just a few heart healthy benefits. It may include better memory and slower the effects of aging. For our dogs, exercise parallels a lot of the same benefits as us the pet parents, but also includes, less chance for urinary tract infections as going for a walk stimulates the need to urinate. Exercise also promotes a healthy digestive system. Read more about it here.

Promoting such activity usually requires some outdoor dog supplies. Here are five things to look for when researching and shopping for outdoor dog supplies.

Outdoor Dog Supplies: Determining Your Needs

I got this

When the choice has been made to add to your family and adopt a dog, preparations must be made. Much like having a child, the majority of items needed to get started have already been acquired prior to the joyous day. Now, we’re not saying there should be a new doggy shower, but that would be pretty great, wouldn’t it? Your friends and family gathering with pet gifts like, outdoor dog supplies, indoor dog supplies and all other everyday needs. Celebrating the pending arrival would be a fun afternoon.

Determining your needs is based upon what dog you are adopting, what type of active person you are and what you and your family want out of adopting your new dog. Are you more of a stay at home lifestyle? A weekend warrior? A Mother Nature enthusiast? Exercise every day?  Or are you the type that would let your pet run around in the backyard and maybe your walks are to the mailbox and back? Maybe you go to the park on a holiday but don’t really bring your dog around anywhere? What kind of climate do you live in? Do you need to worry about rain, excessive heat or cold, snow or wind?

Well, all of us here bring our furry family members everywhere we can. With all of this potential activity there’s lots of outdoor dog supplies needed, that unfortunately, weren’t gifted at a new doggy shower.

Outdoor Dog Supplies:

Safety

See, no one will know.

Just because you could doesn’t mean you should. Much like ourselves, safety is clearly the dominant factor when it comes to deciding what type of outdoor dog supplies we need. A comfortable collar and leash that doesn’t choke are necessities. When purchasing a leash, think of multiple uses. A tool not just for walking your dog but, can it be used on the hiking trail? Does it tie to a ground stake to secure your pet while camping or do you need to purchase three different leashes?

Dog Booties are a highly recommended item for all climates. They protect paws against harsh winter conditions including frostbite and the sharp edges of street salt, but also are helpful in the rain or on the hot asphalt or as this article called it, asp-hot!

As smaller dogs are more susceptible to predators, take caution if your dog is always out in the backyard. Birds of prey fly around in all 50 states, and anywhere outside of Hawaii, snakes can be a concern as well. For safety options it’s wise to have some sort of a dog shelter. Advantek has an array of options to consider when it comes to keeping your pets safe and secure.

Maintain the mindset of safety when shopping for outdoor pet products.  This will help determine your needs when it comes to providing for your pets.

Outdoor Dog Supplies: What Is You and Your Pet’s Style?

How else would you cruise the boulevard?

With safety etched in the back of our minds, what about style? Do you like bright colors, such as yellow and orange to keep your pets visible? Or are you more of a dark clothing style person? Jeans and a tee shirt? Always a suit? Nudist? Whatever your style may be it is something to consider when shopping for outdoor dog supplies. Your pets will take on their own personality and catering to their quirks and traits is natural. Think about that as you cruise the aisles at your local pet store or online. What helps define your pet?

Outdoor Dog Supplies:

The Benefits

Bringing your pet to work is a valuable benefit.

Picture courtesy of The Labor Dish where they talk about the benefits of bringing your dog to work and if it’s even legal.

Here at Advantek it’s not just legal but it is encouraged. Read this blog post from back in November. The benefit of having our dogs at work keeps us active. From running around the showroom and taking them for walks outside and around the office we love having our furry family members here. When considering outdoor dog supplies think about the benefits it brings to you and your dog. Does it encourage additional playtime and activity? Is a benefit keeping your dog safe? Is the benefit that it totally fits your style? Everything is purchased for a reason and that reason is the positive benefit.

Outdoor Dog Supplies:

Value

Best Value for my Dollar

It’s a basic instinct to seek value when it comes to purchasing not just outdoor dog supplies but anything. Whether that’s top value on the dollar or value in experience or usage, we always want to make sure we get the most out of what we are purchasing. Do your research. Read the reviews. Compare companies. Think about what value it is you seek in buying items for your pets.

Those are the five things to consider when shopping for outdoor dog supplies. Have fun out there, be safe and don’t forget to let us know how much fun you’re having.

What do you consider an absolute must when shopping for outdoor dog supplies? Let us know.