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Camping With Your Pet

When many families plan their vacation camping trip, they wouldn’t think of leaving their pet behind.  Including your pet can be a great source of enjoyment or it can be a disaster.  You need to consider the personality or disposition of your pet and then you must carefully organize what you need to bring  to meet your pet’s needs.

Objectively observe your dog or cat.  Does your dog bark a lot in the house or in the yard?  How does it react to strangers?  How does he react around other dogs?  If you aren’t sure, it’s time for a trial run.  Take your dog to a park where you can simulate a campground atmosphere.  Does he strain at the leash, always trying to get away?  How does he react to other dogs nearby?  If your dog does not behave in a calm manner, it might be time for a little doggie discipline, aka, obedience school, before you undertake a camping adventure.

If you have a cat that you would like to take camping, the same observation is necessary.  Does your cat have a calm disposition or does it jump at every little noise?  Some cats are very nervous and would not be a good candidate for a camping trip to a strange location with strange sounds and smells.  On the other hand, many cats are calm and curious and would thoroughly enjoy  the campground with their owners.  You just need to decide what kind of personality your cat has.

Once you decide that your pet would do fine, you should research campgrounds, looking for ones that are pet friendly.  Some campgrounds may have a special area for campers with pets.  Some even have doggie play yards that are enclosed, allowing the dogs to run free.  Make sure that you check the specific regulations for pets.  No campgrounds will allow you to let your pet run free.  They must be on a leash at all times.  If they are not on a leash, they must be in crates.  And usually pets are not allowed to be left alone at the campsite.

It’s possible to hook up a zip line between two trees to let your pet have some freedom.  Always attach the leash to a harness on your dog or cat, not their collar.  Be sure to put their water  bowl  just at the end of their range, so they can drink, but not tip it over.

Some people bring small tents for their dogs to sleep in.  If you have a small dog or a cat, a Kritter Kondo is another option you have.  It keeps your small pet safely enclosed, and folds up compactly when not in use.

There are some practical matters to consider when camping with your pet.  Make sure their vaccinations are up to date.  They should have well marked identification on their collars.  It is a good idea to carry a picture of your pet, in the unlikely event that they get away.  Treat their food storage just like you treat your own food.  Don’t leave it lying about.  Woodland critters love that.  Keep it in airtight containers.  It’s a good idea to have a spare container, in case one gets contaminated.  Have towels to dry your pet if they get wet.  If the weather is really hot, bring an extra washcloth to cool off your pet.  Bring bottled water for your pet.  The local water may not react well with their digestive systems.

Bring their beds, blankets and toys. Familiar objects will help them to adjust to their home away from home.  If you have a long haired pet, don’t forget their hairbrush.  Their hair can easily get matted, and this is also a good way to check for ticks.

You should definitely include a first aid kit for pets.  You can certainly buy them at a pet store or you can put one together yourself.  It should include some antiseptic ointment, gauze, tape, eye drops and tweezers for removing ticks.  Check your pet often for ticks and fleas.  Depending on the terrain, your pet may need some type of insect repellant.

A camping trip with your pet can be a lot of fun.  If you follow the guidelines above, both your family and your pet will have a great experience.

Author Bio:  The author is the publisher of Always-Outdoors.com, where she reviews outdoor products.  She has always been a big fan of Nikon optics and recommends the Nikon Monarch binoculars for bird watching.  If you’re looking for a big tent, look no further than the Coleman Weathermaster Screened 6 Tent.  Happy camping!

How easy is it to set-up a Kritter Kondo Pet Enclosure?

Last month, The New York Times wrote an excellent article about ‘Catios’, which are enclosed spaces that cat owners are building for their cats on their terrace, balcony, or deck in New York City. These owners typically used PVC piping, chicken wire, deer fencing, or heavy mesh nets in creating these spaces. A new portable Catio is now available at KritterKommunity.com for people that live in apartments but cannot make alterations to their balcony.

“The pet owners who can’t build a Catio because of city code restrictions don’t love their pets any less,” said Lisa Illman, President of Kritter Kommunity. “It just means we needed to develop more creative solutions to the problem.” Lisa Illman invented Kritter Kondo, a catio that requires no building. The Kritter Kondo, outdoor pet enclosure is a one piece portable structure that is easy to set up and take down on your balcony. It is aesthetically pleasing, collapsible, and portable.

“If you can’t make a big commitment to your home because you are planning on relocating or regulations prevent you from building on your balcony, the Kritter Kondo becomes an excellent alternative,” added Illman. “Ironically enough, after designing the purrrrfect portable Catio, I found out they make great playpens for pups too, and that traveling cats use them as well. We’ve even had some requests to create add-on Kondos for a longer Deluxe version. These ‘Konnectors’ will be available for purchase later this year, and they will integrate seamlessly with our existing Kritter Kondo Deluxe.”

For more information about the Kritter Kondo Deluxe, or to purchase one for your pet, visit http://www.KritterKommunity.com.

The Kritter Kondo Deluxe also makes a great gift for rescues and friends with pets.

What should you consider when shopping for a dog containment system for your canine companion? There are many things to consider and each can be as important as the next.  Take your individual situation into consideration and then prioritize based on your situation.  For example, living in a geographic area that experiences changes of seasons, one might want to consider a dog enclosure that can offer a cool place in the summer and a warmer environment during the colder months.  Convenient to clean and easy to move around are also top priorities of most dog owners.  Having an enclosure that is aesthetically pleasing can also be a top priority especially in neighborhoods with restrictions and ‘style’ codes.

Priorities vary but the top characteristics of a good outdoor dog enclosure tend to be the same:

• easy to maintain (easy to clean)
• lightweight
• aesthetically pleasing
• weather resistant
• reasonable price
• accommodate small, medium and large dogs

Meeting all of these requirements is the Igloo Dog House which has become a popular choice among many dog owners over the past few years.  The Igloo Dog House has managed to rate high in the above criteria while still maintaining a very economical price.   Since it is made of plastic, the Igloo Dog House can be easily washed off with a garden hose and still maintains it’s durability making it low maintenance.  It’s lightweight appeal makes it easy to move around the yard and easy to store when not in use.  Different sizes are available that will accommodate your specific dog.

Options Available
Size: Medium, Large, Extra Large

What We Like About the Pet Mate Indigo Dog House

MOST DURABLE for your dog to enjoy greenery, sunshine and fresh air!!!! The Pet Mate Indigo Dog House offers a fun design that gives your pet real protection from the elements. An extended doorway and adjustable rooftop ventilation work to keep the interior dry and comfortable. Structural foam construction will keep your dog cool in the summer and warm in winter.  These dog containment systems can do well in a yard, balcony or patio.
This product carries a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Due to the size and/or weight of the Extra Large option, and to ensure a safe and timely arrival, this item requires delivery via freight carrier. The freight carrier will work directly with you to arrange for specific delivery instructions.
SIZE DIMENSIONS

• Medium House Dimensions
  - External: 37.5L x 30.5W x 22.8H inches
• Large House Dimensions
  - External: 43.8L x 34W x 25.8H inches
• Extra Large House Dimensions
  - External: 51.5L x 39.3W x 30H inches

The Igloo Dog House; a outdoor dog containment system, has become increasingly popular, and by all accounts has earned it’s reputation and good fortune.

Two paws up!

The Kritter Kondo, an outdoor pet enclosure ideal for dogs under 35 lbs!

No holding a leash!

Ideal for the park because it collapses flat!

The Kritter Kondo sells for $124.99 +shipping.  This price includes a Carrying Case that has a shoulder strap and handle.

The Carrying Case has three interior pouches and a zipper pocket for toys, food, blanket and/or bed.

Mobile and easy to transport!