10 Essential Tips For Camping With Your Dog

by Lori Ennis

Updated: April 25th, 2022 Published: May 11th, 2021

10 essential tips for camping with your dog

Camping is a budget-friendly activity that lets you get back to nature. And you know who really loves nature? Your dog! Camping aficionado Vanessa Chiasson, the blogging brains behind Turnipseed Travel (a site that’s passionate about great value and getting the absolute most for your hard earned dollars and days off), gets down and dirty with 10 essential tips you’ll need to know before camping with your dog.

Camping is a classic way to enjoy a fun, affordable vacation with friends and family. It doesn’t matter whether your style ranges from extended expeditions through challenging terrain or a simple weekend getaway of car camping in a nearby state park – chances are, there’s a campground for you! Even the more remote locations are offering great amenities these days. From refurbished shower stations and picnic areas to camp stores, ice cream counters, and free wi-fi, camping is more accessible and welcoming than ever before. And if you think you’ll love camping, it’s nothing compared to how much your dog will!

Camping and dogs are a natural fit. So many nooks and crannies to explore, so many squirrels to put in line, so much delicious mud and dirt! Chances are, your dog will LOVE a camping trip and will be begging for more!

And now, more than ever, we’re looking for ways to travel AT ALL, and camping is it for many of us.

Things To Think About Before Camping With Your Dog

While many think that camping is just setting up a tent and hanging with your dog and nature, that’s not necessarily the case. Particularly now where even outdoor parks and campgrounds have restrictions on who can be there, how many can be there, and what you can do.

When you’re planning to go camping with your dog, you’ll want to be sure to do your research. Some places that maybe allowed dogs before simply may not now. Many national parks and wildlife refuges won’t allow dogs on hiking trails. This means that maybe they ARE allowed to be on the campground with you, you’ll have to have a plan for them should you decide to hit the trails wherever you’re staying. (We know it goes without saying but leaving them at the campground is never an option.) You may not even want to tackle those places for camping if your dog being with you will mean that you’ll not be able to do much of anything and you’ll want to know this BEFORE YOU GET THERE. Imagine getting to your destination and finding out that your dog is basically allowed to be at your tent or your vehicle? Not good. Not good at all.

You also need to look at what will be good for you and your dog. Sure, you might want to go to some amazing overlook, but how will your dog feel about it? Choose places that your dog will also enjoy–massive mountain hikes are probably not super-realistic. One thing you can do is call the visitor’s center of the places you’re planning to camp and simply ask how dog-friendly they really are. They don’t want you and your dog there but miserable any more than you want to be, so they’re going to tell you the truth.

Also, ask about how many dogs are allowed. You may be able to bring one dog, but if you have a pack? Good luck choosing who gets to go and who doesn’t. If you plan to backpack your pet, consider not just his comfort level with that but YOUR comfort level (and ability) as well.

If your dog will be walking, remember that even if dogs are allowed to travel with you, most places will not allow dogs to be off-leash, for the safety of the wildlife around as well as other hikers. Don’t be that person who says, “Oh but Fido is great with wildlife and people.” Sure he is. Until a random rabbit takes off and then? Even the best-trained dogs may just not be able to resist the temptation.

The good news, though, is that with some research and a really honest assessment of your and your dog’s ability levels and preferences, camping with your dog can be an amazing experience. He may come to love seeing you pack up the tent because camping does lend itself to lots of together time, and what pup doesn’t love that with his hoomans?

Here are ten tips to make the experience a safe, smooth, and successful one.

1.) Talk to your vet.

If you are spending time outdoors, they can recommend preventative tick medication, vaccines for Lyme disease, and even provide information on the safety of the lake water.

Make sure your dog is in good health if any long hikes are planned. This includes consideration for any physical limitations when it comes to physical activity.

Does your dog struggle to breathe after too much physical activity? This is a common problem in dogs with shorter snouts like the bulldog, pug, or Boston terrier. Is your dog getting up in years? If so, he may be experiencing arthritis, making it more difficult to keep up on the trails. If your dog still wants to hike but feels a little pain after being active, your vet may also have recommendations for pain management without fully limiting your dog’s active lifestyle.

2.) Prepare your papers.

Crossing a national border will require vaccine papers, as do some state parks (for proof of rabies protection). If your dog decides he hates camping and wants to check into a Pet Hotel, they will also require vaccination records.

Medication should be accompanied by prescriptions and it’s always a good idea to research local veterinarian services or emergency veterinary clinics just in case.

Another important reason to keep paperwork on hand is to provide you with the information needed in case of an emergency. This includes a medical history for any necessary veterinary care (especially if your dog has specific medical needs) as well as details to help you find your dog if he is lost. Make sure to include a picture of your dog with your documentation for Lost Dog posters.

3.) Enjoy the ride.

Make sure you stop on route so Fido can stretch his legs – he might be a bit cramped with all the camping gear packed in! Keep a bottle of water and a collapsible bowl with you at all times and offer frequent drinks.

If your dog isn’t comfortable in the car, there are some steps that you can take to relax him and help make the trip easier. Bring along his favorite blanket or toys for the ride. Having something familiar nearby can really help with any nerves and anxiety. You may also be interested in using calming treats or supplements.

4.) Pick your site with care.

Depending on your dog’s temperament, it might be wise to choose a more secluded patch of land to pitch your tent. A campsite next to the washroom or water tap means increased foot traffic near your site, which not all dogs will appreciate.

Watch out for trails nearby. While it might not look obvious that there is something close at first glance, having the foot traffic of the hikers coming through can be upsetting for some dogs. Especially if they hear people nearby and can’t spot them.

You can also take your dog’s interests into consideration when selecting a site. If you have a dog that loves swimming, you may want to search out a waterfront site that will allow your dog to take a dip when the temperatures rise. On the other hand, a more laid-back dog may prefer a site with a large tree creating a comfortable, shaded spot to nap.

5.) Call in the rangers!

Park rangers are a wealth of information and they can help with everything from recommending the best site for privacy, which nature trails are pet friendly, and even what sections of the beach welcome dogs.

They are also very familiar with the area around them. This means that they could help you find the nearest pet store if you run out of dog food or an emergency vet if you’re not sure where one might be in the event of an emergency.

6.) Priority setup.

Before you pitch the tent (or crack open the first beer!), take care of your dog. We first walk the perimeter of the site with our dog Chester so he has a chance to check everything out. We have a special 12-foot cable that we use in lieu of a leash. We set up his food and water dishes, taking care to bring his bowls from home.

We also set up a sun shelter if our site lacks natural shade. Shy pets will greatly appreciate the creation of a “fort” or “den” where they can get away from it all. A large sheet draped over a picnic table does the trick.

If you aren’t interested in using a leash or tie-out at your campsite, consider setting up a containment system like an exercise pen. This will keep your dog safely contained to your site where you can keep an eye on him, preventing him from running off and getting into trouble, while still providing some sense of freedom to move around the site.

7.) Nap time.

If setting up camp tires you out, imagine what it does to your dog! We try to have nap time every day. One of us will read in the tent while Chester naps – it’s a great time for both of us to refuel. Pets should never be left alone in a tent. Just like a car, the temperature inside a sealed-up tent can soar and a panicked pet could hurt themselves trying to fight their way out.

8.) Long live the leash!

It’s so tempting to just let your dog run free at a campground but always obey the leash rules. There are many reasons why leash rules have been put in place, all designed to keep everyone using the space both safe and healthy.

If you’re not convinced to do so out of consideration of other campers or for your pet’s safety, maybe the thought of sharing a tent with a skunk-sprayed pooch will do the trick!

Your dog may be dog-friendly, but that isn’t true for every dog. While you are out and about at the campground, you may encounter dogs that are nervous or reactive. Your dog’s intentions when coming up to say “hello” don’t matter, they are just put off by a strange dog approaching them and it can create a dangerous situation. At the same time, not every person is comfortable around dogs, especially strange dogs!

9.) Bugs and sun.

We use a child-friendly mosquito spray on Chester and also apply gentle sunscreen to his nose area.

10.) Bath time!

Congratulations! Your dog now smells worse than ever before! We always time our campground departure to coincide with a professional grooming once we get home.

We’ve camped with Chester on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean in northern Prince Edward Island, in the middle of the fall colors in Northern Vermont, and along the sand dune-swept beaches of Lake Ontario. No matter what the season, the location, or the duration we always have a wonderful time, and having Chester with us only enhances the fun. I hope you can employ these tips to make your next pet-friendly camping trip one of your best vacations ever!

Lori Ennis

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Tips for Camping Solo With Your Dog

You’re planning on escaping the city – it’ll be you, your dog and the great outdoors. Before you pitch a tent, make sure you check out our tips for camping solo with your dog. Dogs make ideal camping partners. Besides being the best kind of company, they keep us warm on chilly nights, warn us of danger and are just plain awesome to have around! It makes sense that so many people take their dogs camping with them. In fact, some people prefer to take dogs rather than people as a tent mate. If your next camping trip is just you and the canine, here are some tips for camping solo. Related: Rustic Tips To Remember When Camping With Dogs Plan Ahead Scout out campgrounds before you go. Travel guides, websites and blogs are all great sources of information. You know your dog best, and what activities interest you both. Personally, I love a good long hike and a place to swim is an absolute must. I am always on the lookout for dog friendly trails and safe swimming spots. Many parks now offer designated dog beaches, which is a great way to spend an afternoon. Also check for any restrictions for dogs in the area you plan to camp. In the United States, dogs aren’t allowed in many areas of National Parks. I’ve even encountered areas where dogs weren’t allowed in the backcountry in a canoe, or on the ground! In the front country, their presence was limited to paved spots only. I skipped those place – where I go, my dogs go. Related: Proper Canine Camping Etiquette For Well-Mannered Mutts Nom Noms For a weekend trip, packing enough fresh food in the cooler for one person is pretty easy. But for longer journeys, consider using grocery store apps to pre-order with a pick-up option. You simply roll up outside the store and they load your groceries right in. That way you don’t need to leave your dog unattended at all. Pet stores often encourage pet parents to bring their dogs shopping opposed to leaving them in a hot car. Getting more dog food on the go should be easy. Nature Calls This one can be the most challenging! Many campgrounds don’t allow dogs to be left unattended in the campsite. And for good reason. As much as your dog has got your back, you have his too. A dog left alone in a strange place can become panicked, lonely or get in trouble with any wildlife marauding through your site. I look for campgrounds that offer primitive camping, which most often means single stall outhouses. I can bring my dogs right in with me, or if there is not enough room in the stall, I just leave them outside in a “down/stay.” Many outhouses don’t have doors all the way to the ground, so I can still keep an eye on my dogs. It’s not ideal, but you got to do what you got to do Others carry their own travel toilets. Meaning they never have to leave their pet unattended to attend to their business. Handy? Yes. Gross? No more than using a public bathroom. There are a bunch of options out there for travel toilets that range from buckets with a seat to more fancy chemicals to leave no smell. Amazing times we live in! Campground Hosts The final tip is for solo camping is to check out campgrounds that offer a campground host service. These folks are great for answering any questions, alerting you to potential pitfalls with your dog, and in a pinch may even be able to offer doggy-sitting duties while you run to shower. With a little bit of planning, your canine camping trip will be giving you plenty of warm memories.

10 Soggy Tips On How To Wash Your Dog

For the sweetest smelling pooch on the block, follow these tips on how to wash your dog Who doesn’t love that wet dog smell? Okay, we’re just joking around, but we do love the way a dog smells after a bath. We’ve put together some soggy tips you can use to wash your dog the right way. Get into all those furry nooks and crannies (don’t forget behind her ears) and always be prepared for a dog that may bolt! Read on to find out our 10 soggy tips on how to wash your dog. Have everything you need at hand. Towels, shampoo, conditioner, a wash cloth, a comb or brush, and treats – make sure all of these things are ready to go and at your side by the bathtub or sink before Fido hits the water. You don’t want to leave an unattended dog in a bathtub. You may find yourself chasing a wet dog around your house.Test the water. Not too hot, not too cold… make sure it’s just right. You don’t want to leave your dog shivering or burn her skin.Brush out her coat before getting it wet. Brushing will help relax your dog before tub time, which can help if you have a pooch that’s not too fond of the bath. As well, it gets rid of any tangles or mats, which you need to remove before getting your dog wet.The right shampoo makes all the difference. Make sure you pick a quality shampoo for your dog, especially if she has existing skin issues. Some shampoos are just made for puppies, while others deal with fleas and ticks. Read the labels before purchasing.Wet the coat and then start shampooing. It’s time to get your doggy soggy! Wet your dog completely from head to tail. Start at the head and work your way down. Get some shampoo in those often missed places, like behind the ears and in between her toes. If your dog is anxious, use this time to give your pooch a massage.Wash that cute little face. This is probably the part your dog will dislike the most. Use a damp cloth to wash around the eyes, mouth and ears. Be careful not to get shampoo into these areas – it stings and doesn’t taste good. If your dog has floppy ears, get in there with the damp cloth. But be sure to dry them, as floppy ears are prone to ear infections.Rinse it off. Time to get rid of all that dirty shampoo, so give your dog a good rinse. Rinse off your dog until the water runs clear. If there’s shampoo around her face, use a wash cloth to wipe it away.Towel off. Wrap up your wet pooch and rub her down gently. Get inside of her ears and around her eyes. If you can, finish this part outside – she’ll shake once you take the towel off and it can get messy.Hair dry. You can use a hair dryer on your dog, just be sure to keep it at a low and warm setting. Keep the dryer at a distance, as you don’t want to burn her skin. Once she is dry, feel free to spruce her smell with a dog perfume. And you should take this time to add a drop or two of rinse that will help the insides of her ears dry outYou’re finished! Congrats on your fresh smelling dog. Be sure to celebrate with some treats for a job well done.

Do You Lift a Leg When Your Dog is Stung by Jellyfish?

You’ve heard that when someone gets stung by a jellyfish, you pee on the wound. But what do you do when it happens to your dog? For those of us with pets that enjoy the great outdoors, we know that natural perils exist. From nosy cats and bee stings to playful pooches that get the wrong end of a skunk (or porcupine); stuff happens. One has to wonder what you do when the more “exotic” injury occurs like a snake bite or worse… you’re walking along a beach when Rover steps on a jellyfish! Related: 5 Cool Ways To Keep Your Pet Safe This Summer I can tell you from googling sites for human stings that any interaction with these gelatinous blobs hurts. Seriously hurts. So you’re going to need to jump in with quick and decisive assistance ASAP in order to minimize the pain and actually prevent the injury from spreading. Right off the mark, understand that this type of injury isn’t akin to a bee sting that will diminish over time. A jellyfish sting releases thousands of extremely small barbs that hook into your skin and release venom. Get the picture? The venom typically causes a painful red rash but can also result in illness so take it seriously. Related: 10 Essential Tips For Camping With Your Dog When it comes to how badly your pooch has been injured, you may want to consider this human-grade criterion for determining if a trip to emergency is needed: The sting itself covers a large portion of an appendage or torso.The sting causes a severe allergic reaction and your pet appears to have difficulty breathing, dizziness or light-headedness, nausea, or palpitations.The sting came from the highly venomous Box Jellyfish, which is found off the coast of Australia, the Indo-Pacific, as well as Hawaii. First Step: The first step in effectively dealing with the situation is to immediately remove the barbs from your pet. Remember these tentacles can continue stinging and releasing venom so he needs to remain perfectly still and you need to safeguard your hands and fingers in the process. Try using the edge of a credit card or sticky tape. Lift that Leg: Next, you need to neutralize the pain by pouring warm saltwater over the affected area. Note that warm saltwater is the recommended neutralizer by health care professionals (over plain water, vinegar or the folklore cure of urine). In fact, research suggests that applying vinegar can increase the amount of venom fired by the nematocysts by as much as 50 percent. Treatment: After all tentacles have been removed you should clean any open sores with plain warm water and bandage as needed. The removal of all stingers means you now don’t need to worry about the nematocysts re-activating and spreading venom. For treatment of pain only after all tentacles have been removed, you can alternate cold and heat – cold compresses (ice wrapped in a cold, wet washcloth) help numb the sting and reduce swelling. Apply them for 10 to 30 minutes. Then, alternate with a towel covered hot compress, 5 minutes on and 5 minutes off until it cools, to bring healing blood back into the area and flush out the poison. You’ll need to alternate cold and hot packs for 20 minutes. Another option for pain alleviation after tentacle removal is a baking soda-fresh water paste that you can layer on the affected sites to help soothe the stinging sensation. Additionally topical treatments such as calamine lotion can help ease the pain and an antihistamine such as Benadryl can alleviate any allergic reaction – always seek veterinary advice and assistance for the correct dosage for your dog. Now realistically, when I walk along a beach with my pooch I tend to have a small wrist-bag that includes sunblock, my iPhone, glasses, keys, poop bags and some cash. But after researching that article, I’m going to have to upgrade to a tote bag to carry a jellyfish emergency kit. In sunspots known to have jelly-fish it makes sense to also pack a credit, debit or key card (for scraping tentacles off before you get him back home for treatment) as well as the local vet on speed dial in case an emergency intervention is needed.

Product Review: Mountainsmith K-9 Cube

The first official sign of spring at PetGuide is when canine camping pro Kevin Roberts subtly sends us requests for all the cool, new gear he wants to try. Starting off the season is the Mountainsmith K-9 Cube – does it stand up to Kev’s tough trial? My philosophy has always been: “Have dogs will travel.” I love the outdoors and so does my pack – it’s only natural that my two passions should combine flawlessly. Exploring the great outdoors is an instinct that drives most of my leisure time. And with the hint of warmer temperatures, my need to commune with nature (and my dogs, of course) kicks into high gear. I can see the lawn again… well, at least a good part of it (I do live in Winnipeg, so it takes a little longer for the snow to melt). I don’t need any other encouragement to make a break for it and go camping. And as if Mountainsmith could read my thoughts (get out of my head, you iconic outdoor adventure brand!), the K-9 Cube arrived just in time for my backcountry excursion with Belle. Related: Adventures In Canine Canoeing Yurt Kidding Me!? To start the season off, we headed off to a yurt that could only be reached by make a multi-mile trek through rugged hiking trails. Now, a yurt isn’t like a hotel… or at least this one wasn’t (technically, a yurt is a round tent-like structure based on the tents used by the nomadic people of the steppes of central Asia). Belle and I decided to stay at Minaki Yurt Adventures, located 2.5 hours west of Winnipeg. That means no bell-boy or Sherpas to carry the gear I needed to bring for our stay away from civilization. Everything that was needed, I needed to carry… while hiking. And since Belle isn’t a huge fan of helping (unless bacon is involved), the load was all on me. So, you can bet that I was willing to try out the K-9 Cube, which is designed to make travel with your pet easier and more organized. Related: 10 Essential Tips For Camping With Your Dog K-9 Cube Features Made with 150d RipStop Poly on the outside and 210d poly liner on the inside, the Mountainsmith K-9 Cube is designed with an interior divider, a separate PEVA lined food container (PVC-Free), collapsible dishes (as well as the K9 Bed, which is sold separately), and a padded shoulder strap (it also comes with dual haul handles for tote-style carrying). I have to say, the K-9 Cube made packing and carrying Belle’s gear much simple – good news for my aching back! I really appreciated the design of the Cube – its rectangular shape offered plenty of room while still fitting neatly behind the seat of my truck. I was happy with the separate PEVA line food container, which held all of Belle’s food for the stay. Belle is a medium-sized dog, and I could have easily filled it for a week-long trip. The bag itself features three mesh pockets: one on either side of the bag, and one sewn into the inside of the bag’s top. I used one of the outside pockets for keep poop bags, so they were handy and accessible, and the other to store a couple of guide books. I slipped in Belle’s camping leash into the top pocket – this is the leash that keeps her from roaming around and getting into trouble when we are camping.

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Why Do Some Dogs Have Bad Body Odor?

Dogs are cute, no doubt about that, but most of them are not winning awards for their lovely BO – in fact, if we’re being honest, most pooches are a bit stinky. Of course, if you make sure to keep them clean with regular baths, grooming, and teeth brushing, you can eliminate or at least significantly reduce any unpleasant smell. But sometimes, even if you are very attentive about your dog’s hygiene, they can still smell a bit funky. Why does this happen? And what should you do in that case? Lastly, is there a way to prevent unpleasant body odors in your dog? Let’s try and answer all these stinky questions.Why Does My Dog Smell Bad?Are you catching a whiff of something foul whenever your dog enters the room? Are you struggling to keep them clean and smelling fresh? There could be a number of reasons why your pupper is stinky, and it is important to go over everything in order to properly address this issue. Firstly, you want to consider their hygiene. Lack of regular grooming and bathing can lead to a buildup of dirt, oils, and bacteria on a dog's skin and coat, resulting in a bad odor. Make sure you are giving your dog a regular wash or a bath, and that you are using  special shampoos that are safe for pets and smell nice.

Are Essential Oils Safe for Dogs?

Essential oils have a variety of uses and can be quite beneficial. And that’s not true for human use alone, as these natural oils found their way to the world of pets as well, and can be used to help eliminate a range of issues such as skin irritations, allergies, and fleas, and to boost the overall health of your dog’s coat. But, while there are plenty of pet products that contain essential oils, many owners are wondering: are essential oils really safe for dogs? It is a good question, so let’s try and find the right answer.Essential Oils for Dogs: The BasicsWhile some essential oils can be safe for dogs, it's important to use them with caution. Dogs have a more sensitive sense of smell than humans, so strong scents can be overwhelming, even if they are of natural origin. Certain essential oils, like lavender and chamomile, are generally considered safe in small amounts and when properly diluted. That being said, it is important to know what you are buying and to find essential oils that are made for pets especially. These are likely to be properly diluted and formulated to be safe for dogs. Essential oils can have various effects on dogs, both positive and negative. Some oils, like the aforementioned lavender and chamomile, may help with relaxation and anxiety, and help your pet sleep easier. On the other side, specific oils such as tea tree, citrus, and peppermint can be harmful to dogs and should be avoided.When using essential oils around dogs, it's crucial to dilute them properly. Always dilute essential oils before using them around your dog. Most experts recommend a ratio of 1:50, meaning one drop of essential oil to 50 drops of carrier oil. Of course, you should always observe your dog's reactions. Watch for signs of distress or discomfort in your dog when you introduce a new essential oil. If you notice any adverse reactions, stop using the oil immediately.Ultimately, you should be wary of the application methods you are using. Avoid applying essential oils directly to your dog's skin. Instead, diffuse them in the air or use a diffuser. You can also add a few drops to your dog's collar or bedding if the goal is to deter parasites. Needless to say, it goes a long way to properly familiarize yourself with essential oils and how they are used in the dog world. You can go in-depth with  a book that specializes in this topic, and gain the ultimate knowledge about these helpful oils before utilizing these natural products for your pet’s well-being. 

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How to Exercise Your Dog Indoors

Your dog needs daily exercise, but when it’s too cold, snowing, or raining, you shouldn’t let them spend too much time outside; instead, it’s best to bring the fun indoors. Whether you live in an apartment or a large house, there are simple and creative ways to help your canine companion get the physical exercise and mental stimulation they want and need.If you’re stumped when it comes to how to exercise your dog indoors, here are a few ideas to help you get started, along with some product recommendations that are worth considering.Indoor FetchWho says you can’t play fetch with your dog indoors? As long as you have a decent amount of space, you can toss a ball or toy for your pet to chase, grab, and bring back to you. Some people will use a hallway to give their dog enough room to run and grab their toy, but it really depends on your home and its layout. If you don’t have a large room with enough open space, you might need to move some furniture around temporarily, but it will be worth it.A good toy to consider for this is the Chuckit! Indoor Ball. It’s designed specifically for indoor use, and features textured chenille that’s soft and lightweight so you can toss it and let it bounce softly to entice your dog to grab it. Puppies and adult dogs of all sizes are sure to love it, and the multi-layered construction helps it withstand your pet’s teeth so this toy can last.

Study Finds Pet Parents Care More About Their Dogs Than Their Cats

Pet parents tend to place themselves into one of two categories. You can either be a dog person or a cat person - there’s nothing in between. This may come as a shock to all cat lovers, but scientists have found that dog owners care more for their dogs than cat owners care for their cats. At least that’s the case with pet owners across Denmark, Austria, and the United Kingdom.Although these findings have been observed in older studies, veterinary scientists from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, wanted to find out whether cultural factors had any effect on the results. Their results were first published in the Journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science. “We and others have found that people are willing to spend much less on their cats than on their dogs,” said Peter Sandøe, professor at the University of Copenhagen and the study’s lead author. “We wanted to find out whether cats could eventually end up having the same high status as dogs do today.”The scientists surveyed 2,117 pet owners, including 844 dog owners, 872 cat owners, and 401 owners who owned both cats and dogs. Participants were asked questions about their pets’ health insurance, their willingness to pay for life-saving medical treatment, and other questions designed to determine how much owners care for their pets. Pet owners from all three countries had a higher attachment score for dogs than for cats. Dog owners were more likely to buy insurance for their dogs, and said they were willing to spend more for life-saving treatment for their dogs. However, the results of the study varied greatly across the countries. The differences were most noticeable in Denmark, where 41% of dog owners said they were willing to pay a high cost of life-saving medical treatment for their dogs compared to 26% of cat owners. On the other hand, the United Kingdom’s results were in favor of dogs, but only slightly. Around 34% of dog owners in the UK said they would pay more for their dogs’ medical treatment compared to 28% of cat owners. According to scientists, such a slight difference isn’t statistically significant. ‘While people care more about their dogs than their cats in all countries, the degree of difference varied dramatically between countries,” said Sandøe. The researchers originally hypothesized that people in Denmark might be more unaccustomed with cats living indoors than people living in Austria and the United Kingdom since Denmark became urbanized much later than these two countries. Thanks to a much more recent rural history, cats in Denmark might be seen as just another farm animal.According to researchers, several studies hypothesize that when cats are more likely to spend time indoors, they tend to become much closer to their owners, who consequently care more about them. This was confirmed by studies in the U.S. and Mexico, where many cats are indoors-only felines.So it comes as no surprise that in Denmark, where just one out of five cats is kept strictly indoors and many have outdoor access, most pet owners care less about cats. Researchers think that pet owners’ level of care for their pets may depend on the level of interaction and dependence, as well as other factors. "There seems to be no natural limit to how much people will end up caring about their cats compared to their dogs,” said Sandøe. “The British are often portrayed as a nation of cat lovers, which is certainly confirmed by our study. The Danes have a long way to go, but they may eventually get there.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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What Are the Benefits of Dog Massage?

Everyone likes a nice, relaxing massage – no doubt about it. It helps us unwind, soothes sore muscles, and can promote the release of “happy hormones” such as endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine. So why shouldn’t our four-legged friends enjoy the same perks as we do? That’s right, dogs can enjoy getting a massage as well, and can also provide a range of benefits for our four-legged besties, the same as it does for us.What Are the Benefits of Dog Massage?Canine massage can offer several benefits to dogs, both physically and emotionally. Just like us, our dogs can be tired, sore, grumpy, or sad. And a good massage can really help them shake it off and feel more at ease and relaxed. But people often wonder if there are any additional benefits for dogs who enjoy a massage – apart from it feeling nice, that is. And the answer is yes! Here are just some of the advantages they get from a massage:Stress and Tension Relief:A nice soothing massage can help relax tense muscles and reduce stress in dogs. This is especially beneficial for dogs that may be anxious or nervous.Better Circulation:Massage can enhance blood circulation, promoting better oxygen and nutrient delivery to cells and tissues. Improved circulation can aid in the healing process and contribute to overall well-being.Pain Relief:Massaging sore or tight muscles can help alleviate pain and discomfort. This is particularly relevant for dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other musculoskeletal issues.Better Flexibility and Range of Motion:Regular massage may enhance a dog's flexibility and improve their range of motion. If you have a senior dog or a dog recovering from injuries, a massage can be of great help with improving their overall mobility.Better Joint Health:Massage can contribute to the health of joints by promoting synovial fluid production, which lubricates and nourishes the joints. Senior dogs can benefit from regular massages either to treat existing joint issues or to prevent them in the first place.  Pet-Owner Bonding:Massage provides an opportunity for bonding between the dog and their owner and can improve and strengthen your relationship. It can also help with socialization, especially for dogs that may be timid or have trust issues as it will help them relax when petted.A Stronger Immune System:Some experts suggest that massage may stimulate the lymphatic system, potentially boosting the immune system's function in dogs. While there aren’t any extensive studies done that could confirm this, it would be great if a “side effect” of canine massage is better overall health!Spotting Health Issues:Through massage, you may identify lumps, bumps, or other abnormalities that may require veterinary attention. Regular massage can help in the early detection of potential health issues on time to provide the right treatment.Postoperative Recovery:Dogs recovering from surgery may benefit from gentle massage to reduce swelling, alleviate pain, and aid in the healing process. Just don’t apply too much pressure or any pressure on the incision site – and be sure to get your vet’s approval (and possible instructions) before doing anything on your own,It's important to note that while a dog massage can be beneficial, it should not be used as a substitute for veterinary care or, in some cases, without the go-ahead from your pet’s vet. Before starting any massage regimen, it's advisable to consult with a veterinarian or a professional canine massage therapist, especially if your dog has pre-existing health conditions. Additionally, learning proper massage techniques is crucial to ensure that you are providing a safe and effective experience for your dog.

Animal Shelter Has Clever Way to Fundraise for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is for celebrating love, but for some, it can be a reminder of failed relationships. If you’re still feeling bitter towards an ex, you can now take that resentment and transform it into something positive, thanks to a clever fundraiser being run by an animal shelter in New Jersey.“Neuter Your Ex” and Help Stray Cats This Valentine’s Day Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center in Blackwood, NJ has come up with a funny way to raise much-needed funds for stray cats this Valentine’s Day. The campaign is called Neuter Your Ex for Valentine’s Day, and its slogan is “Because some things shouldn’t breed.”It’s simple: when you donate $50 to Homeward Bound, they’ll name a feral cat after your ex and then neuter or spay the kitty before releasing them back to their outdoor colony. If you’re familiar with trap-neuter-return, also known as TNR, then you already know how this works—cats who aren’t adoptable are allowed to live out their lives outdoors, but because they’ve been neutered or spayed, they can’t reproduce and, therefore, won’t contribute to the overpopulation problem.A Big Success So FarThis campaign is already a hit. Multiple news outlets have reported on it, so word has spread far and wide. The shelter states that they’ve received a lot of names (they’ve gotten so many that it will take months to use all of them). And donations have come from around the United States and other countries, such as the United Kingdom and Australia. Want to Help? Here’s HowIf you want to make a donation towards this worthy cause, you can fill out the form here, provide your ex’s first name or a nickname, and make a one-time or monthly payment to support the shelter’s TNR efforts. If you have questions, you can reach out to Homeward Bound Pet Adoption Center. Their recent Instagram post provides answers to some frequently asked questions about the campaign, so you can check that out as well.  Keep an eye on Homeward Bound’s Instagram to see photos of the cats that end up benefiting from this Valentine’s Day fundraiser.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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