28th October 2019 - Omlet Blog UK

Top 10 tips for camping with dogs

Calling all fellow adventurers! If you’re planning a camping trip and want to bring your dog along for the fun, you’ve come to the right place. Camping with dogs can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it does require some extra planning and consideration. In this guide, we’ll share our top 10 tips to ensure an awesome camping adventure with your canine buddy. So grab a cup of coffee, put on your boots, and let’s hike on in.

1. Do your research

Before hitting the road, make sure you do some research to locate dog-friendly campsites around your area. The last thing you want on your outdoor adventure is to show up to a “no pets allowed” sign. So look for places that not only allow dogs, but have ample space for them to roam.

Campsites that provide pet amenities like dog parks or trails should be highest on your list. The number one rule in camping is to respect the rules and guidelines, so finding a campsite that’s dog-friendly will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.

2. Pre-camping vet visit

Keeping up-to-date with your dog’s vaccinations is an important part of pet parenting all of the time. But before you bring your canine buddy camping, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit to the vet to make sure your dog’s flea and tick preventions are current. Lots of tiny insects live in the woods and you want to make sure your pup is protected.

This appointment is also a good time to discuss any specific concerns or potential risks related to camping, such as wildlife encounters or waterborne illnesses. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, right?

3. Pack dog essentials

Just as you need your essential camping gear, your furry friend needs their essentials, too. Here are some ‘must-have’ items to pack for your dog to be sure they become happy campers as well.

Dog bed: Since sleeping bags are just a human thing, it’s important you bring a dog bed for your canine to get comfortable and cosy on while camping. The Cushion dog bed designed by Omlet is the perfect choice as it literally is the ‘go anywhere’ dog bed. Made from durable and sustainable materials, the Cushion dog bed will keep its pillowy soft shape for sleeping in the tent, on the forest ground, or in the car.
Dog bowls: One of the best parts of camping is enjoying a fireside meal after a day full of adventure. So don’t forget to pack durable dog bowls for your camping canine. And if your dog is adventuring on hikes with you, be sure to pack a portable bowl for water stops so they can stay hydrated along the way.
Dog blanket: Depending on what time of year and the location of your camping adventure, nighttime outdoors can bring with it colder temperatures. In order to make sure your dog stays cosy and warm, be sure to pack a dog blanket so they can enjoy a snuggly snooze. The Sheepskin Dog Blanket designed by Omlet is an easy-to-travel with choice that will keep your pup warm throughout the entire camping adventure.

4. Practice lead etiquette

Keeping your dog on a lead is not only a rule in many campsites, but it’s also a safety measure for you and your pet. Remember, letting your dog sniff in your garden is much different than sniffing in the woods of the great outdoors.

So before you and your canine head out on your camping trip, make sure you practice lead training. Even dogs who are used to being on lead could benefit from some reminders of staying close and away from wildlife. To add some fun to your outdoor experience, get your furry friend a dog lead from the Omlet Dog Walk Collection in the same print as their cushion dog bed and match their accessories to your favourite walk.

5. Be mindful of local wildlife

Speaking of wildlife, it’s extremely important before embarking on your camping journey to be aware of the potential animal encounters you could have in your area. Other campers are not the only interactions you and your dog will have on your trip, so make sure you do your research in advance to understand which animals and plants are in that area.

Horses, cows and sheep are just a few of the wildlife that could live near your selected campsite, so when hiking, always keep your dog on a lead to avoid any unexpected confrontations. If lakes, streams, or ponds are around your campsite or on your hiking paths, be sure to never let your dog drink from stagnant water.

Dog and owner camping with backdrop of mountains

6. Staying cool

If you’re planning your canine-friendly camping trip during the summer months, temperatures can get hot – and uncomfortable. Dogs can easily overheat so making sure you provide your pup a shaded area and plenty of fresh water is essential to keep them cool while camping.

Whether your dog is camping out with you in a tent or underneath the stars, when the mercury rises, seek out spots that are well-shaded or covered so you both can stay cool. Big trees and covered camping structures are great options. And since hydration is key to a happy and healthy camping trip, make sure you refill your dog’s water bowl often with fresh, cool water.

7. Cosy canine space

One of the best parts of camping is cosying up in a sleeping bag after a long day enjoying the great outdoors. So how can you let your dog experience the same joy and wonder of that experience? By creating a spot all their own with a cosy and comfortable dog crate.

With the Fido Folding dog crate designed by Omlet, you can set up your dog’s personal space with ease so they can relax and feel safe throughout the trip. Easy to set up and take down, this dog crate is the perfect option for camping canines. Add a dog blanket from home to snuggle up with and your dog will be a happy camper in no time.

8. Keep them entertained

Your camping trip will likely include lots of walking and hiking with your four-legged companion, but how do you make sure your dog stays active and stimulated for the whole trip? To prevent boredom or restlessness in your dog while camping, be sure to pack some dog toys to keep them mentally engaged and busy. Stuff their favourite Kong with delicious dog-friendly treats and your pup will stay occupied during your entire fireside marshmallow roasting session.

9. Respect other campers

Remember, not everyone is a dog lover. If camping in a well-attended campsite, it’s possible you may encounter fellow campers who have animal allergies or who are just not ‘dog people’ like you. So be mindful and respectful of others by keeping your dog’s barking under control, avoiding their campsites, and cleaning up after your pup promptly. Fostering a positive camping environment makes the trip enjoyable for everyone.

10. Leave no trace behind

Last but not least, practice good outdoor ethics by following the “leave no trace behind” principles. This means not only picking up your own trash and debris, but cleaning up your dog’s waste, too. Pack plenty of poop bags to carry with you on walks and throughout the campsite to dispose of your dog’s ‘business’ in designated trash cans. Keeping the environment clean ensures a beautiful experience for future canine campers.

Canine camping with Omlet

Camping with your four-legged friend is a wonderful way to create lifelong memories and deepen your bond together. At Omlet, we believe there is no better way to connect with your dog than time spent together. That’s why we craft ingenious designs like our dog crates, cushion dog beds, and dog blankets so you can spend less time fussing over the essentials and more time enjoying your best friend.

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This entry was posted in Dogs on October 28th, 2019 by linnearask

How to care for a budgie

When you know how to care for a budgie, they make wonderful pets. Not only will their beautiful plumage brighten up any room, but they’re also very intelligent and sociable — developing strong bonds with their owners. Like with all pets, however, they come with responsibilities, and it is now your job to make sure they stay healthy and happy.

Diet and basic needs

Your budgies should consume the nutritional equivalent of what they would eat in the wild. The basis of their diet should be a good quality seed mix, and they should always have access to water and a cuttlefish bone. Offer leafy greens and herbs to provide vitamins and minerals a few times a week. Feed fruit as a treat no more than once a week, as these foods are high in sugar. Food and water containers must be refilled every day, and washed weekly.

Twice a year your budgies will moult, which means their plumage will gradually fall out and grow back. To help them stay healthy during this time, it’s important that they get extra moulting vitamins in their water.

Like most pets, budgies appreciate routine. Try feeding and letting them out of their bird cage around the same time every day. If you choose to use a bird cage cover at night time, it’s best to do this every day. This way the budgies will be able to anticipate the activity around them and feel comfortable in your presence – effectively minimizing stress and anxiety.

Enrichment and entertainment

Budgies are very social pets, and it’s always best to keep them as a pair – preferably siblings of the same sex who are used to living together. If you just want one budgie, you will need to act as its friend and companion, and can expect to spend a lot of time with them.

Most budgies like to bathe in a bird bath. The main purpose of a bird bath is to clear dust and sand from their feathers and to cool off. Even if your budgies don’t have these daily requirements, most budgies enjoy splashing around in the water. If you don’t have a bird bath in their cage, you can put a bowl of water in the room where the budgies are given flight permissions. It’s important to change the water as soon as it gets dirty in any bird bath.

If your pet doesn’t seem interested in a bath, an alternative is a budgie shower. Hang some wet leaves (lettuce, basil and parsley are favourites) in the cage, and watch your budgie run through them.

Budgies should be offered the opportunity to fly freely (but supervised) outside of their cage every day for at least 45 minutes. Ideally, budgies should be able to have multiple hours outside of their cage. Make sure the room is budgie-proofed before you let your pets out. Close windows and doors, block off fireplaces, turn off fans and air conditioners and keep other pets out of the room.

Check your cage

Check your budgies’ cage weekly to see that everything is in place and nothing has broken. Perches must be kept clean and functional. Bird toys are great for mental stimulation, as they encourage physical exercise and help wear their ever-growing beaks down. Change up your budgies’ toys every now and then to keep them interested. You don’t have to buy new toys all the time, but rotating through your budgies’ toys with the occasional new toy will help add variety to their environment. Your budgie’s environment is a crucial element in keeping them healthy and happy.

Health checks

Budgies’ beaks and nails grow constantly throughout their lives, so it’s important that they have access to toys to grind them down. In most cases you will need to trim the nails when they get too long, so make sure to purchase a pair of clippers made specifically for this task.

Budgies are very good at hiding pain and illness, and you’ll need to give them regular health checks. When you get to know your budgie, it’ll be easier to recognize when they aren’t feeling their best.

Signs of illness in budgies include:

Changes in weight
Discoloured feathers
Reduced interaction with humans and toys
Crusty nostrils
Loss of feathers around the eyes or face

Another way of spotting early signs of illness is to regularly check your budgie’s droppings. The disposable paper liners in the Geo bird cage make it easy to monitor your pet’s health. When you do your weekly clean, check the amount, colour, and texture of the droppings. They can vary somewhat depending on what your budgie has been eating, but all faeces should be firm, with the urea (liquid portion) transparent and clear. If you notice changes or have other reasons to suspect that your budgie might be ill or in pain, contact your veterinarian. Make sure to find a vet that is experienced with birds – ideally before you bring your budgie home so you know who to contact if something goes wrong.

Omlet and your budgies

We’ve thoughtfully created the best bird cage for your budgies. The Geo Bird Cage has everything you need to make caring for your budgie easy, and to give them the perfect home. Customize their cage with bird mirrors and budgie perches to give them exciting ways to entertain themselves inside of their home. And with an optional bird cage stand and customisable cage colour options, your birds and their cage will both be a beautiful addition to any room.