Its a dog owners worst nightmare...your dog runs off chasing a creature through the forest and doesn't come when you call, or they get in a tangle with a wild animal...or become injured. What do you do?

I have been off leash hiking with my dogs through our 400 acres of wilderness paradise my entire life and have never had an issue.  This season, I had enough drama to last a lifetime all in one day. I have been fortunate enough to never have a tick on my dog, and only 1 episode with fleas more than 25 years ago. I found a tick on one of our dogs and freaked out...I'm pretty sure I removed it properly and sealed it in a jar in case it needs to be sent away for Lime Disease testing...and YES it was a black legged deer tick! You betcha I had 2 showers ripped the sheets off my bed and washed them in very hot water with bleach...can you tell my dogs sleep in my bed...and under the covers too!

But this wasn't the drama, that came later when my father "released the hounds" to go for a romp and do their business.  My beloved rescue dog Semaa didn't come when she was called...and when she did come in, had a face full of porcupine quills!!!
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When you live over an hour away from the closest vet and its the weekend, aka Closed...what do you do?

We decided to extract them ourselves...and let me tell you this is incredibly painful for the dog, luckily I have some vet tech experience. Still your heart breaks to cause your dog pain. I will forever keep on hand a medicine kit and long needle nose pliers. The quills were moving into her face as we were trying to extract them!  I watched as the came up through her lips by her teeth, and had to put the pliers inside her mouth to pull them out.  I had on hand Metacam for pain and inflammation, and we have begun a ritual of epsom salt soaks in the evening. She appears to be healing well...even though it took 3 people and 4.5 hours to remove the quills. MUCH LESS DRAMA WHEN DONE UNDER ANESTHESIA BY A VETERINARIAN. Yes...Im shouting...if your dog tangles with porky prickly pig...to the vet ASAP!!

Do you have a plan if your dog is injured while you are out camping or hiking? Do you carry a med kit "just in case"? Do you know how you would transport them if they cannot walk, or restrain them if they become aggressive from the pain? 

I know that I want to be prepared...its essential due to our remote location.
Here are some links for classes and first aid kits

​Walk N Wags Pet First Aid
Book: Field Guide to Dog First Aid, Emergency Care for the Outdoor Dog
The Ultimate First Aid Kit for Dogs via Outside Online
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Does your dog love rolling in the mud and muck?  Splashing through beaver ponds and rolling on the sandy beach?  Our canine friends adore cottage country almost more than we do...but what they bring home with them...might be a bit too dirty for the cottage.  While we cant be there to bath Rover for you...we can suggest a great collar...quite literally made for cottage life!  

The Hydro collars are bright, waterproof, vegan and have no smell.  These collars are nylon covered in a rubberized coating, that are incredibly durable...they do not crack and are guaranteed to never get dirty.  Where leather will absorb water, mud, muck & stink, these collars look bright as new with a rub down in soapy water.  Make your hydro collar as unique as your pampered pal.  The collars can be customized with over 8 bright colours, 3 widths, and a huge array of charm options.
Your dog will look clean & stylish both in and out of the water.

Dogs cant get enough of playing in the snow.  There is something funny & endearing about watching your dog experience snow for the first time.  Some jump back in surprise, and others dive right in and roll around in it.  Our Wire Fox Terrier gets the snow zoomies and runs around us in circles at top speed.  
Keeping your dog warm in the winter is an important factor in their enjoyment of the season.  If you are cold, they can be also.  Some dogs like greyhounds can hardly manage a few minutes in the cold, while huskies and other northern breeds revel in it.  Make sure you have the proper gear to keep your dog warm in the winter, and don't leave them outside in the cold for long periods of time.  Dogs like Dobermans and whippets who do not have a lot of body fat can suffer from frostbite on their ears and body.

What to look for when searching for canine winter attire?  I always hunt for quality products.  While they may be more expensive they will outlast the cheap stuff every time.  Dogs are hard on their gear...you need products that will stand up.

The Horseware Ireland brand of Rambo Dog coats are both affordable, stylish, and fit very well!  This has been my go- to dog coat for many seasons.  The Striped Polar Fleece coat is great for brief jaunts outside, it doesn't pill and is machine washable. It is best under the winter coat, or on a day where it is not rainy or very snowy.  I adore this blanket but it is not waterproof and can get quite dirty if they roll. The green winter blanket is made of the same rip-stop material as the horse blankets, it is waterproof and breathable. With the velcro closure and belly band they are super easy to get on and off. I give both 5 star ratings!