Editor's note: This is a guest post written by Mat Coulton, owner of Wiley Pup.

If you have a canine glamper on your hands, enjoying the outdoors can be twice as fun—especially if you have boating and swimming on the agenda. Getting ready for your adventuresome vacation, however, does require a little extra planning for your canine companion when you're planning to spend a day at the lake.

Here are 5 must-haves for enjoying the water with your furry friend.

1. The essentials: A dog's eye view

Any outdoor adventure is better when you pack the right gear. When it comes to enjoying the water with your dog, there are some unique needs that are easy to overlook. Be sure you think through the trip from your dog's perspective and cover these basics.

Collapsible water bowl

It's an easy thing to forget, but your dog can't drink from your canteen. Even if the lake is freshwater, it's also not a good idea to let your furry companion drink from it. In fact, some types of algae are downright toxic! Make sure to pack a collapsible water bowl so your dog can enjoy plenty of cool fresh water and ward off potential dehydration.

Waterproof bag

Keep treats and other snacks dry while canoeing or kayaking with your pooch in a waterproof bag. A day full of swimming and boating burns a lot of calories—probably more than your dog is accustomed to. Just like you, they are probably going to be ready for a small mid-afternoon snack to keep going on high octane. Remember to keep feedings small when your dog is active to avoid the potentially life-threatening condition known as bloat.

Extra towels

Easy to forget, but absolutely essential: extra towels. Your pooch won't mind if they get the towel with a big tear in the corner from that time it got partially eaten by the dryer....just so long as they don't have to share! (And really, who wants to layout on a beach towel that smells like wet dog?)

First aid items for dogs

You probably have people first aid covered; however, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has put together this list to make sure you have any possible dog emergencies covered, as well. A few essential first aid items for dogs that probably aren't in your regular kit include:

• 3% hydrogen peroxide
• Milk of Magnesia
• Muzzle
• Extra leash
• Vet information and prescription list
• Pet digital thermometer (They go higher than those used for people.)
• Animal Poison Control phone number (888-426-4435)

2. Canine life jacket: Safety gear for Fido

Contrary to popular belief, not all dogs are natural swimmers. Admittedly, some dogs can't swim at all! While there are always exceptions to the rule, breeds that are notoriously bad swimmers include bully breeds (bull dogs, pit bulls, terriers, and more), basset hounds, dachshunds, and pugs and other Brachycephalic breeds.

Even if you have a strong swimmer on your hands, it is advisable to fit them with a dog life vest if they will be joining you on the boat. The reason for this is that it can sometimes be difficult to get a dog back in the boat if they jump out. They may make a beeline to the shore, not realizing it is too far for them to be able to swim. Better safe than sorry!

3. Saddlebag harness: Let your pooch carry the load

Many lakes offer hiking trails to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors from dry land. If you plan to take advantage of them, consider investing in a saddlebag-style hiking harness for your dog.

They come in many styles designed to provide your dog with balanced comfort for both short and long hikes. Roomy pockets on either side of these adventure harnesses allow you to pack items, such as ponchos, treats, kibble, portable water bowls, leash, sunscreen, and anything else that may come in handy on the trail.

Be sure that you keep an eye towards matching your dog's fitness level with the amount that you pack him up with. In addition, try to balance the load left to right for comfort and safety. Finally, take the harness off on breaks to make sure your dog has a chance to cool off, especially in warm, humid weather.

4. The right stuff: The best waterproof toys

Sure, a tennis ball might be your dog's go-to in the backyard, but it won't do for shoreside games of fetch. First, they get waterlogged and nasty. More importantly, they will eventually sink if they get punctured.

Floating skipping stones

These floating stones by Kurgo have the built-in advantage of flat sides, just like river rocks, so that you can skip them along the surface of the water with each toss. It makes a fun game even more fun by getting your dog's two-legged companion involved in the challenge.

Floating disc

If you have a Frisbee fanatic by your side (Border Collie parents especially), you may be disappointed to find out that most flying disks will turn over and sink in the water. The Zogoflex by West Paw solves that problem.

Dog float lounger

Finally, if you plan on whiling away a summer day floating on the lake, make sure you don't have to leave your dog waiting back on the shore. This innovative dog flotation device is made with durable fabric that is built to withstand dog claws. Plus, it folds up easily to take up very little room in the trunk.

5. Campfire bliss: visibility after hours

One last thing to consider that many pet lovers leave off their glamping list? Nighttime visibility. You'll have a flashlight to make it from the campfire to the cabin, but your four-legged friend will be using all four of his or her hands for walking.

Luckily, LED technology has made illuminated dog harnesses a relatively inexpensive piece of must-have outdoor gear for your pooch. Lasting 12 hours or more on a single charge (via USB cable), you'll get peace of mind when you're able to keep track of your dog when it's time for s'mores and ghost stories.

Note that this harness is water-resistant, not waterproof. While it isn't safe to go swimming with your dog after dark anyway, just be aware that this harness is not the right choice for an afternoon swim on the lake.

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Mat Coulton was born and raised in Sydney, Australia, and grew up with dogs from young on. He decided to combine his business education, entrepreneurial experience, and love for dogs to create Wiley Pup. For more on Mat and Wiley Pup, visit their website and Facebook pages!

The month of March brings with it a number of events—the beginning of Lent, the first day of spring, and the ever-festive St. Patrick's Day. Wherever you may be in the world, this festival is a chance to indulge in a pint of Guinness, dress up in green, and celebrate all the things that we love about the unique Emerald Isle.

We're not the only ones getting excited at the prospect of a full day of hanging out with our friends and enjoying a pint or two of delicious dark beer, though. Our four-legged pals are more than ready to do a puppy pub crawl with us! Before you get your green t-shirts out, and your green collars ready, it's time to find some dog-friendly pubs and bars to enjoy together. After all, Fido doesn't want to be left home alone!

Here are just a few of our favorite places to enjoy Yappy Hour with your dog on St. Patrick's Day.

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The Morrison in Los Angeles, California

Never mind a doggy bag—this fabulous bar has doggy platters! With burgers to make their humans drool, pups can rest easy in the knowledge that they can happily tuck into a burger dish of their own. At $6 for the dog-friendly menu, this is an affordable place to spend St. Patrick’s Day. From 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., you can enjoy Happy Hour and choose from a wide range of beers, ales, and lagers. If you're in need of a spot to relax after a long day at work and you don't want to make your dog feel melancollie by leaving them behind, why not bring your pup down and treat them to a meal out?

Rogers Park Social in Chicago, Illinois

Is your dog a bit fancy or little on the pawsh side? Rogers Park Social may be perfect for your pup. While St. Patrick's Day is a popular day for the avid beer drinker, some of the more pampered pooches out there may prefer something a little less heavy. Sadly, the drinks on offer here aren't designed for Poodles and Pomeranians, so they'll have to make do with water while you enjoy a wide range of seasonal cocktails designed by the owners of this beautiful bar.

If beer is your beverage, then you're in luck! As well as the delicious cocktails on the menu, there are lots of craft beers to sample while you relax in the lounge or play a board game. When happy hour comes around at 4 p.m., be sure to give the extensive drink menu a look!

The Dog Bar in Charlotte, North Carolina

This human-friendly bar is the perfect spot for pups and hounds to bring their two-legged friends. The Dog Bar is ideal if you want your dog to have a bit of freedom while you "sit, stay, and drink" on St. Patrick's Day.

Dogs are allowed to run around and explore both inside and outside, where there is a covered AstroTurf that has a misting system for summer, so there won't be any hot dogs on a sweltering summer day. Your pooch will also be wonderfully warm in the winter, thanks to the outdoor heaters!

For the two-legged guests, there is a wide range of beer, liquor, and wine options to enjoy. The Dog Bar requires a $10 annual membership fee, but let's be honest, even if you take those wagging tails, there for a day, 10 bucks is a pretty good price for such a unique experience.

Yard Bar in Austin, Texas

Austin, Texas, is home to some of the country's most famous BBQ restaurants and a number of awesome rock and blues musicians, and now, it's also the home of this perfect, pet-friendly watering hole, too. The Yard Bar will leave it's guests, both two- and four-legged, grinning ear to floppy ear!

“Impawsible”, you say? We assure you this no tall tail! Once your pup is over four months old, they can come here and enjoy a day out in the spacious outdoor bar area—all for the bargain price of $5.50 per day! While owners tuck into some tasty food and refreshing beers, the aptly named Bark Rangers keep an eye out on the playing pups.

MUTTS Canine Cantina in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas

MUTTS Canine Cantina is the perfect spot to unleash your dog for a day of ruff and tumble fun with some new puppy-pals, while you get your St. Patrick's Day pawty going. As you enjoy a cool beer or a margarita in the beer garden, your dog will be having the time of their life in the one-acre dog park. This establishment throws a range of events for their clientele, including yoga classes, visits from Santa and the Easter Bunny, and a big outdoor screen for movies.

Going to the source: Ireland

There's no way we can talk about St. Paddy's Day, though, without acknowledging St. Patrick's motherland. If you're lucky enough to find yourself in this uniquely beautiful country on March 17, you're definitely going to want a pint of Guinness after exploring the coastline of Wexford, wandering the rolling hills of Kilkenny, and staring out across the Cliffs of Moher. Here are a couple of pet-friendly pubs to make the most of your time on the Emerald Isle!

MVP in Dublin, County Dublin

With great food, and craft cocktails, this is the ideal spot to bring you dog for a fun day out in the lively city of Dublin. If you head down there on St. Patrick's day, you'll be able to catch the final day of the Women's Six Nations and then join in an Irish-themed sing-along.

The Hollywood Inn in Hollywood, County Wicklow

Why not give your hound a sniff around the garden? The Garden of Ireland, that is! Wicklow's unsurpassable natural beauty has to be seen to be believed. Once you've finished exploring the green hills, or the lake at Glendalough, let your pup rest his or her paws at this great pub. The Hollywood Inn, just half an hour from the historic Glendalough, is a traditional Irish pub with a dog-friendly patio. It also has a great range of beers and a wonderful menu to fill you up after exploring this incredibly beautiful county.

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Want to make a getaway out of it? Find out the best places to take your dog here, and check out some of our amazing pet-friendly rentals on Glamping Hub!

Spending time exploring vast national parks and the great outdoors is an ideal way to bond and create long-lasting memories with your furry best friend, but we all know that packing for a camping trip can be tough—especially when the trusty pooch is tagging along for the ride. The checklist can seem overwhelming at times, so here are some essential items to make sure you and your pup have an unforgettable time and stay safe out in the wild.

1. 20-foot cable leash and stake

Whether Fido is a dependable, free-roaming spirit or a little hard to keep under control, having a long leash and a reliable stake is crucial for owners and their pets to make the most of the scenic landscape. Once that epic peak has been conquered, take some much-needed rest while your four-legged pal has a nap, safe in the knowledge he's not going to be running off on an impromptu quest to meet more of the locals!

2. An ID tag

With the incredibly inquisitive nature of our canine companions, one of the most critical items to remember, the ID tag, is the last line of defense if the unthinkable happens and your pooch does wander off. Make sure to provide all relevant contact details so you can be reunited if your furry friend decides to explore a bit by himself.

3. Dog backpack

Hiking in the mountains can be exhausting, so why not make your companion work a little for his supper? These handy dog backpacks allow pets to pick up some of the slack and help their owners have a more relaxing day out. The packs come in a selection of sizes, from dainty Chihuahua varieties to heavy-duty Saint Bernard ones, and remembering to pack one of these on your next getaway will be a weight off your shoulders—literally.

4. First aid kit

With seemingly endless mountains, rivers, and lakes on the agenda for most camping trips, there's the outside chance of your pup getting himself in a sticky situation. Make sure you're ready for any potential hiccups by preparing some essential medical supplies, including bandages for any scrapes, hydrogen peroxide (in case anything toxic is ingested), antibiotic ointment, and tick medication.

5. Portable dog bowl

One of the most basic items for our pets is their bowl, and on a camping trip, less is more in terms of space. These useful bowls are collapsible, sealable, and small—making them a vital piece of equipment to take on those long treks. Be sure to pack some of your pup's favorite treats to reward them for their hard work on that adrenaline-pumping hike in the peaks.

6. Dog sleeping bag

If your pup's used to some of the finer things in life, you may want to pack one of these water-resistant sleeping bags to keep little Baxter happy and warm after a day out exploring. The handy bedding comes in a range of sizes to suit any dog and affords some of those creature comforts of home, even while on a wild adventure in the mountains.

7. Collar light

Exploring new terrain and discovering natural wonders is top of the list a lot of camping trips and after sundown, keeping an eye on what the pooch is up to can be difficult, especially if your pet has a dark coat. These cheap and simple LED collars are the perfect solution to avoid any unnecessary night-time panic.

8. Dog coat

Whether your pet's fur is shaggy and long or short and straight, as dusk approaches and temperatures drop off, Fido may be feeling a tad on the chilly side. These trendy, weatherproof, and waterproof coats offer a simple way for pets to stay toasty warm even on cold winter nights, as well as temporarily turning your pooch into an enviable fashionista!

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For more tips on traveling with your dog, keep on reading, with a guest post by Jessica Brody of Our Best Friends.

Editor's note: This guest post was written by Jessica Brody, the creator of OurBestFriends.pet.

Have you ever dropped the family dog off at the kennel on the eve of your big vacation, looked into his or her big, sorrowful, brown eyes, and suddenly wished you could change your mind and bring him or her along? As it happens, you can change your mind, soothe your conscience, and make the kids happy, because traveling with a dog is a lot easier these days than it used to be. Bringing the family pet along on vacation can be a lot of fun and, with some planning, it doesn't have to be a hassle. Think of it as just another detail to iron out before you pack it all up and hit the road.

Here are a few of those details to get straight:

Identification

All pet dogs should have a collar and tags, with up-to-date identification and contact information, and it should be worn all the time, especially on vacation. If Rover gets away on a remote South Carolina beach and runs away, finding him can be nearly impossible if there's no way of knowing who his owners are and how to reach them. Your pet should also be microchipped so he or she can easily be traced back to you.

How will you travel?

Dogs these days travel both by airplane and by car, and the length of your trip may have a lot to do with whether you choose to bring your furry friend along. Airlines basically classify dogs as cargo and store them securely in the hold.

For a relaxed and mature canine, that might not be a terrible hardship, but if yours is a skittish and hyper pooch, air travel could be a real nightmare for your buddy. If your dog is small enough to fit in a pet carrier that can be squeezed in under your seat, some airlines will let them share the ride with you, so consult your airline about their dog policy before making a final decision.

Of course, the most frequently-used mode of travel for a family with a dog is a four-wheeled vehicle of some kind—usually the bigger, the better. Dogs usually have some familiarity with riding in a car to the vet or to the park, so riding along won't be as alien and scary as flying high at 30,000 feet. If your four-legged friend is anxious about riding in the car, talk to your vet about appropriate medications that can help them mellow out a bit.

Have a plan

It pays to have a plan of attack well ahead of time. Imagine having your dog in a carrier under your airplane seat on a crowded flight, and he or she suddenly starts yelping and barking as loud as possible. The angry stares of fellow passengers make things very uncomfortable, so have something comforting—either a favorite snack, toy, or a doggie sedative—on standby.

If you're going by car, plan out a few rest stops along the way for good leg stretching and sniffing sessions, not to mention bladder relief. That means you'll need a good strong leash, a food dish and water bowl, toys, and baggies for cleaning up any waste.

Accommodations

The number of dog-friendly rentals and restaurants has exploded in recent years, which makes this part of your travel planning a bit easier than how you'll get there and back with Fido. Why not have a little fun with it, and stay in a hotel that offers a doggie turndown service and special dog treats for its four-legged guests? Do a little advance research, and find out what kind of deposit and fee your accommodation will hit you with, too.

Glamping

With glamping, there's hope for people who can't bear the idea of camping with just a tent and a sleeping bag. Glamping is a lot more fun for many, because it involves creature comforts— it's a camping hybrid, between luxury and "roughing it." If you're thinking about camping out with your dog on your trip, don't forget to bring the espresso maker along with your sleeping bag.

Taking a dog on vacation is a commitment and a challenge. You have to plan ahead and be prepared for the unexpected; it's not something you can take lightly, and you can't let your attention waver like you might when you're at home with a sturdy fence in your backyard as a fall back. Long-distance travel can be traumatic for an animal, so think carefully before deciding to take the beloved family dog along for the ride.

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Want to know more about the writer of this post? Jessica Brody lives in Dallas, Texas, with her loving family. As a certified dog lover, she believes that dogs are just about the greatest creatures on earth.

Is your pet feeling a bit stressed from the ruff hustle and bustle of everyday life? Is he or she looking to frolic through the great outdoors where he can bark, lounge, and holler without a worry in the world?

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Hello summer furcay!*

Sounds like your four-legged friend could use a pet-friendly vacation with Glamping Hub and Glamping with Pets. But don't forget to pack these three summer must-haves to make your pet's fur-cation even better!

V-Dog Kibble and Treats

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Good for your pup's tummy and the environment? You better believe it! V-Dog is vegan, so now your pet can be, too. Making premium products that are animal and cruelty-free is just one of the ways V-Dog helps your dog contribute to bettering the environment one bone or biscuit at a time. Be sure to buy these yummy treats and doggy bags by the bunch so your dog can be eating the best of the best all summer long.

Olive + Atlas Collars and Leashes

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[Olive + Atlas](https://www.oliveandatlas.co/) has the top accessories to make your pup's summer colorful & stylish.*

They're hip, trendy, comfortable and will have every other pet barking for more info on where to get these unbeatable dog collars and leashes. Olive + Atlas have designed a look for your pet that will have them strutting through the parks without a worry in the world. And you know that it will be the first thing they will want packed for their pet-friendly getaway.

Glamping with Pets Gift Card

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The best thing you can do for your pet this summer is to take them on the vacation of a lifetime with Glamping with Pets. Buying a gift card allows your pet to help you decided where the adventure will take you, too. Whether that is a lakeside cabin in New York or a safari tent in Washington, a glamping retreat is calling you and your pup's names.

These three must-haves can be yours when entering Glamping Hub's Pet-Friendly Summer Giveaway—enter here!

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Don't forget to visit our Instagram, too, to see how to prep your pup for the best glamping summer yet!