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Camping with your pet brings the whole family together to enjoy the experience instead of leaving the four-footed member of the family behind to worry about.

It’s no fun to be cooped up in a kennel for a weekend or longer when the rest of the family is out having a good time. If your pet is physically able, well behaved and eager to go, wouldn’t it be nice to take him along for the trip?

Just as you would pack what items to bring along for you, don’t overlook what your pet may need to keep him comfortable too. Being prepared with the right essentials and equipment is the key to ensure a happy time on the road and in the woods. Keep in mind also of when and where you plan to camp. The time of year and geographical location of your campsite can make a big difference in how and what you prepare for your camping trip. Know what the weather conditions are likely to be and pack accordingly.

Consider these tips to make your camping experience with your pet more enjoyable:

* Check out the campgrounds, parks or wherever you plan to visit well in advance to make sure they accept pet campers. You can search Pet-Friendly Attractions on PetTravelCenter.com for these.

* Find out what types of facilities they have on site, such as dog runs, off-leash areas, drinking water, etc.

* Do they allow off-leash pets on nearby hiking trails?

*Is there a size restriction or a limit in the number of pets you can bring along?

Don’t forget about your pet’s safety in getting him to your destination either.

* Invest in a vehicle pet harness, seat belt or car seat (for smaller pets) to protect him (and you) in case you have to make a sudden stop or become involved in an accident. Unrestrained pets become deadly projectiles to other passengers. For example, did you know that an unsecured, 25-pound dog in a 40 mph crash becomes a 1,000-pound mass (half a ton) flying uncontrollably inside the vehicle?

* Never attach a restraining device to the pet’s collar inside a vehicle that could choke him or break his neck in a collision. A harness will help to prevent injury.

As you plan your trip, here are some items for your pet that may help make his (and your) camping experience more enjoyable:

* Pet tent and bedding. Who doesn’t like his own digs? A small, easily assembled pet tent gives everyone a better night’s sleep. A pet travel bed or cot keeps your pet off the ground and away from crawling bugs.

* Pet first-aid kit. An essential item to pack and should contain such things as antiseptic cream, assorted bandages, tweezers, eye drops, gauge, tape, and the like. Know what items are in your kit and how to use them. Phone numbers for your pet’s vet, the National Animal Poison Control Center hotline (888-426-4435), and emergency pet hospitals in the areas where you plan to travel should be taken along. Visit Emergency Tips at PetTravelCenter.com for more information.

* Travel tag. A travel tag on a pet’s collar or harness will help someone locate you locally should you and your pet become separated. The travel tag should contain information about where you are staying locally (while away from home), including addresses and phone numbers. A cell phone number is also a good idea since nowadays most people have one with them when they travel anywhere. Be sure to pack an updated photo of your pet that will also help identify him to others.

* Treats, food and water. Pack the appropriate amount of food and water for your pet (and you!). New innovations in pet travel products make it easy to take along portable or collapsible food and water bowls, pet backpacks that even have their own water supply.

Here are a few other essentials that you should consider for your pet:

* Protective dog shoes. For hiking in rough terrain or to protect from ice forming between toes in cold weather.

* Toys. A familiar chew toy is like a baby blanket and reinforcement to your pet. You may want to include two or three for a little variety or in case one becomes lost or your pet decides to hide one.

* Grooming supplies. Burs, beggar’s lice, hound’s-tongue… there are lots of names for all of those hijackers that get on pets and one’s clothing while in the woods. It’s advisable to have the right kind of brush to get those pesky things off your pet’s coat. Additionally, in case your pet gets into something he shouldn’t that may require a bath, some pet shampoo with you may do the trick. Pack some extra towels for drying or wiping muddy feet.

* Leash and harness. You should always have a means of controlling your pet when you travel. Some animals get very anxious when they’re in new territory and can become scared and run away or excited and want to explore. Be courteous of others in the campground, park or on the trail so they are not unnerved by a pet on the loose. Remember to check the leash regulations where you plan to romp with your pet before setting out. Wildlife such as snakes, skunks, porcupines, raccoons, bears, mountain lions, and coyotes can be a problem with a pet on the loose and can cause serious injury. Make sure your pet stays in close proximity to where you are hiking.

* Flea and tick repellant. Some products last several weeks to kill adult fleas (and larvae), ticks and mosquitoes. Consider treating your pet, according to the manufacturer’s directions, to make his camping experience more enjoyable.

It is extremely hard work to maintain the health of an elderly member of the family. Often it is an uphill task and one feels frustrated with the lack of response in terms of the health of the aged member. Even with sheer hard work and dedication, if you manage to turn around the situation, there is always some setback with rise of a new health problem. Most of the elders due to their delicate physical conditions and especially those with mental or physical disabilities are susceptible to minor injuries. It is therefore, very essential for a caregiver to have basic knowledge of treatment for wounds and small injuries to deal with such situations.

The most common injuries are minor cuts and scrapes which may be the results of small accidents. These cuts and bruises may look harmless and at times, the elders may not even realize their existence. Such minor injuries may become quite serious in case of the elderly, if they are not treated in time. All such minor injuries should be cleaned, disinfected and dressed immediately upon happening. These wound should not be left unattended as infection may set in. It may sound ridiculous; after all, it is only a minor cut or scrape we are talking about. However neglecting to treat the wounds, may cause serious problems later on because, the infection takes place faster in case of older people.

Therefore, a caregiver must be extra vigilant and provide first aid to the elders as soon as possible.

The caregiver must attend a basic first aid course in the initial stages. The community colleges offer basic first aid courses that cover the relevant aspects of wound care for the elderly. Some of the course content is usually common sense, but it helps to be imparted practical training by an instructor, so that you can remember it when the need arises. Even if you have taken a first aid course earlier, it is advisable to take a refresher course that is more specific to elder care. These courses will also include training in wound care.

Another important aspect of wound care is ensuring that the individual has been given the preventive shots on schedule. The Tetanus shot is especially important, as tetanus is the most serious infection that can be contracted. A small open wound will help the infection to spread via the bloodstream. Thus, the most important aspect of wound care is prevention of infection.

Wound care is simple enough to learn for any caregiver, and it can be easily managed with a little practice. It is important to be aware of this aspect of elder care, because neglecting it will create problems which may become unmanageable in the future. Timely care of small injuries in the elderly will ensure great dividends in terms of their general well being and health.

When our family members are well, we usually do not think about what may happen in the future. As baby boomers age, they will become the largest group of elderly that our nation has ever had. And, their parents are aging as well. As a result of these two realities most families will be caring for aging loved ones.

The Challenge – Family members do not anticipate and prepare for being caregivers. We’re too busy with jobs, children and other responsibilities. Our parents seem to have an ageless quality about them. We live with a certain sense of denial about the aging of our loved ones and what their needs might be.

The Solution – Begin anticipating future needs and prepare for the possibility of family caregiving.

Every family will address their reaction to and the possible transition to family elder care in their own way. Preparing and planning for care of an elderly loved one helps families avoid having to make hasty decisions in a crisis situation. The more prepared the better. Planning provides choices.

1. Explore your family history regarding elder care, and elicit how each member of the family feels about caring for an elderly family member.

2. Recognize the realities of the current situation for example, pre-existing medical conditions and diagnosis.

• educate yourself and your family about your loved one’s condition and care needs.

• gather information that can be used for current and future elder care planning.

3. Include elders in the planning:

• they can help guide the planning, they may have already given a lot of thought or made provisions for many of the areas that need planning

• they can be involved in making the decisions for their future which helps take the guesswork out of planning.

How your family views elder care is based on family history, culture and religious upbringing. Each family member has his/her own values and beliefs about caring for aging parents.

Start the preparing now. What are your family history, culture and religious beliefs regarding taking care of aging parents? What is each family member’s feeling and level of commitment about caring for aging parents? What are the current care needs and realities of elder care in your family? Begin the conversation with your family members and parents. Start preparing for the future now.