This Dog's Reaction to A Family Camping Trip Has Gone Viral

by Britt

Published: November 5th, 2024

Photo credit: Mark Griep / Shutterstock.com

A heartwarming video sharing a dog’s hilarious reaction to a family camping trip recently took social media by storm.

The viral TikTok clip posted by emilygrant946 shares the events of a recent family trip, camping in an adorable cabin. They believed the family dog would love the outdoor adventure, so they included him in the plans. However, it didn’t quite play out the way they anticipated…

Finn, the family dog, is apparently more of a homebody.

Set to a sound clip from Family Guy, the video revealed the pup hiding in the cabin and sitting at the stairs, asking to be allowed back indoors again. In both cases, he appears to avoid eye contact as if he’s judging the family’s vacation plans.

With over 460K views at the time of writing this, it’s clear that the pet-loving community on TikTok thinks Finn’s response is hilarious.

The only thing that may be funnier than the video itself is the comment section. Even accounts as big as the official Google TikTok account have shared their thoughts, commenting, “He’s already thinking of the route home.” Other commenters speculate that Finn may be more of an “all-inclusive resort type” and point out that he even appears to be trying to back off the stairs in one clip as if even the stairs are outside his comfort zone.

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, and for good reason! They are friendly, easygoing, gentle, intelligent, and usually up for any adventure – especially those that involve being outdoors. But there will always be those dogs that don’t quite fit the standard breed traits.

When trying anything new with our dogs, always keep an eye open for signs that they may not be comfortable in the situation. This doesn’t always mean your plans have to instantly end, but it is a good sign that you should consider making some changes to help your best friend feel more comfortable.

Some easy ways to help your dog adjust to a new environment or experience include:

Stick to Your Regular Routine: Dogs are creatures of habitat. If they are already adjusting to a change in environment, their daily schedule will at least allow some normalcy in their day. This includes what time you feed them, their usual daily walk time, and when they prefer to go to bed.
Bring Some Familiar Items: A familiar scent can go a long way in helping a dog feel comfortable and relaxed. When packing for your next vacation, include your dog’s favorite blanket or stuffed animal with their scent.
Let Them Set the Pace: Is your dog trying to hide indoors? Don’t push them to get outside and explore until they are ready. Allow them to adjust at their own pace to avoid overwhelming them.
Use Positive Reinforcement: By incorporating treats and praise, you can help to create a positive association with the new environment or experience. For example, if this is the first time your dog has been to a cabin, reward them for coming inside, relaxing, and coming outside on their own. Anything that shows they are settling in and doing what you would like to see them do deserves a reward.

Not all dogs are interested in family vacations. If your dog is miserable traveling, consider asking a friend or family member to stay over or booking an in-home pet sitter so they can remain in the comfort of their own home.

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Britt

Britt Kascjak is a proud pet mom, sharing her heart (and her home) with her “pack” which includes her husband John, their 2 dogs – Lucifer and Willow – and their 3 cats – Pippen, Jinx, and Theia. She has been active in the animal rescue community for over 15 years, volunteering, fostering and advocating for organizations across Canada and the US. In her free time, she enjoys traveling around the country camping, hiking, and canoeing with her pets.

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It’s a struggle that many cat parents have faced over time – the irresistible green temptation of munching on house plants. Your cat, that adorable fluffball of chaos (I’m looking at my cat, Pippen), may have developed a taste for our prized ferns, delicate orchards, or any other houseplant that remotely resembles a kitty salad bar.Don’t worry. This doesn’t mean you can’t keep plants in a cat-friendly home!In this article, I will address the many concerns related to houseplants and your cat, including what plants are best suited for a cat-friendly home, which toxic plants to avoid, and the steps you can take to discourage your cat from snacking on your greenery. After all, your cat’s health is priority Do Cats Eat Houseplants? Before I start discussing the many solutions and preventative steps you can take to stop your cat from snacking on your favorite houseplant, let’s start at the beginning. Why is your cat interested in eating your houseplants, anyway? These behaviors can stem from many factors, such as natural instincts, boredom, nutritional needs, or underlying medical conditions. Identifying the reason for your cat’s behaviors can often provide you with the insight necessary to decide on the most effective strategies to save your plants while keeping your cat happy and healthy. Here are a few of the most common reasons cats chow down on our indoor plants: Natural Drive to Hunt and Forage Cats are natural hunters and foragers, skills that allowed their ancestors to survive in the wild. While our cats today are domesticated, their many survival skills are still strong. Your houseplants may be triggering a response driven by these instincts. For example, if a leaf is swaying in the wind or an insect has landed on your favorite plant, your cat may tap into this desire to “hunt” and “catch.” Nutritional NeedsWhile cats are obligate carnivores (meaning they require meat protein to survive and cannot survive off just plant matter), plants can help meet their nutritional needs. One great example of this is fiber. A wild cat’s diet contains fiber in their prey's fur, feathers, bones, and stomach contents. However, if these sources leave them in a position where their fiber needs aren’t met, they may ingest plants to naturally balance their system. Lack of Mental and Physical Enrichment One common misconception regarding cats as pets is that they are fully independent. The truth is that your cat needs to be provided with opportunities for both physical stimulation and mental enrichment to prevent struggles like boredom, stress, and anxiety. A bored cat is more likely to engage in destructive behaviors to release excess energy – including chewing on your houseplants or even digging up the soil from the pots. Texture or Taste There is a chance your houseplant is somehow enticing your cat, tempting them to want a taste. This could be an inviting scent that lures them in, or maybe your cat snuck a bite at some point due to one of the reasons above and realized that they liked the taste, returning for more. Unlike the other options, cats eating plants because they enjoy the taste or texture aren’t just engaging in an unwanted behavior – they want to eat that specific plant. Which Houseplants Are Toxic to My Cat? One of the most important things you can do as a cat parent is to familiarize yourself with the common houseplants that pose a danger to your cat. The level of toxicity that comes from eating these plants ranges from causing a minor stomach upset to potentially creating a life-threatening situation. Some of the most common houseplants that are toxic to cats include: LilyPeace lily (they are not true lilies, but are still toxic)English ivyPothosSnake PlantCutleaf PhilodendronSago PalmPoinsettiaDaffodilOleanderTulipChrysanthemumHyacinthBird of ParadiseOne of the easiest ways to avoid your cat becoming sick from eating a toxic plant is simply not to bring them into your home. There are many great cat-friendly plants and flowers you can choose to bring some life into your home while avoiding any of the plants listed above. If you are determined to have one of these plants in your home, like poinsettias, for Christmas, consider artificial plants instead of real ones.

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Have you ever watched your cat leap gracefully onto the kitchen counter, sending a glass hurtling toward the floor, shattering into a million pieces? Have you wrestled with your cat trying to get them into a carrier for a vet visit? As cat parents, we often face challenges and frustrating moments, wondering if there’s a better way. It’s a common believe that cats are independent, stubborn creatures and that they are incapable of being trained log dogs. But this myth (and that’s what it is) could be holding you back from seeing your cat’s true skills at work. Not only is positive reinforcement training effective with cats, but it can also significantly improve their quality of life and strengthen that special bond you share! Let’s look at how you can use fun, enjoyable training methods to create a happier and more harmonious home for both you and your cat. Understanding Cat BehaviorThe first step to effectively training our cats is understanding their behavior and psychology. 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Help! My Cat Stopped Eating

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As a dedicated rabbit parent, your commitment to providing the very best for your furry companion is undeniable. You want them to thrive, not just survive. That is where the world of mental enrichment comes in. But why is it that when you walk the aisles of your local pet store, all the enrichment toys and products seem to be made for dogs and cats? The good news is that providing excellent enrichment doesn’t require special toys or a hefty budget. In fact, many of the most engaging toys and activities for your bunny can be created using items you have lying around your home. In this post, I’ll explain why enrichment is so important for your rabbit’s overall well-being and share a list of fun, budget-friendly ideas that will have your bunny hopping with joy in no time! When Enrichment Matters for Your BunnyWe often see trends or buzzwords pop up in the pet space, trying to convince us that something is important or necessary for our furry family members. 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Combating Boredom and Stress Like us, our rabbits can experience boredom when they aren’t given sufficient stimulation. This lack of mental engagement can lead to a variety of negative behaviors and signs of stress. Signs of bunny boredom include: Excessive grooming, sometimes to the point of creating bald patches Lethargy Lack of interest in their surroundings Sitting hunched in a ball Persistent chewing on cage bars or inappropriate household itemsDigging in their enclosure or beddingRepetitive, seemingly aimless pacing or restlessness Out-of-character escape attempts Making a grunting noise Aggressive behaviors, including nipping or biting Enrichment provides crucial mental stimulation, offering them entertainment, puzzles to solve, new scents and textures to explore, and challenges to overcome. This reduces their boredom and promotes a calmer, more content mindset. Promoting Better Physical Health We often discuss the mental health implications of enrichment, but it also plays a vital role in promoting physical health. Encouraging movement and activity helps prevent the development of obesity, a common and growing serious health concern in domestic rabbits (and, quite honestly, nearly all pets in the US). Regular activity can be encouraged by providing enrichment opportunities, like exploring tunnels, hopping over obstacles, and reaching for hanging treats, all of which help keep their muscles strong and their cardiovascular system healthy. Some enrichment items contribute to your rabbit’s dental. A rabbit’s teeth continuously grow. In the wild, they wear down their teeth by chewing on grasses, hay, and other abrasive surfaces, but not all food provided to domesticated rabbits will fill this need. You can provide your bunny with safe and appropriate items to chew on, such as untreated wood or cardboard, to meet this need and prevent painful dental issues. Strengthening the Human-Animal Bond Engaging in enrichment activities with your rabbit is a great way to spend quality time together and strengthen that all-too-special human-animal bond. When you take the time to create a new puzzle toy, design a foraging box, or simply observe and interact with your rabbit as they explore their enrichment environment, you’re building trust and deepening your connection. Watching their curiosity and problem-solving skills in action is not only rewarding for you but also creates positive associations with your presence. These shared moments of play and discovery are a great way to boost your relationship and build the long-lasting bond we all want to enjoy with our furry family members. DIY Enrichment Ideas: Foraging Fun Foraging is a deeply ingrained natural behavior for rabbits, extending beyond simply searching for their food. In the wild, rabbits will spend much of their day searching for, selecting, and acquiring their meals. This process is highly stimulating, engaging many senses, including smell, sight, and touch. It also helps to keep their minds actively engaged. By providing opportunities for foraging in their home environment, we can tap into these instincts and give our bunnies crucial mental enrichment. Here are a few ways to create foraging opportunities at home: Treat Balls/RollersTurn simple cardboard tubes, such as those from toilet paper or paper towels, into engaging treat dispensers. Cut a few small holes in the tube and place hay or small, healthy treats inside. When given to your bunny, they will need to nudge, roll, and manipulate the tube to release the tasty rewards. Of course, you should always prioritize safety. If you are using glue, do so sparingly, or simply fold the ends of the tubes to securely keep the goodies contained. Hay Boxes/Digging Boxes Repurpose larger cardboard boxes to create stimulating digging and burrowing opportunities. Fill these boxes with rabbit-friendly textures like loose hay, shredded plain paper, or safe, untreated soil. This provides both physical activity and a chance to tap into their natural sense of curiosity and exploration. Different textures also offer a more satisfying tactile experience. Cardboard Castles/Tunnels Encourage exploration and discovery by creating simple structures from larger cardboard boxes. By cutting openings and connecting boxes, you can build tunnels, hiding spots, and multi-room “castles” that offer a change of scenery and opportunities for your rabbit to hop through, hide, and feel secure. Is your rabbit hesitant to explore their new fort? Consider using small treats to create a trail guiding them through the space. Once they have checked out and seen every corner, they will be far more likely to embrace their new castle.

What Is Pica In Dogs?

Pica is a behavioral disorder in dogs characterized by the persistent consumption of non-food items. Dogs with pica may ingest objects such as plastic, rocks, fabric, wood, paper, and metal. While occasional chewing or mouthing of objects is normal, repeated ingestion of nonnutritive substances can signal an underlying medical or psychological issue. Understanding pica and its treatment is crucial, as consuming hard or indigestible objects can pose serious health risks to your pet.Causes of Pica in DogsPica can arise due to medical conditions, dietary deficiencies, or behavioral issues. Some health problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease ( IBD) , parasitic infections, and hormonal imbalances like diabetes or thyroid disorders, may trigger abnormal cravings. Inadequate levels of essential nutrients - such as iron, vitamins, or fiber - can also drive dogs to seek out non-food substances. On the behavioral side, anxiety and stress are common culprits, especially in dogs experiencing separation anxiety, boredom, or sudden changes in their environment. Some dogs may even develop pica as a way to get attention, learning that eating non-food items prompts a reaction from their owners. In certain breeds, compulsive tendencies can also contribute to this unusual behavior.Risks and Health ComplicationsThe primary symptom of pica is the repeated ingestion of non-food items, which can lead to severe health complications:Gastrointestinal Blockage: Swallowed objects such as plastic, stones, or fabric can cause life-threatening obstructions that often require surgical intervention.Toxicity: Some non-food items, including certain plants, chemicals, and household products, can be poisonous to dogs.Dental Damage: Hard objects like metal or rocks can break teeth or cause mouth injuries, leading to pain and potential infections.If a dog exhibits symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, constipation, or loss of appetite, immediate veterinary care is essential.Treatment and PreventionThe good news is that pica can often be managed once you figure out the root cause. Here are some ways to help:

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It's Muddy Paw Season! Are You Ready?

(photo credit: FoodFocus / shutterstock.com)One of the true rites of passage to being a dog owner is dealing with muddy paws. During the pandemic, I was glued to the myriad designer shows that were streaming on every network. And I think I may have drooled a little as I watched them stroll through those renovated homes that now featured mud rooms and something that’s I considered totally OTT - dog washing stations. I mean it’s really just a hand-held showerhead that you use to hose off muddy feet before they go racing through the house, across the carpets and onto the furniture. But what a concept – cleaning your dog’s paws before he enters the house.With three dogs and an amazing 19-acre leash-free park just a five-minute drive away, we enjoy having the room to roam during all four seasons. And because that includes those mushy snow thaws and spring showers, we’re talking mud. And lots of it. I’ve tried bringing damp towels to clean off dirty feet as well as those pre-moistened baby wipes that a fellow pet parent once suggested. Neither was enough to make a dent in the dirt.

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