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Part 2 of the RV Pets Saga: Traveling with Your Dog!
Traveling with your dog in an RV can be a wonderful experience, but it comes with unique challenges. Every dog has its own needs, whether it's their personality, medical requirements, or ability to adapt to new surroundings. Here’s how you can make your furry friend feel more comfortable while living on the road and ensure smooth travels for everyone. (If you missed it, check out our blog on RVing with cats HERE.)
Do you travel with your dog? Subscribe and comment below with your dog's breed and how they enjoy RVing!
The Beginning
Introducing your dog to your RV is the first step. Whether your dog is adventurous or shy, letting them explore the RV before hitting the road helps ease the transition. Start by bringing their toys, bed, and familiar items into the RV. You can even serve meals inside the RV and let them sleep there before you depart.
Take your dog on test drives to see how they handle the RV in motion. Reward them with treats and praise to build positive associations. Some dogs may take a while to adjust, and that’s okay—just like humans, they need time to adapt to new environments.
Assessing Travel Readiness
If your dog loves car rides and just being with you, you are one step closer to taking to the road with your furry pal. If you come to the conclusion that this is not a good time or fit, finding alternatives such as a sitter, family member, or friend to stay with your dog.
If you find that your pet gets motion sickness in the car, contact your vet prior to leaving to getting something to alleviate the motion sickness.
Medical and Emergency Needs
Before heading out, ensure your dog’s medical needs are covered. Confirm that they’re up-to-date on vaccinations, have flea and tick prevention, and any necessary medications. If your dog is on regular meds, ask your vet for extra prescriptions or use services like Chewy.com to have prescriptions delivered to your location.
One of the most crucial aspects of RV travel with a dog is knowing how to access veterinary care while on the road. Here’s how to ensure your dog’s health and safety during your trip:
Telemedicine: Many vets offer telemedicine consultations, which can be extremely helpful if you're in a remote area and need advice.
Find Vets Along Your Route: Before you travel, research veterinarians in the areas you plan to visit. Create a list of clinics, their contact information, and hours of operation. Apps like VetFinder.com or websites like BringFido.com can help locate pet-friendly services.
Mobile Vets: Some regions have mobile veterinary services that can come to your RV if your pet requires attention.
Vet Records: Keep your dog’s medical records easily accessible, either physically or digitally on your phone. Having their vaccination records, medications, and history ready can save time in an emergency.
Emergency Care: Research emergency vet hospitals in each major area where you’ll be staying for more than a few days. This way, if your dog experiences a medical emergency, you'll know where to go.
Pet Insurance: If your dog has pet insurance, confirm that it covers out-of-state care or emergencies on the road. If you don’t have insurance, consider keeping a fund for unexpected vet expenses.
Identification
Microchipping or ID Tags: Always make sure your dog is microchipped or has updated ID tags with your current contact information. If you change RV parks or campgrounds frequently, temporary ID tags or GPS collars can also help you keep track of your dog’s location if they wander off.
Dog Friendly Environment
Creating a dog-friendly environment in your RV is key to making your pet feel comfortable:
Food & Water Station: Set up a designated space for their bowls.
Sleeping Area: Bring their favorite bed or blanket.
Toy Zone: Keep toys in an accessible spot to keep your dog entertained.
Safe Space: If you crate your dog or have an area where they stay when you’re not around, set it up for them in the RV.
Ramp: A dog ramp can help your pet get in and out of the RV easily, especially if they’re older or have mobility issues.
Dog Training Tips for RV Life
Living in an RV often means adjusting to smaller spaces and new environments. Here are a few essential dog training tips:
Small Space Training: Teaching your dog commands like "place" (to go to a designated spot and relax) can be very useful.
Wildlife Awareness: Train your dog to respond to unfamiliar sounds or distractions. Having a reliable recall ("come" command) is especially important when hiking or camping where wildlife may be present.
Leash and Boundary Training: Since many RV parks have leash rules, make sure your dog is comfortable on a leash. Training them to stay within boundaries and not run off when the door is opened can help keep them safe.
Establishing a Routine
Dogs thrive on routine, and maintaining one can help your pet feel more comfortable while traveling:
Feeding Schedule: Stick to regular feeding times to keep your dog’s digestive system in check. Avoid changing their diet drastically, especially when on the road.
Potty Breaks: Keep a consistent schedule for bathroom breaks to help your dog adjust to RV life. Taking them out at the same times each day, even in new places, provides comfort.
Exercise and Play: Since RV life can involve a lot of sitting, make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise, whether through walks, hikes, or playtime at pet-friendly parks.
Dog Safety While RVing
When traveling in an RV, keeping your dog safe is a top priority. Here are some key safety tips:
Secure Travel: Invest in a dog seatbelt harness or crate to keep your pet secure while driving. This not only keeps your dog safe but also prevents distractions for the driver.
Preventing Overheating: Ensure your RV is well-ventilated, and never leave your dog inside without proper temperature control. Consider using a portable fan or temperature monitor for added peace of mind.
Outside Safety: At campsites, use a long leash or tie-out to give your dog some freedom while keeping them safe. Be cautious of wildlife and avoid leaving your dog unsupervised outside.
Outdoor Activities and Downtime
RVs can be small, so outdoor playtime is essential for your dog's physical and mental stimulation. Plan activities at pet-friendly parks, hiking trails, or beaches, but make sure to call ahead to ensure the locations allow dogs.
Sometimes it’s best to leave your dog in the RV while you go out for the day. Set up a cozy space with their bed, draw the blinds, and play soothing music to keep them relaxed. If you’re uncomfortable leaving your dog alone, consider local pet-sitting services or dog-walkers to help while you're away.
Grooming and Cleanliness
Traveling in different environments can leave your dog dirtier than usual, so keep grooming supplies like a brush, shampoo, and towels handy, especially after outdoor activities. Pay attention to your dog's nails, as different surfaces may not wear them down as they would at home.
Essential Products for Your RV
Here’s a checklist of products to have in your RV for your dog:
Dog shoes (optional for hiking)
Additional Resources for Traveling with Dogs
Here are some great resources for RVers traveling with dogs:
BringFido.com: Find pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, and campgrounds.
mywaggle.com: Monitor your pet's temperature inside the RV remotely.
GoPetFriendly.com: Discover dog-friendly RV parks and plan trips.
Conclusion
Your dog deserves to enjoy RV life just as much as you do. With the right preparation, supplies, and attention to their needs, your RV adventures can be safe, fun, and memorable for both of you. Don’t forget to provide lots of love and comfort as you embark on this journey together!
I'd love a recommendation for a temperature monitor for when we leave our dogs alone in the trailer! Do you have any that you like?