How To Go Camping In An RV With A Dog
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Planning an RV trip with your dog requires careful preparation that will help your trip go smoothly. Before you hit the road on your great RV adventure, consider your dog’s comfort, safety, and health while on the road. Every dog is different and if you have more than one, make sure you cater to their individual needs. Please keep reading to find out how to RV with your dog and make it the best trip ever!
Visit the Veterinarian
Before you take off on you camping trip, take your dog to the veterinarian for a checkup. Discuss updating vaccines and order plenty of medication your dog needs. Order enough to cover the length of your trip, including two extra weeks afterward.
Tip: If your dog gets nervous riding in cars, there’s a chance they may have anxiety in an RV. Discuss your pets fear of riding in cars, motion sickness, or any other travel-related concerns you have with the veterinarian.
Food, Water, and Travel Treats
Your dog needs to eat a healthy diet to maintain overall good health when they are on the road.
Food is a big part of your dog’s day for many reasons. Particularly for dogs new to rv travel, food routine can be important. Pack plenty of your dog’s regular food, and stock up on healthy options such as organic kibble, canned food, and treats. Try to feed them in their regular bowl at the time of day that they eat at home.
If your dog is on a raw diet, make sure the RV is equipped with a refrigerator and freezer to keep food at the right temperature. If you are going to be traveling through rural areas, familiarize yourself with where you will have access to pet stores.
Update Identification Tags
Update the information on your dog’s identification tags with their name and your phone number, and microchip. Particularly if you are 9989planning to go hiking with your dog (see our post on essential dog hiking gear). This information increases the chance of finding your dog if they accidentally get separated from you during your trip.
Introduce Your Dog to the RV
The size of an RV can be overwhelming for a dog at first. Calmly use one of your dog’s favorite toys and guide your dog into the RV. Allow your dog to explore the RV on their own to help them become familiar with the space.
Bringing your dog’s crate in your RV is a good policy. Not only is it a satefy feature for traveling, you may need it when you reach your destination. (Leaving your dog alone and loose in the RV even for a short length of time may be asking for trouble…especially at first!)
Pack the Comforts of Home
Home is where the heart is, and that goes for Fido too! Reassurance can come in the form of your dog’s bed, favorite blanket, toys, including interactive and dispense toys, and anything else that will help your dog feel at home.
Prepare to Clean Up After Your Pet
During your RV trip, you will be stopping to take your dog for a walk and go to the bathroom. Pack plenty of pet poop bags to use throughout your trip. Don’t forget your dog will occasionally make a mess in the RV when they can’t hold it to the next rest stop.
RV Safety And Your Dog
Prepare for Emergencies
It’s important to prepare a separate emergency care kit for your pet. You can purchase a ready-made pet first aid kit or create one on your own. According to the American Kennel Club there are a number of items that should be in your pet’s first aid kit:
typically include
- gauze
- self-adhering bandages
- adhesive tape
- cotton balls
- hydrogen peroxide
- topical antibiotic ointment or spray
- digital thermometer
- scissors
- tweezers
- magnifying glass
- syringes
- flashlight
- soft muzzle
You can also include anything else your pet will need during an emergency.
Make sure the Air Conditioner in the RV Works Correctly
Excessive heat can harm a dog, or even cause death. Test the air conditioner in your RV to ensure it works properly. Keep your RV at a moderate temperature, and make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water available.
Checklist For Camping In An RV With Your Dog:
Here are essential things you need to pack for your dog:
- Food
- Bottled water
- Food and water bowls (one set for inside the RV and another for outside)
- Toys for indoors and outdoors
- Pet life vest
- A safety harness with an attached handle
- Doggie car seat
- Dog boots or shoes to protect your dog’s paws from harsh weather elements
- Flea, tick, and mosquito repellent
- Large bath or beach towels
- Sun goggles for your dog’s eyes
- Umbrella and rain gear
- Doggie hiking gear including a vibrant colored leash, hiking shoes, and portable water bowl
- Clothing such as a jacket, sweater, or raincoat
RV trips with your dog will go smoothly when you are well equipped to care for your dog, feed them a healthy diet, plan for bathroom messes and bring plenty of toys to entertain your dog. So start making a list of items your dog needs for your RV trip today!