RV Camping With Dogs: 9 Tips For Traveling With Your Pet
Exactly right: "Before getting a dog, you have no idea what life with one might be like; afterward, you can't imagine living any other way". That is a certainty. Living with pets is impossible for those who love them. They even decorate their cars with stickers of their favorite pets. Maybe that's why when pet lovers plan their exciting RV trips, they also plan everything for their pets. They will be able to engage and facilitate their pet while traveling, camping, and participating in all the adventures they do.
If you're new to RVing or have a pup, you have to make sure your pet is equally comfortable and enjoyable throughout your journey. Although, it is a little challenging if you don't plan ahead since dogs have their own individual needs and habits.
We gathered useful tips from RVers about how to handle their dogs during RV trips after talking to a few experienced RVers. Here they are.
1. Find Dog-Friendly RV Campgrounds
Despite the fact that not all camping sites are pet-friendly, there are sites that are extremely pet-friendly. There are almost no exceptions to the rules when it comes to pets; pet-friendly campsites aren't as strict with them as others. Many of these places don't allow pets in RVs unattended, and some don't have dog pools or dog cleanliness stations. Dogs are not allowed to play and stay in certain areas. There are some people who are even concerned about their weight and only allow dogs under a certain weight limit. Interestingly, even their existing campsites only allow certain breeds. Inquire about the campsite's dog policies, rules, and regulations before you arrive. Consider other options if some rules and regulations don't suit your pet or you.
2. Prepare Your Dog for RV Life
When traveling with an RV, you should familiarize your pet with dog cleanup. Make sure your pet doesn't feel anxious while traveling. If you are just starting out, short trips are recommended. It is possible to plan for long trips if everything went smoothly and your pet is well accustomed to RV life.
You may also want to take short trips to make your animal friend more comfortable. Travel boredom is avoided when your pet relaxes on short trips. It is a good idea to bring along his bed and provide him with treats so that he can feel at home in the RV.
3. Pet Accessories To Take Along On RV Trips
Having all the necessary items for your pet to enjoy their RV trips is very helpful. Make sure you stock up on all their favorite foods, treats, toys, and utensils. You may include leashes, collars, toys, bedding, bowls, pet clothes, harnesses, belt packs, etc. You can facilitate your pet's journey by having these items in the RV.
4. Pets Should Be Buckled Up Or Crates Should Be Used in RVs
As much as you would like to put your four-legged friend in your lap, this is something you shouldn't do while driving. Do not let your pet wander around while you are driving. While traveling, your dog must be buckled up properly or enclosed in a dog crate. It is also important to keep your dog with you in the same vehicle. The camper can't be loaded with them while you are pulling. RVers sometimes keep pet containment systems and pet barriers so that they can track them while RV camping. In addition to pet gears, collars and leashes can also be used to keep your bed close to you.
5. Keep Your Pet Clean During RV Trips
Cleanliness is important for humans and animals alike. This is especially true when the global pandemic makes us extra cautious. When you go RVing, give your dog a regular bath. During and after a shower, make sure you are always using clean towels for your dog. Dispose of pet waste properly. Prepare pet food in clean bowls.
A dog's fur can collect dust, particles, and other dirt. You should regularly clean the carpets if you travel with pets to remove the hair and dirt they bring with them. Ensure that you use quality pet cleaners such as carpet brushes and pet carpet cleaners regularly for this purpose. This will also prevent pet dirt from ruining your RV seat covers. Pet hammocks can also be used to keep hair, mud, and dirt off RV seats.
6. RV Camping With Dogs: A Backup Plan For Emergencies
Ensure that you obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian before you leave for your RV trip as proof that your dog has been vaccinated against rabies and tick/flea or heartworm prevention. In addition, your pet may become ill or injured during the trip. Therefore, it is better to be prepared for all kinds of emergencies with your pet. When a dog is ill or in an accident, it is great to carry along a pet emergency kit so that you can provide them with immediate help. In addition, some people keep contact details of veterans in the areas where they plan to live handy.
Several pet owners place pet stickers on the outside of campers or RVs as a safety measure to alert emergency rescue personnel about pets inside
7. During RV Camping, Choose Activities That Are Pet-Friendly
As much as everyone else in the family, your pet deserves to enjoy the trip as well. You should plan daily activities with your dog in order to achieve this. Take your dog outside to play with his toys. Do some exercise together and go for a walk every day. Look for dog-friendly restaurants and places.
8. Keep Your Pet Safe While RVing
There is a possibility that your pet may get lost somewhere during the trip, and you certainly don't want this to happen. You'll want to take recent pictures of your pet and ensure they have an ID tag. Make sure the ID tag on your dog is up-to-date and includes a phone number where anyone can reach you while you're away. Your dog can also be microchipped so that if the ID tags fall off, he can be easily identified.
9. RV Camping With Dogs Requires Following Pet Laws
In order for traveling with dogs and other pets to become easier, pet owners have to prove themselves as good pet owners. Please be considerate of your neighbor's RV campers and do not let your dog cause any problems. Always be ready to clean up anything your pet drops on the campsite grounds. Avoid situations that cause your dog to continuously bark and disturb others. Make sure they're fed well and follow pet laws.
10. Train Your Pet With Small Trips
You may not be the best person to take your dog on a 6 month RV trip while living at home 99% of the time. Instead, begin with short trips and gradually introduce Bruno to being away from home and traveling in an RV.
Trips of a smaller scale are preparations for trips of a larger scale. You will not have to waste time searching for your dog's food and water bowls during these short trips. Also, you will be able to let your dog become comfortable with his new sleeping arrangement and travel in either a carrier or seatbelt harness.
Ensure your dog has all the tools he needs to have an enjoyable vacation with you. Just like us, dogs require certain items to travel. Don't forget to pack his favorite food, treats, clothes, and medications.
During a camping trip, you may decide to go on some adventure trips without Bruno. You will have to keep your dog in the RV at the campsite if this is the case. Consider the weather and what your dog will need while you are away.
Bruno will enjoy being able to cool off during the summer if you run the air conditioner. By bringing blankets and toys from home, you can help to remind them of their safety. You should have a safe place for your pup in case of a thunderstorm because the loud sound of thunder tends to terrify dogs. You should not leave your pup alone during a storm.
Staying Safe While Camping
Going camping is generally a safe endeavour, especially if you are camping at a campground where many other campers will be. But that doesn’t mean that it comes without risk.
And if you plan to go hiking while on your camping trip, that is another consideration. Bringing plenty of water, provisions, and proper clothing is suitable to start.
Fast food in a plastic tub locked in your car keeps critters at bay. It’s also likely that you won’t have cell service, so having a satellite phone can be very helpful. Phones like Iridium, Globalstar, Inmarsat, and Thuraya work in remote areas where cell phone use is often impossible.
Preparation as a camping newbie is critical. Once you are, we guarantee you’ll have a great time camping.
Conclusion
RV trips with pets can be more fun and exciting. By properly planning for your four-legged companion, you can add colors to your RV memories. As with your human companions, be sure to take care of their safety, food, health, and entertainment. Make sure your pet first aid kit and any necessary pet accessories are on hand.