RV Life with Dogs!

Bringing the dogs into our RV came with a steep learning curve. Here are a few things to consider…

Preparing You Rig

-       Carpet will be difficult to keep clean and fresh-smelling. We opted for NO carpet.

-       Ground-level or accessible windows may not be ideal if your dog isn’t used to the stimulation of other people (and their dogs) being so close.

-       Stairs! Inside stairs can be narrow and slick. Outside stairs can be tall and intimidating. Pack your patience in case your dog has some trouble adapting. Carpet stair covers can help inside. While they can help outside, we found that they attracted leaves and such, and lost integrity when they got wet. Our large, older dog ended up needing a ramp for the outdoor stairs.

Click HERE for the Amazon link to the ramp we use!

-       Will you need a kennel? If so, remember this will take up quite a bit of space, and you should try to think about that when picking a floorplan.

-       Indoor Temperature sensors are a must! Campsite electric may not always be entirely reliable, and RV HVAC systems can be flawed. It’s best to take an extra step to make sure Fido stays comfortable.

-       Invest in a vacuum, even if you don’t have any carpet, and vacuum often.

-       Be prepared-How will you clean up a “mess” inside your rig?

-       Couch covers are relatively inexpensive and may prolong the life of your furniture. They may not be the most attractive, but they are easy to remove if you’re expecting guests.

Click HERE for the Amazon link to couch covers that actually stay in place

-       Keep leashes and pick-up supplies easy to access.

Planning Your Route

-       It is safer and calmer if the dog(s) have dedicated space inside the vehicle.

-       Do not leave your dog in a moving towable RV.

-       Plan your timing and where to stop with potty breaks and water in mind

- Don’t leave your dog in the vehicle unattended.

-       Some dogs suffer from motion sickness. It’s best to talk to your vet ahead of time in case this happens, so you can be prepared.

-       Call ahead and make sure your RV park is pet friendly. Even if there is information on the website, it’s best to call and double check. Also, verify details on the number animals allowed and any size limits.

-       When you arrive, check out activities and restaurants that are pet-friendly! Some apps have this as a filter option, or you can check out BringFido.com

Healthcare

-       En route and when you arrive, locate the nearest Emergency resources.

-       Keep paper copies of vaccine records and other pertinent ownership data (microchip information, etc), but it’s also handy to have electronic copies or pictures of them.

-       If your dog takes medications, make sure you pack enough for your trip, plus a little extra.

-       Micro-chipping your dog is an extra layer of safety. If they get loose and are taken to a vet, they can scan the dog and contact you immediately.

-       Think about what dog food you need, and how much you will need. Switching foods can add unnecessary stress… and tummy troubles.

-       Beware the local wildlife! You never know when your dog may see something new and want to chase it, or when something wild may want to chase you back.

Behavior

-       Barking is annoying to your neighbors. Talk to your vet about options you may have to help control this, and consider:

Does it help or hurt to leave the blinds open?

Would tv or radio noise help?

Various bark control devices, some of which emit sound or a non-hazardous spray

-       In case of an emergency, you can leave a notification on your door with your contact info and an alert that there are dogs inside your rig.

-       A tired dog is a good dog! Even if you’ve been gone all day, make sure your pup gets enough exercise.

-       Pay attention to the local weather. The heat may affect when you walk your dog, some dogs have anxiety regarding storms/thunder, etc.

-       Consider investing in a GPS collar. There are many options, and price ranges, but it may be particularly helpful if you have an escape artist or if you plan to do a lot of hiking or exploring with your dog.

We encourage you to always keep your pet contained. That may be with an appropriate pen, a leash, or simply within your vehicle/rig with the doors secured. An off-leash pet or an insufficient pen could be asking for trouble.

Last, but certainly not least: make sure your pet is easy to identify at all times! We use collars with ID tags (with BOTH our phone numbers listed) and our dogs are microchipped.