For many people, the RV (recreational vehicle) life provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to discover vast roads, explore new destinations, and create unforgettable memories with those they love the most – including beloved family dogs.
But while traveling with dogs in an RV can make the trip more fun and exciting, it also needs sufficient preparation and planning beforehand.
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Preparing for RV Travel with Dogs
Failing to plan is planning to fail, or so they say. One of the best tips for RVing with dogs is to make sure you have everything you need before hitting the road – and that requires careful planning.
Here are just some of the things you need to prepare before going RV camping with dogs!
RV Safety and Comfort
RVing with dogs may not seem so different from taking them with you in your car. However, keep in mind that an RV is much larger than a regular vehicle, which presents new safety hazards.
This means that you shouldn’t just have a cozy spot for your dogs inside your RV but should also take precautions to secure your dog, such as seat belts, seat harnesses, and dog crates.
Vaccinations and Health Check-Ups
The unpredictability of RV life is one of the many things that make it so enticing.
What this also means, though, is that you never know when an emergency is going to happen. Maybe you’re venturing into unknown territory. Maybe you’ve come across an area experiencing an outbreak among local animals.
That’s why it’s so important to make sure that your dog has all their vaccinations and that you have anti-parasitic preventatives and over-the-counter medicines on hand.
Identification and Microchipping
These days, putting a collar on your dog simply isn’t enough. Before you go on your dog-friendly road trips, you should also have your pooch microchipped with all your updated contact information. This gives you the peace of mind that your dog can be returned to you if they get lost during the trip.
RV-Friendly Gear and Supplies for Dogs
Dogs need gear and supplies, too! If you’re taking them with you on an RV adventure, they need to be well-equipped to handle everything the RV life will throw at them.
- Crate. A dedicated crate will give your dog a cozy and safe spot to run to whenever it feels stressed from all your traveling.
- Dog bed. Comfy dog beds can make your dog sleep much better. Don’t forget to check our ultimate guide before choosing the right dog bed for your furry friend.
- Leash and harness. Harnesses aren’t just a safety measure – they’re also great for giving your dog freedom to explore while still keeping them within reach.
- Dog seat belt. Dogs can also get injured from sudden stops or breaks while you’re driving. A seat belt will protect them from such accidents.
- Collapsible dog bowls. Stainless steel bowls are best, but if you need one you can take on the dog, collapsible bowls made of silicone are a great choice. Choosing the right collapsible dog bowl article will give you the right information you’ll need.
- Outdoor gear. This includes anything from boots, jackets, life vests, and even neon-colored leashes. You can also add portable fences and poop bags in case they need to poop at pet-friendly RV parks or campsites.
- Toys and treats. Don’t forget to bring along some extra toys and yummy treats for your dog to enjoy!
Tips for RVing with Dogs
And now for our best tricks and helpful tips for RVing with dogs.
- Choose pet-friendly destinations. Luckily, there are already plenty of pet-friendly destinations all around the world for dog lovers and RV travelers these days. Regardless of where you are, you’ll probably find parks, attractions, and trails that are open to four-legged family members.
- Find dog-friendly RV parks or campgrounds. You wouldn’t want to stay somewhere your dog isn’t welcome, would you? Not only are dog-friendly campgrounds a great place to stay for any dog owner, but they also ensure that your experience will be smooth.
- Provide daily exercise. We can’t emphasize this enough: dogs traveling in an RV still need their daily exercise. It may seem like you’re already constantly on the go, but your pooch needs a dedicated time slot for play and fetch.
- Allow regular potty breaks. Similarly, potty breaks are also absolutely vital for traveling in RVs with dogs. Infrequent potty breaks can make dogs restless and even destructive, which can put a damper on your RV life.
- Learn how to manage separation anxiety. Some dogs aren’t good with leaving comfortable places or scents. Fortunately, with proper management, they can be happier in a nomadic lifestyle.
Safety Considerations and Etiquette
Lastly, it’s also important to consider some safety rules and etiquette when RVing with dogs.
- Leash regulations. Some places have laws that require all dogs to be leashed at all times in public areas. Be sure to check local and state laws before driving to a new place to avoid getting surprised.
- Pet waste disposal. You can’t just throw your dog’s poop anywhere you want. Not only is it disrespectful to others, but it’s also unhygienic. Proper waste disposal is essential when you’re living with your dog in an RV.
- Temperature and weather awareness. Even dogs aren’t immune to extreme weather and temperatures. Never leave your dog unattended inside your RV when it’s too hot or too cold. Additionally, don’t attempt to travel with your dogs if the weather conditions aren’t good. For more information, you can have a look at our article on how to keep your dog cool in a car.
Related Questions About RVing with Dogs
Short-term, anti-anxiety medication should help. But if you want a long-term solution, the best way would be to train them to be calm during RV travel. This requires time, effort, and attention, but it will last much longer than any medication ever will.
In the United States alone, many RV parks are known for being pet-friendly. Some examples include the 4 Paws Kingdom Campground and Dog Retreat, the Lemon Cove Village RV Park, and the Kamp Klamath RV Park.
If your dog gets car sick during an RV trip, you can stop the car by the side of the road and let their motion sickness pass before giving them anti-sickness medication. Some owners also give their dogs anti-anxiety medication. Ask your vet to be sure.
It’s not advisable to leave your dog alone in your RV, even for short periods. That’s because if something happens to you outside, your dog won’t have anyone to turn to. Additionally, leaving your dog alone can be stressful for them, and they might become destructive or anxious.
There are special considerations for RVing with large breed dogs. For one, these dogs need plenty of space to move around inside an RV, which means a bigger vehicle is ideal. Also, you need to choose better and higher-quality travel gear.
Conclusion
Traveling with dogs in an RV is an amazing experience, but you do need to learn how to prepare for your trip while keeping your dog safe at the same time.
From selecting the right pet-friendly campgrounds to creating a cozy space for your pup, we hope our tips will help you have a more comfortable, safer, and more enjoyable trip. So, hit the open road and explore all that nature has to offer with your furry friend now!
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