RV Camping With Dogs: 9 Tips For Rving With Your Dog

Rightly said that " Before you get a dog, you can't quite imagine what living with one might be like; afterward, you can't imagine living any other way". Yes, there is no doubt about it. Those who love living with pets can’t think of a life without their furry friends. They even love decorating their vehicles with pet car stickers. Perhaps that's the reason whenever pet lovers sit and start planning for their exciting RV trips, they plan everything for their pets as well.  The purpose is to engage and facilitate their pets while traveling, camping, and all the adventures that they do out there.

If you have just started RVing or have got a pup, you have to make sure that the whole journey is equally comfortable and enjoyable for your most loyal animal friend. But as a matter of fact, it becomes a  little challenging if you go without planning because most dogs have their unique needs and habits. 

After talking to a few experienced RVers about how they perfectly handle their dogs during their RV trips, we have gathered useful tips for you. Here are a few of them.

1. Find Dog-Friendly RV Campsites 

It is true that not all the campsites are pet friendly but there exist sites that are extremely pet loving. Almost all the campsites have rules for pets; pet-friendly places go easy with the rules but some places are quite strict. For example, some don't allow you to leave your pet unattended in an RV and some don't have dog pools or dog cleanliness stations.  There are places where dogs are only allowed to stay and play in a designated area. Some are even concerned about their weights and only allow dogs under a particular weight limit. You will be surprised to know even their existing campsites only allow certain breeds. It is the best idea that you call the campsite ahead of reaching and inquire about their dog policies, rules, and regulations. If you think that some rules and regulations don't suit you or your pet at all, find another option. 

2. Familiarize Your Dog with RV Life

It is good that you plan to familiarize your pet with dog cleanup when RV travels. Take all the measures to overcome their travel anxiety. In the beginning, It is suggested to start with short trips. If you think everything went smooth and that your pet is well adjusted to RV life, you can plan for month-long trips too.

Another thing you should do to make your animal friend comfortable is to take short travel breaks. This will help your pet relax and avoid travel boredom. Bring along his bed and provide him treats so that he just feels at home in the RV.   

3. Take-Along Pet Accessories During RV Trips

It's very helpful that your pet has got all the essential items to enjoy their RV trips. Make sure that you stock all their favorite food, treats, toys, and utensils. Your list may include pet leashes, dog collars, dog toys, dog bedding, dog bowls, pet clothes, dog harness, dog belt pack, etc. Having these items present in the RV will help you facilitate your pet throughout.

4. Buckle up Your Dog or Use Pet Crate in RV

You certainly want to put your four-legged friend in your lap out of love but this is something that shouldn’t be done while you are driving. Don't let them wander around you as it may cause distractions. Your dog needs to be buckled up properly or put in a dog crate during traveling. Also, it is necessary to keep the dog in the same vehicle as you are in. This means it’s not safe to put them in the camper while you are pulling. Some RVers keep proper pet containments and pet barriers so that they can track them throughout their RV camping. Pet collars, dog leashes are used as part of pet gears and may also be used as a measure to keep your bed close to you. 

5. Take Care of Your Pet Cleanliness During RV Trips

Cleanliness is a must for human beings and pets too. In particular when the global pandemic demands us to be extra safety-conscious.  Give your small dog or big dog a regular shower during RV trips. Always make use of clean dog towels and pet washers during and after showers. Properly plan for your pet waste disposal. It is also necessary to prepare pet feeding in clean dog bowls.

Dogs can bring dust, particles, and other dirt stuck in their fur. So if you are carrying pets along, you need to regularly clean the carpets to remove the pet hair and the dirt they bring in. For this make sure that you use quality pet cleaners such as pet carpet cleaners and carpet brushes regularly. This will also help to keep your RV seat covers clean because pet dirt won’t spoil them. Some people also use pet hammocks to keep hair, mud, and dirt off their RV seats.

6. Backup Plan for the Emergencies When RV camping with Dogs

Before you leave for your RV trip, make sure that you visit your veterinarian to get a health certificate of your dog as proof that they are vaccinated for rabies and tick/flea or heartworm prevention. Also, there are chances that your pet gets injured or falls sick during the trip. Therefore, it is better to prepare for all kinds of emergencies for your pets. It is wonderful to carry along a dog emergency kit so that you can provide them immediate assistance in case of an accident or illness. Some people also keep handy the contact details of veterans in the areas where they plan to stay.

As a safety measure, some pet owners also use pet stickers to be placed on the outside of campers or RV's to notify emergency rescue personnel about the pets located inside

7. Plan Pet-Friendly Activities During RV Camping

Your pet deserves to enjoy the trip as much as everyone else in the family does. For this, you need to make sure that you plan some activities every day with your dog. Let dogs play with their pet toys at some open place. You can do some exercise and walk together every day.  Also, choose restaurants and places that have a dog patio. 

8. Make Sure Your Pet Doesn’t Get Lost During your RV Trip

There are chances that your pet gets lost somewhere during the trip and you certainly don't want to let this happen. Keep some recent pictures of your dog and have their ID tags fixed. Also, make sure that your dog’s ID tag is up-to-date and has a phone number where anyone can reach you while you’re traveling. Another way is to get your dog microchipped so that he can be easily identified if the ID tags are lost.

9. Follow Pet Laws if You are RV Camping with Dogs

It is the responsibility of the pet owners to prove themselves as good pet owners so that it becomes easier to travel with dogs and other pets.  Make sure your dog doesn't create any problems for your neighbor’s RV campers.  In case your pet drops anything on the campsite premises, always get ready to clean it up. Avoid all the circumstances that instigate your dog to continuously bark and create problems for others. Feed them well and try your best to obey pet laws. 

10. Start With Small trips To Train Your Pet

Going on the road in your RV for 6 months while living at home 99% of the time may not be the best idea for your dog. Rather, begin with short trips and gradually introduce Bruno to traveling in the RV and being away from home.

Small trips are a preparation for your long adventure trip. In this way, your dog will know where to find its food and water bowls during these short trips. Additionally, you'll have an opportunity to allow your dog to become comfortable with his new sleeping arrangement, as well as travel in either his carrier or seatbelt harness. 

Don't forget all the tools your dog will need to have a great vacation with you. Just like us, there are certain things dogs cannot travel without. Be sure to pack his favorite food, treats, clothes, and medications.

On a camping trip, you may decide to embark on some adventure trips where your Bruno cannot accompany you. If this is the case, your dog will have to remain in the RV at the campsite. Make sure you pay attention to the weather and what your dog will need while you are gone.

Keep your air conditioner running during the summer, so that Bruno has a cool place to relax and enjoy. You can help by bringing blankets and toys from home that will remind them of their safety. In case of a thunderstorm, have a safe area for your pup to feel safe because the loud sound of thunder typically terrifies dogs. Do not leave your dog alone outside during a thunderstorm.

Conclusion

Pets can make your RV trips more exciting and joyful. You can add colors to your RV memories by properly planning for your four-legged companion. Take care of their safety, food, health, and entertainment just as you do it for your human companions. Do not forget to bring the necessary pet accessories and your pet first aid kits along.   

If you're planning an RV trip or camping adventure, Campstar.com/ offers a range of resources and options to enhance your outdoor journey, ensuring you have all the essentials for a memorable experience.