All About that Pug Life - RVing with Dogs
(Beware, this post contains excessive puns)
Dogs were domesticated by humans over 30,000 years ago and have been such an integral part of human society and family that we’ll do anything for them (heck, not long after photography was invented people started taking pictures of their pets! The first photo of a dog was taken in the 1850s, and for reference photography started being developed in the 1820s). So it’s no surprise that one of our favorite social settings to take our fur-ever friends is out to camp in a camper or RV (or tent!)
Over half of regular RVers and campers take their pet with them, with over 90% of those pets being dogs, so naturally it’s pretty easy to find pet friendly campgrounds – of course these organized settings will have rules for Toto so make sure you follow them. Besides being a great source of companionship for you, camping can also be pawsitive enrichment for Rover! Here’s some dog-gone good tips for RVing with your dog!
1. Don’t Give Your Dog a Ruff Time
Dogs and other pets respond differently to changes in their environment than we do, and they won’t always adjust to RVing straight away. Give your dog time to adjust by introducing them to your RV or trailer early on. Start by letting them explore while it’s stationary, if they’ll be spending time in a crate, set them up in there and spend some time getting used to it (don’t leave them alone! The goal is avoid stressing them out)
After you’ve done this, if you’re traveling in a motorized unit (you should NEVER drive any camping trailer with an animal inside it!) try a short drive with Marley in whatever your travel set up will be for them, whether that’s a secured crate or having them in the passenger seat. Keeping the same seating arrangements can help reassure your dog through consistency. We recommend doing this with another person present to help if your dog gets nervous.
In addition to this, think ahead on how you’re going to keep them comfy at camp. Bring their toys, beds, food, a collapsible water dish for hiking, and definitely a large water dish if you’ll be spending a lot of time out in the sun. Basically, whatever they have easy access to at home that they may need in your RV.
2. Renegotiating your Leash
Lots of boondocking campers will oftentimes let their dog have more freedom to run around off leash, however this can be up to personal preference and the level of training your dog has. Always ensure you keep your pet’s safety in mind!
In the case you are able to let your dog have more room to roam, remember to ensure your pet won’t sneak into another camper’s site, and be aware of any dangerous wildlife or plants in the area that your dog may encounter. A way to give your dog a bit of freedom without having to monitor them 24/7 would be a long leash, either fixed to the side of your camper or a ground stake. That way you’ll give them plenty of roaming area, but with limited boundaries.
3. Do a Thorough Lab Report
Always check a campground’s dog policies before booking, or call ahead if it’s a first-come-first-serve basis. Ask about any specific rules or regulations and follow them (for example, certain dog breeds or sizes aren’t allowed in some campgrounds). Nothing is more re-pug-nant than finding out a campground stopped allowing pets because of bad owners.
4. Un-fur-miliar Settings
While RVing or camping with dogs sometimes means you can give them a bit of a wider net, that doesn’t mean you can leave them unattended – particularly outside. There can be a lot of new people and stimuli around your campsite, depending on your dog this can either stress them out or cause them to react differently than they would at home. Avoid leaving Scooby unattended to prevent any mishaps to them or other campers.
5. Where’s the paw-ty at?
When your dog needs to go out at night at home you probably turn on a light so you can see them in the dark, at camp you might not have that option. A glow collar or headlamp can help you take your dog out, even in the dark, so no matter how early or late the sun sets and rises, everyone can be a lot more comfortable.
6. No Pup-sicles!
Again, don’t let your dog ride in the trailer! Animal travel trailers, like horse trailers, are specifically made for the comfort of those animals. Human camping trailers are not comfortable to travel in, and when on the road are not temperature controlled. So on really hot or cold days it is important to keep Maramduke in the temperature controlled vehicle with you.
If you’re concerned about excess mess, you can get covers for your seats to protect them during travel. Check out our post [INSERT LINK TO: Traveling with Dogs] about traveling with dogs for more tips!
Of course, while you’re at camp there may be times where you absolutely can’t take your dog with you. In these cases make sure they won’t get too hot or cold while you’re gone; leave your camper at a comfortable temperature and make sure they have access to water!
7. Learn to Doggy-Paddle
We mention this in our Traveling with Dogs post, but here’s another reminder that long haul trips are fun for absolutely no one, including four-legged friends. Try and make time to stop for walks or games during your travel days. These stops may extend your travel time more than your average bathroom break, but Pongo will be much happier!
Long walks during the day once you’re at camp are also awesome! A tired dog is a happy dog and happy campers!
8. Diamond in the Ruff
Make use of your exterior shower, these are lifesavers when it comes to your pup! Has Fido been digging around in the mud? Maybe taken an unscheduled dip in the lake? An outdoor shower will let you rinse them off and stop them from tracking all of that into your camper.
No Bull Tip! Get a larger exterior matt to put outside the camper door! It can help your pup dry their feet before going inside (and can help two legged travelers as well!)
9. Trust Me I’m a Dog-tor
A vet visit can be required at any time, so keep up to date medical records and any medications with you. In an emergency this info will be crucial, and if you can try and stock up on your pet’s medications before you go so you don’t run out.
10. Howl I Ever Get Home?
It’s a good idea in addition to your pet’s tag that you have them microchipped as well. Collars and tags can break or be removed, so these are invaluable for reuniting in the worst case scenario.
11. Don’t Bark Up the Wrong Tree
Trips should be fun for everyone involved, including Chance, Clifford, or Comet – find something special just for them while you’re out. This might mean taking them on a hike or letting them go for a swim if they like those activities (although remember that wet dog smell can be pretty pungent in smaller spaces). For the more couch-potato friend check out local pet stores for a fun new treat or toy!
No Bull Tip! If you know they aren’t going to be able to take part in some of the adventure and will be cooped up a lot, it may be best to find them alternate housing while you’re away.
And that deserves a round of apaws – is there anything special you do when traveling with Pluto, will you be taking them on your next adventure? Let us know in the comments!
