RVing with your pets is very common these days. According to a survey in 2007, 57% of RV users brought their animals with them when they hit the road. With a very little preparation you and your pet can have a fantastic time together the moment you head out in your RV.
No matter if you will be gone for a couple of days or a several weeks, here are some recommendations on how to get your pet dog all set for an RV trip.
Bring your dog to the vet.
Before going on a trip, have your vet check your dog. Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up-to-date, particularly his rabies vaccination. You may want to take his shot records with you when you take a trip. Even though it seldom happens, you could be requested to present proof of vaccination for rabies when you go across a state line or perhaps stopped by the police. Make sure you always keep your dog’s records in the glove box or someplace so it will be convenient to hand it over if you are stopped.
Let your dog be travel-ready.
When taking a trip in a car or even in a van it’s better for a pet dog to be safely protected in a cage or harness. They help keep a dog from being tossed around and also harmed in case of an accident or collision. Most pet owners use these safety approaches when they take a trip with their dog in an RV. It is an excellent idea to bring your dog’s crate in case you need it. If your dog gets motion sick you can let him inside the crate. It is also a great idea to ask your vet for tips on how to prepare your dog for a trip. Further, let your dog spend some time inside the RV and get used to it when it’s not moving.
Pack the things your dog needs.
Just before going on your journey you will certainly need to prepare your dog’s things. Even dogs have to pack! Be sure to bring his bed, his beloved toys, his leash (and a spare), an additional collar, as well as his food and water dish. You may also want to take pet dog food with you. If your pet prefers a certain brand of dog food then you must buy more for the trip. Additionally, be sure that your pet dog is wearing his collar with reliable identification on it. It must have at the very least one means to contact you or your vet. If your pet dog is microchipped this will really help, too, in case he gets lost while you are traveling.
Always keep your dog comfy.
When taking a trip you should plan on stopping for a toilet break just about every three hours. You must be able to look for clean and quiet areas that are great for walking dogs. You must also check the temperature in the RV to make sure your dog is comfortable.
Look for pet-friendly camping areas.
You can easily determine these campgrounds just before you start your trip. Many campgrounds accept pets and several are totally open to them. In either case, it’s ideal to head to where your dog is wanted.
Keep an eye on your pet dog.
Do check out your dog whenever he’s outside the RV. Certainly there are a couple of good ways for your pet dog to flex his legs a bit when you take a trip. You can purchase an exercise pen with multiple wire panels and fix it up for your dog. Pet dog show exhibitors frequently use these pens when they take a trip. Just clip the wire panels with each other and you have a little fenced area. They aren’t extremely durable but they help your dog be safe while outside the RV and also off-leash. You may also want to get a mobile wireless fence for your dog. This kind of fence works much like an underground fence but it uses radio waves. And when your dog uses the collar, it will alert him when he gets too close to the perimeter. Wireless fences are more expensive about $300-400 but they let your dog have more space to run off-leash. Remember that you must regularly watch your dog when he’s out on a trip.
If you stick to these tips then you and your pet dog will definitely have a fantastic RV trip together!
