RVing with Pets: 5 Tips for Making Your Furry Friend a Happy Camper
For many of us, our pets are family members. Leaving them home when going on long RV excursions is hard, even impossible, for some. The good news is that you don’t have to leave your furry friends behind. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when RVing with pets that will help keep them safe, calm and healthy during RV trips. If you plan to park at a campground that allows pets, keep our tips in mind to keep your neighbors happy, too. RVing with pets can be great fun if you take a few precautions.
1. See the Vet Before You Go
There’s nothing worse than your cat or dog getting ill while you’re away and far from the vet you know and trust. An exam will determine if your pet is healthy enough to go on an extended trip. You may need to get your inoculations updated before you go. Your vet can recommend products to safeguard against ticks, Lyme disease and other outdoor risks. Don’t forget to keep your vaccinations records in your RV, especially if you’re crossing over into Mexico or Canada.
2. Get a GPS Locator Tag
You never know when your pet is going to make a break for it out in nature. Pets are prone to this when they’re stressed out from being in an unfamiliar setting or if there are sudden thunderstorms. A GPS locator tag will let you track where your pet is via smartphone. Make sure your dog’s ID tag is up-to-date. Some people even hang USB drives from their pet’s collar. On it, you can include information about where you are staying.
3. Familiarize Your Pet with the RV
Do this well before you leave for your trip, otherwise, your pet may feel anxious once you get on the road. Place favorite toys and bedding in the RV. Spend some time in there along with your pet for an hour or so a few times before you leave for your destination. You may want to bring some products with you in case your pet is still anxious after you leave home. Taking lots of bathroom breaks also helps minimize anxiety.
4. Be Mindful at the Campground
Many RV campgrounds that allow pets have dog parks, which is great for letting your dog work off some anxiety. However, you should always bring your own water. Contagious diseases like canine flu and other serious illnesses are often caught from shared drinking water. Also, make sure to clean up after your pet. Make sure your dog is not aggressive or barky. People want their peace and quiet (and privacy) so keep your pet in your area. If you can’t get Fido to stop barking, use the muzzle you hopefully remembered to bring or use a pet-safe no-bark collar.
5. Keep Your Pet Cool
You do know that your pet is usually a few degrees hotter than you with a permanent fur coat, right? During the heat of summer, you may want to consider shaving your pet. Not only will they stay cooler but you’ll also be able to check for ticks more easily. Finding a swimming hole is another way to get your dog to cool off, but make sure to secure your pet with a flotation jacket. Canine cooling jackets and cooling bandanas are great. If your cat is traveling with you, remember to leave plenty of water, pull the shades and keep the fans running.
The information in this article is obtained from various sources. This content is offered for educational purposes only. It should not replace manuals or instructions provided by the manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional. The definitions, terms, and coverage in a given policy may be different than those suggested here. No warranty or appropriateness for a specific purpose is expressed or implied.