Camping in an RV is one of the best ways to get into nature and spend time with the whole family—including your furry, four-legged family members. Even though camping with dogs can be a tad more stressful and requires a little more preparation than camping without them, it’s worth it!
Whether you camp in a motorhome or with a tow vehicle and travel trailer, it’s certainly possible to have a stress-free camping trip with your canine companions. As long as you plan and prepare beforehand, your trip will be that much more enjoyable (even more so than it would have been had you left your pup behind).
Essential Preparations Before Hitting the Road
As we said above, preparation is key when you’re camping with dogs. Here’s a checklist of canine camping essentials.
#1: Health Check and Vaccination Update
While you’re camping, there’s a good chance your dog will interact with dogs, cats, and other animals. Therefore, it’s important that they’re up to date on their shots and vaccinations. That way, you don’t have to worry about them picking something up at the campground or passing something on to another dog.
Additionally, if you know your dog struggles with motion sickness and doesn’t do well in vehicles, a quick health check at your vet’s office is a great opportunity to ask for some motion sickness medication (that you can keep on deck–just in case).
#2: Creating a Cozy Corner
One key to keeping your dog comfortable while on an RV trip is to make sure they have their own space. Sure, they’ll want to get their cuddles in, but like you, they’ll also want a safe (and private) place to retreat for a few hours here and there. (Dogs can get socially exhausted, too).
To ensure your dog has a place for some R&R, it’s a good idea to bring its dog bed from home. You should also grab any toys or other items that your dog is particularly attached to so it doesn’t feel out of his or her element. Ultimately, your goal is to make your RV feel like an extension of your home.
#3: Packing the Essentials
In addition to packing their bed and some of their dog’s favorite toys, here are a few other things you shouldn’t forget.
- Any medications your dog requires
- Their dog food
- Treats to reward good behavior
- Collapsible dog bowls for food and water, such as the Frisco Collapsible Travel Dog Bowls
- Plenty of fresh water in case the campground doesn’t have any
The reason I mention bringing fresh water just in case is because it’s not uncommon for campgrounds to have boil alerts. Since they’re often located in remote areas, campground water often gets contaminated and undrinkable. Ergo, having emergency water on hand is a must!
Safety Precautions for Your Dog During Travel
Next, it’s important to make sure that your dog is safe and secure while you’re traveling with them.
Secure Transport Solutions
Crash-tested harnesses and crates are the gold standard in pet travel safety. Harnesses are essentially like seatbelts for dogs, and they ensure that your beloved dog won’t get flung around like a rag doll if you’re in an accident or come to a sudden stop. There are plenty of great crash-tested harnesses on the market, but the CARSAFE Crash Tested Back Clip is one of the best.
Another good option is a crate secured with seat belts. However, if there’s an accident, the dog may still get jostled around inside the crate, so the harness is the better overall option.
Tips for Living Comfortably in Your RV with Your Dog
Now that you know what to bring with you and how to keep your dog safe on your travels, let’s look at how to be comfortable and sane while RVing with one or two dogs (or even more).
Tip #1: Proactively Manage Travel Anxiety
Travel anxiety is a very real thing for many dogs, and it can get them down. And, if you’re anything like me, it’s tough to have a good time when you know your dog is feeling down and out.
Several ways to keep them happy are to take frequent potty breaks and walks while you’re driving. Additionally, a personal favorite of mine is to take our dog’s Kong treat dispenser and put treats or peanut butter inside. The work your dog will have to do to remove the treat will both distract them and tire them out!
Finally, we’ve also invested in a thunder shirt for our dog. Thundershirts are anxiety vests designed to give dogs a sense of comfort during thunderstorms. However, they also work for all-around anxiety, including anxious feelings related to traveling.
Tip #2: Temperature Control and Ventilation
It’s also important to keep your dog from overheating. This is important in terms of both safety and comfort, as they will start to feel anxious and pant heavily when they get too warm.
Tip #3: Establishing Routine and Structure
In the same way that people often struggle with change, dogs do best when there is structure and routine in their lives. Therefore, being as consistent as possible with walks, treats, meals, and other aspects of their life will keep your dog happy and content during your road trip.
Tip #4: Dealing With Barking Dogs and Separation Anxiety
While you might spend most of your time around your RV (and within a stone’s throw of your dog), there’s a good chance you’ll want to do activities where you can’t bring them along. This can be tough if they struggle with separation anxiety and tend to bark heavily when you leave them unattended.
In addition to the methods listed above for travel anxiety, you may need to invest in a bark collar to deal with barking. The last thing you want is to have angry neighbors because your dog won’t stop barking. This is especially important if there are other dogs nearby, as dogs tend to feed off of each other’s nervous energies when it comes to barking.
Exploring Pet-Friendly Destinations
Another important aspect of camping with dogs is to know pet-friendly destinations and areas ahead of time so that you aren’t caught off-guard.
Researching Dog-Friendly RV Parks
In general, most RV parks are pet-friendly. However, they typically have pet policies in place that require you to keep your dog on a six-foot leash and clean up after them after every potty break. Be warned that some campgrounds don’t allow large dogs for long-term stays, but those campgrounds are few and far in between.
But as a precaution, be sure to check the campground’s pet-specific rules and policies before you book your site!
Engaging in Outdoor Activities
It’s also important to know if local outdoor activities are dog-friendly. That includes local hiking trails and parks, as well as finding any nearby dog parks. Additionally, if you’re planning your trip around going to a national park, dog parents need to research the park’s dog policy and adhere to it.
Responsible Waste Management
The biggest thing that will drive other people up the wall is if you don’t clean up after your dog. In some areas, dog owners can even face fines if your dog poops and you don’t pick it up. Therefore, be a responsible pet owner and never wander too far from your RV without poop bags!
Dealing with Emergencies and Unforeseen Circumstances
Despite your best preparation, there’s always a chance that something will go wrong. As such, it’s a good idea to do some research ahead of time and know where the best local vet and emergency animal hospitals are. That way, you can deal with a health crisis with ease rather than letting it ruin your trip.
Final Thoughts
When your adventure is over, and you and your four-legged friends are back home, you’ll need somewhere to store your RV when it’s not in use.
Consider using Neighbor, a peer-to-peer storage marketplace with plenty of RV storage options near you. That way, your rig is ready to go at a moment’s notice when you and your dogs are ready for more adventure!
