" Rving With Dogs"

Information and advice for rivng with your dog.

Are you thinking of buying a RV and hitting the road part-time or full-time? Do you have a dog? Is he going traveling with you? Decision time. I would guess most of you would say "Of course, my dog goes where I go."

According to the RVIA (Recreation Vehicle Industry Association) one in every three of the 8 million RV-owning families travel with a pet. Dogs top that list!

So if that's the case you just need to be prepared. First it might be a good idea to take your dog on short trips in your RV. They need to get used to being in the RV, on the road and in campgrounds. Your dog may or may not readily adapt to traveling in a RV. Also they need to get use to new sounds, sights, smells and people. Just remember it can be a stressful time for some dogs until they get accustomed to all of these things.

Not all government campgrounds and RV parks allow dogs. If they do their might be an extra charge for your pet. Call ahead.

You will need to organize your RV to accommodate your dog.

Are you going to confine him to certain areas of the RV? It's easier on you if he confined to non-carpeted areas. Try using gates just be sure they are sturdy enough. Be sure the area is big enough that your dog doesn't feel overly confined. Also be sure he has plenty of ventilation and can see you and what's going on.
You may want to cover your furniture to avoid pet odors and hair on the fabrics. Maybe try a dog be so he won't want to be on the furniture.
Place water and food containers in places that you won't trip over them and won't matter if spilled. Try using a "water hole" travel water bowl while traveling.
Place a mat inside the door.
Have supplies ready for accidents, life carpet cleaner and paper towels.
Vaccum often to help control dog hairs from getting on everything.
Groom your dog to help control dog hairs.
Odors will happen of course with dogs. Have good ventilation, sprays and deodorizers.
Have prevention for fleas.
Just like living in a house you need to pet proof your RV. Check extension cords, keep medications and cleaning supplies put away.

Be sure you have these items with you:

Vaccination certificate. Have rabies updates and shots up to date.
Medical records.
Medication if dog takes any.
Need identification collar which has your cell number on it. (Maybe RV license number on it) Microchips can be used too. They are inserted in your dog's neck. They are the size of a grain of rice and are inserted with a large needle. There are two main microchip companies in the U.S. AVID Friendship and Hoenidgaen Microchip Identification. They have scanners that are universal and can recognize both chips.
Collar, leash, and some type of tethering rope or chain.
Photo of your dog in case he gets away.
First aid kit.
Toys
Good supply of his normal dog food and treats.

When traveling be a good RV neighbor.

Clean up after your dog. Have a pooper scooper or plenty of baggies.
Keep your dog on a leash.
Don't leave him unattached outside your RV.
Don't let him bark.
Use pet walks.

Take your dog on walks and play with him. Try to find activities you can include him. If you are going somewhere and you can't take him with you, you don't want to leave him in a unventilated RV. If it's hot you could leave a vent fan or an air conditioner going but you need also to realize the power could go off. So you need to plan ahead.

Some campgrounds have a day care kennels. Just be sure to check it out first. Also, a lot of cities now have dog day care centerswhere you can drop your dog off for the day.

Also, have information in your wallet/purse with the address of the campground to alert officials that you have a pet in your RV that needs attention if need be.

Happy RVing!

Need help with RV technical problems then check out this site. RV-Motorhome-Answers.

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