Taking your dog along with you on your vacation can be one of the best experiences your family and your dog can share.
Even if you adore your dog and want to travel with it, some dogs just don't adapt to the stresses of traveling. If your dog is shy or aggressive around other people and animals, you may decide to leave it home. If it would be happier staying behind at home with a caretaker or boarded at a kennel, do what's in your pet's best interests.
Before you go on your trip - Take your pet to the vet for a check-up and updated vaccinations including rabies and bordetella. If an emergency arises and you have to board your dog, many kennels will not accept a pet without a current bordetella vaccination that prevents the contagious respiratory disease known as kennel cough. If your pet is on any medications, make sure you have enough on hand to last through the trip with a little extra to spare in case the trip gets extended. Take your vaccination records with you when you travel for proof of current vaccinations. Using a thumb drive to store all medical records, medications, vaccinations and a few current good pictures of your dog is a good if not great idea. It can be kept on your key-chain or purse so if something happens away from the campsite you won't have to go back after it.
Ask your vet about appropriate doses of items in a pet first aid kit, such as benedryl for an allergic reaction, and what he recommends for pain should your pet suffer and accident. Don’t rely on human over the counter meds and doses. Tylenol, for example is poisonous to dogs. Your vet clinic may have commercially prepared first aid kits for sale. If not, you can purchase one in many pet supply stores. Stock up on flea and worm prevention medicine to keep in the RV. If you’re traveling to the Southeast you may want to check with a veterinarian in the area to see what they recommend. Some fleas in different areas are resistant to common brands of flea prevention medications, and a switch may be needed to be effective for your pet.
Make sure tags contain current contact information including your cellphone numbers instead of your home phone number, so you can be contacted. However, collars can come off and tags can be lost. If you haven’t had your dog microchipped you may want to do this before leaving home. This commonly costs less than $100 dollars . It’s well worth the price to know you have done all you can do to be reunited with your pet.
Make sure you have your dog on a brand of food that is available in many locations. Switching a dog from brand to brand can many times cause digestive problems, not something you want on a road trip! Store the food in locking air tight plastic containers, Just like your food, no reason for insects or other pests to enjoy it also. Keep the containers secured, nothing like have 25 lbs of dog food spread through out your camper.
You’ll also want to pack any routine grooming tools you use such as pet shampoo, brushes, combs, scissors and nail clippers. If you groom your dog extensively, extra towels, conditioners, dematting formulas and tools along with electric clippers can be added. A small fishing tackle box is perfect to stow away with all of the items you need.
Whether you crate your dog, secure him with a harness, or secure his pet bed with a seat belt depends on what your preference is. If you are towing your trailer the safest place for your dog is in the tow vehicle where you have access to him. Never allow your pet to ride in a towed trailer, fifth wheel or toy hauler. If you have a motorized RV, make sure your pet is secured, like everything else in your camper.
On the Road - If your dog is new to traveling, take along favorite blankets, bedding and toys. Don’t change dog food brands, and pack a couple of milk jugs with water from home. If you feel inclined, pick up a new item or two giving your pet something to focus on. A chewer needs rawhide, or synthetic bones to chew on to keep him occupied. Try to do one or two things a day at the same time you do them at home to keep up with his normal routine. Whether a morning walk, playing ball after dinner or simply stroking your dogs head while you watch TV at night. These things may seem small, but your dog knows they mean ‘home’, and everything is okay. Dogs are happiest when they have a routine they can count on. Try to give them their meals, exercise , treats at similar times each day. Not only will it benefit you by them having very regular bathroom times but they will be much calmer when knowing what to expect.
You know what they say “ A tired dog is a good dog” and this is even more true when RVing. Dogs like to explore and move. Beagles need to sniff new things, it’s in their breed and if deprived from that they act out in some annoying way. Your breed may need to fetch or herd or run. Give them some time every day to do it. Make sure they get a couple good walks and some mental stimulation.
Leaving the dogs in the camper - Many times the dogs will have to stay behind in the rig. The best way to do it is to leave them inside their kennels. If they are in the kennels they feel secure, won’t be trying to see out the windows causing stress or if they fall an injury, and most importantly won’t eat or chew on stuff they aren't supposed to. When leaving the less fuss the better soon they will know the drill and if properly exercised will likely curl up and sleep till you return.
Make sure it is a comfortable environment for them while you are gone, if it’s a cold day set the furnace to come on , if it could get hot set the AC.
Campgound Etiquette - This is super important! We as RVers with dogs don’t want to lose the privilege of bringing our dogs. In some places, parks are starting to ban dogs. Everyone must do there absolute best to have a quiet, well-behaved dog. Your dog should not be barking constantly when your gone. Consider using a video camera to record what your dog does when your away. You may be surprised at how they may bark, bey, howl or be a nuisance to neighbors when you are away. Always, have poop bags or a scoop and use them. Watch where your dog urinates, never let them go near another persons camp area or near manicured lawns and flowers. Tie your dog well away from the traffic areas and never leave unattended outside your rig.
Other Notes - Keep your rig as clean as possible throughout the trip and spend some extra time cleaning it after you get back. This will help when you decide to upgrade rigs, or sell yours. Nobody wants to buy an RV that smells like a kennel or a zoo.