Traveling with your dog in your RV can make for a great family vacation that truly includes the whole family, even the dog. Here are some tips on how to help Fido have as good a time as the rest of the family.
Safety in Motion
If driving a motorhome, have a safe place for the dog to ride. Many dogs become carsick in the bouncy rear portion of a long vehicle. If a crate can be fitted toward the front of the vehicle (and the dog is crate-trained) this is really the best option. Not only will the dog be comfortable, he won't be able to get loose on his own during "pit" stops. Always have a leash for the dog, and give him plenty of water and bathroom breaks during the trip. Usually, if the driver needs a break, the dog does as well.
If traveling with a travel trailer or fifth-wheel trailer, keep the dog in the tow vehicle, once again, preferably crated. Never travel the dog in the trailer portion, where he will be in danger if there is a problem with the trailer, or he may become overheated.
Dog-Friendly Destination
Ensure that your destination campsite is dog-friendly and Fido is permitted to camp there. Some campgrounds, like many hotels, do not allow dogs.
Campsite Safety
Most people choose to tie out their dogs while camping. While this works for some dogs, it is not ideal if there isn't someone in camp to supervise. Dogs are quite capable of tangling themselves around trees or picnic tables, leaving them with no access to water and often frustrating them to the point of barking, causing annoyance to other campers. If tying out a dog is the only option, ensure that he cannot get tangled and he has plenty of fresh water.
Another option is to make a portable "kennel" by using collapsible exercise pens, sold at many pet supply stores. Linking two or three of these "ex-pens" makes a nice fenced area, and putting up a shade cloth will ensure the dog has shade at all times. Once again, this is an ideal solution if someone is in camp. If a dog in an ex-pen sees a critter it wants to chase, the ex-pen may not hold him in.
The best solution for the dog when leaving camp is to ensure he's safely inside the RV with good air conditioning or heat, depending on the weather. If a puppy going through a destructive phase is part of the family, once again a crate is the best option.
Dogs should never be left alone, even in the RV for more than a few hours.
Just Like Kids!
Just like children, dogs will be much easier to travel with if supplied with their favorite toys and chewies to play with. Frequent walks around the campground are a necessity as well.
A tired, comfortable, entertained dog should be an easy travel companion and a pleasure for the whole family.
Jennifer Hughes - I'm a recovering cubie-aholic who wasted far too much of my life writing and interpreting the fine print at your health insurance company. ...
