Ray Burr is a full-time RVer who spends summer camped on Vancouver Island and winters exploring the US South West with his RV , his wife and their furry companions. Check out his blog, LoveYourRV.com, for Trip Reports, Tips and Tricks, Product Reviews, Photos, Videos and more…
Here, we share Ray’s tips, based on experience, of RV’ing with your furry family….
Anne and I have traveled many times with our two beagles along with us, Oscar a 45 lb. male and Angie a much smaller 20 lb. female. It is one of the reasons we decided to see North America in an RV.
We desired to embark on a one year trip and couldn’t imagine leaving our beloved pets at home. We don’t have children and our two dogs are very much part of our family. After 4 years living full-time in the Fifth Wheel Trailer and countless short trips in our camper van we have learned a few things about RVing with dogs. In the following sections you’ll learn some of the main things to consider when RVing with Dogs and tips we have discovered along the way.
FOOD AND WATER
The basics for life. 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!
They also stock a vast assortment of foods. Generally we buy enough for 1 month or more and store it in a plastic sealed bin in the basement storage compartment. As far as water is concerned we tend to only drink purified purchased water and give that to our dogs for much the same reason as above. If you can keep yours and your dogs digestive system running smoothly then your trip will be much more enjoyable for all the reasons you can imagine.
TIPS
- Use plastic bins to store the dogs food in.
- Feed the dog at the same time everyday so you know when the bowel movements will happen.
PAPERS AND VET INFO
Always travel with your veterinary records. We include these in the same place we store our passports. Make sure your dog has all the vaccines and shots needed for your journey. This may take a little research if traveling internationally. Most customs websites have sections on dogs. Rabies is always a given almost anywhere but be aware certain states or provinces may have their own specific rules. Also think about the area your going to and what parasites it may have. IE. – You may not have heart-worm
in your local area but are traveling to somewhere it is a problem. The internet is always a good source of information. One time in Georgia I notice a weird oval-shaped object in Angie’s fur. Turns out it was a tick and by searching the web I was able to find out the best way to remove it and disinfect the sore.
Veterinarian services is another thing you may need, especially on a long trip far away from home. When heading to a new area we do a quick Google search for local Vets and read any reviews we can find, if they are required. Don’t get a false sense of security thinking your dog will be fine on the road, things come up.
You just never know what they might do, they are dogs after all. Not the sharpest tools in the shed but we love them anyway.
TIPS
- Put copies your veterinary information, likeX-rays,papers, history etc., on a CD and USB Key. That way it is easy to store and give to a Vet while traveling if need be.
- Have your dogs ID chipped and contact details on the collar if they are lost while traveling.
- Keep a good first aid kit handy with pet associated meds and bandages, you may not be close to an Animal Hospital all the time.
- Make sure you take along enough prescription medicine for your whole trip, our dogs are on prescription flea control medication.
- If you can kennel train your dog it helps when vet visit is required. That way you can take the kennel and they will have some familiar surroundings if a vet stay is needed.
Remember – Whatever Your ADVENTURE (with your furry family)…we have an RV for it!
