8 Tips for RV Traveling With Dogs: Hit the Road with Rover!

Ready to embark on an RV adventure with your furry friend Rover? While dogs make great travel companions, it is important to keep a few things in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip for everyone involved.

In this article, we will provide you with some of the top tips for traveling with dogs in RVs to ensure a successful journey with your four-legged friend. Take a look at them!

RV Traveling with Fido: What You Need to Know!

Having your furry companion with you during your travels can be enjoyable, but it requires careful planning. Prior to embarking on a road trip with your dog, ensure that you are well-prepared.

1. Pack Carefully for Your Pup

Prior to departing, ensure that you have all the necessary items for your dog. Though each dog has its own unique requirements, there are a few items that most pet owners might prefer to carry:

A comfy bed
Crate
Food and food bowls
Treats
Toys
Leash, collar, and harness
Medication
Special Attire

Try your hardest to pack all the necessities for your dog, however, do not stress too much about having a complete packing list as most items can be obtained during your trip.

Ensure that you bring along any items that cannot be found during your travels such as prescribed medication or your canine companion’s beloved plaything.

2. Plan your campsite selection or route carefully.

It is necessary for you to conduct your own inquiry and reserve campsites in advance as not all camping locations allow pets.

Keep in mind that the availability of campsites varies throughout the year, which means you might have to make reservations for summer spots further in advance due to the higher volume of travelers during school break.

3. Travel Safely

For your safety and to enable you to concentrate on driving, it is imperative that you appropriately restrain your pet during your RV trip.

There are a variety of choices when it comes to ensuring the safety of Spot, such as:

The best option is to use a dog crate designed for car use .
If you don’t want to use a crate, you could use a harnesses for car travel or a dog seat belt .
If nothing else, at least consider using a dog car barrier .

Regardless of the type of car-restraint system you favor, ensure its usage. This not only safeguards your dog in case of an accident but also averts it from disturbing you while driving.

4. Secure Veterinary Care for Your Canine

Before embarking on a journey, it is advisable to arrange a preliminary veterinary examination for your furry companion to ensure that he is in top shape. Travelling can be challenging for both you and your dog, and he needs to be in excellent health before venturing into new surroundings.

It is important to keep your vet and pet insurance contact information readily available in case of an emergency.

Before departing, plan and mark the locations of veterinary clinics and pet emergency rooms along your travel route. Although you may not require their services, it will provide you with a valuable resource in the event of an emergency.

5. Plan for your dog’s daily activities.

Just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean your dog’s routine comes to a standstill! You’ll need to factor in exercise time, space for cuddles, and the other things he’ll need while on the road.

You’ll also have to ensure that your pup gets enough chances to work out, but don’t worry, there are various choices available. One of the most suitable includes Leash Safety.

Make sure to keep your dog on a leash during hikes in unfamiliar territories. However, if you’re in a designated area, where dogs are allowed to be off-leash and you’re convinced that your dog will return upon your recall, then you might consider allowing him to run freely. Nonetheless, we suggest that you equip your furry friend with a GPS tracker designed for dogs.

6. Think about safety.

When planning your route and preparing for your trip, take into account your dog’s safety.

Do you anticipate encountering hazardous fauna? How does your canine respond to unfamiliar creatures? It is vital to have a safety protocol set up for you and your furry friend in the event that you happen to get trapped in one of these predicaments.

Utilizing a RV temperature monitoring system such as Waggle is advisable to guarantee the comfort of your canine, as extreme temperatures, whether high or low, can pose a significant danger on the road.

Your furry friend can be at risk if left in a hot car, as the interior temperatures can rise by 20 degrees Fahrenheit within a mere 10 minutes. Even if the outside temperature appears mild, at 70 degrees, the inside of a car can quickly become dangerously warm. To keep your dog comfortable during car rides, make sure to provide ample airflow and water.

7. Be a good neighbor at the RV park.

Your canine companion must display exemplary conduct while relaxing at the RV park.

Ensure that Buddy barks as little as possible, clean up after your dog’s poop, and when you move away from the RV, make sure your dog is on a leash or under some form of control.

To ensure your dog’s safety as you set up a campfire and explore the outdoors, consider using a long leash or dog tie-out stake. If your furry friend is small, a portable pet fence may also be a suitable option.

It’s important to keep in mind that although you may adore most dogs, there are people who do not like dogs (surprising, isn’t it?) Train your dog to maintain a safe distance and improve their social skills before going out.

8. Don’t bite off more than you can chew.

Both you and your furry companion can feel drained from traveling by road.

Before committing to a full-time van life experience with your dog, it is advisable to begin with a couple of short trips to ensure your furry friend is at ease with being on the road, then gradually increase the length of your trips.

It may be beneficial to try spending a night parked in your driveway with your dog to check if there are any unexpected difficulties that could affect your furry friend. Allow your dog to progress at their own speed, and aid them in working through any worries they may have about being in the car.

Ensure that your dog is ready for a road trip and try to keep things easygoing. Although some dogs enjoy traveling, others may not appreciate extended periods in the car, and that’s perfectly fine. It may be better for you and your dog to engage a reliable dog sitter while embarking on your road trip, or ask a relative to watch over your furry companion while you hit the road.

BONUS: Should You Feed a Homemade Diet?

As recall news and commercial dog food information keep changing, an increasing number of guardians are making their own dog food at home. While dogs relish in homemade meals, it is crucial to adhere to specific guidelines to ensure the good health of your canine companion. Preparing dog food at home differs from cooking for yourself or your human family members.

Before switching your dog to a homemade diet, it is important to take certain factors into consideration as home cooking dog food may not be suitable for everyone.

Be sure to find a dog food recipe that is complete and balanced. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is to feed an incomplete or imbalanced diet to your dog.
It takes time to measure ingredients and prepare the food correctly. Be sure you have a schedule that allows enough time to properly make your dog’s food on a regular basis.
Make sure you can afford the ingredients to make your own dog food. Homemade food is typically less expensive than commercially prepared fresh or raw dog food, but it usually costs a little more than kibble.
If you have a picky dog, you may need to source multiple recipes so you can change the diet periodically and keep your dog interested.

Proper Nutrition for Dogs

For dogs to thrive, their nutritional needs must be met just like humans. While we have different nutritional needs, it means that sharing dinner with your dog is not recommended. Giving an incomplete or imbalanced diet to dogs can result in vitamin and nutrient deficiencies.

To fulfill their energy demands, dogs require an adequate number of calories that vary depending on their age and level of physical activity. To know the exact amount of calories your dog needs on a daily basis, seek assistance from your veterinarian.

For a dog’s homemade meal to be complete and balanced, it must consist of a suitable proportion of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and fat. Additionally, vitamins and minerals should be incorporated.

At least 10% protein , such as chicken, turkey, fish, lean beef
Up to 50% carbohydrates, such as rice, pasta , and potatoes (also provides some fiber)
About 2.5-4.5% fiber , which can come from vegetables like peas, green beans, and carrots
At least 5.5% fat , usually in the form of vegetable oil
Vitamin and mineral supplements (dog-specific; can be purchased from a reputable company like BalanceIT.com )

The initial step to commence preparing food for your canine is to consult with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian could provide you with appropriate recipes to sample or guide you to a specialist in veterinary nutrition or a vet who concentrates on canine nutrition.

What to Watch for When Feeding Homemade Dog Food

To transition your dog to homemade dog food successfully, it is crucial to keep a close eye on their well-being. Communicate regularly with your vet about any noticeable changes, positive or negative. Keeping a log of your dog’s weight and physical state over time will yield the best outcome. It is recommended to weigh your dog at least once a week, and inform your vet if you notice any unintended fluctuations in weight. Be aware of possible vomiting and diarrhea, as these are common symptoms if your dog has a sensitivity to particular ingredients. Any signs of illness, including these, should be noted and reported to your vet.

How to Prepare Homemade Food for Dogs

It is crucial to ensure that the recipe you follow for your dog’s homemade diet is well-rounded. After selecting an appropriate recipe with the guidance of your veterinarian, it’s time to begin the preparation process.

Before you begin, it’s best if you have ready a food scale, food processor, pots and pans, and containers or bags for portioning the food.
Purchase fresh, high-quality ingredients that are not canned, seasoned, or heavily processed.
Set yourself up in a clean area of the kitchen that is free of foods that may be harmful to your dog .
Measure out the ingredients. Use a food scale if possible for accuracy.
Cook ingredients as directed on the recipe
Mix food and supplements together well (ideally, use a food processor to blend ingredients).
Place food in containers and store in the refrigerator or freezer.
In general, refrigerated food will stay fresh for three to four days. Frozen dog food is best within about two months. Avoid feeding homemade dog food that has been in the freezer for more than six months.

Numerous pet owners opt to cook and store food in pre-portioned containers in their refrigerator or freezer. Even though it’s an excellent way to save money and time, it’s a good idea to start with smaller portions to observe how your pet responds to the diet.