RVing with dogs can be a rewarding experience if you plan and prepare for it. Otherwise it can be stressful and take away from your overall camping enjoyment. In this article we’ll look at tips, ideas and products that can make RVing with dogs fun and safe.
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RV’ing with your Dog – tips, information and considerations
I hope some of these tips and information will make RV’ing with your dog an enjoyable and safe experience.
The information presented below is numbered, but besides the first item on the list, the rest of the list is not in any particular order of importance. They are all just things for you to consider.
1) First off…Does the campground allow dogs?
If so, will they allow your dog?
Some campgrounds have restrictions on size of the dogs they allow.
Perhaps they only allow small breeds like a Pomeranian, and you have a Great Dane.
It is best to find this out before hand: before you drive 8 hours.
And review the campground’s rules about dogs. Are they overly restrictive in your opinion? If so, then you may feel unnecessary stress. Perhaps it would be best to look for another campground.
2) Don’t leave your dog unattended
There are some conflicting beliefs on this, and I think it really depends on circumstances such as the weather.
This isn’t as much of a concern on a mild Spring day, but in the heat of the summer you should be safe, err on the side of caution, and don’t leave your dog unattended.
Even if it is in an air-conditioned RV, what if the A/C broke, battery died or generator runs out of gas.
Yes you can get monitoring devices to monitor the inside temperature of your RV and send you updates, but in this case make sure you have someone at the campsite that can help your dog if needed.
You should ask this person ahead of time if they’d be willing to help if needed. And make sure your dog is okay with this person. The person giving a helping hand doesn’t want to be attacked by your dog when they go to let it out of the sweltering RV.
3) Exercise your dog
It is important that your dogs get some exercise.
If you are having a travel day then make sure to stop so your dog can stretch its legs.
If you’re at a campsite then take your dog for walks, runs, hikes or swims.
Our veterinarian said that tired, exercised dogs don’t have as much anxiety.
After a long day of camping and frequent walks my dog usually sleeps really well in our pop up camper.
4) Nobody wants to hear your dog bark all day
If you are leaving your RV and going on a day-trip to sight-see, and plan on leaving your dog alone in the RV make sure the dog doesn’t bark his head off all day. (You may want to pay attention to #2 on this list too…)
No camping neighbors want to hear that.
(They just got away from their boss barking at them all day!)
Acclimatize the dog to the RV before you travel. Get the dog used to the RV.
You may instantly view it as home away from home, but that doesn’t mean your dog will.
When the RV is still parked in your driveway slowly start spending more time in the RV with your dog.
Have some meals out there. Feed your dog in there.
5) Stay consistent with your dog’s food.
I learned this the hard way while visiting my father-in-law’s house.
He had a can of wet dog food in the pantry that was for his girlfriend’s dog. He said my dog could have it.
Big mistake. I spent the next couple hours cleaning puke and poop out of his carpet.
So if you want to spend your camping trip scrubbing your RV carpet or bedding I suggest you stay consistent with the dog food.
6) Consider the Health of your Dog
Vaccines
If your dog will be socializing with strange dogs then make sure it’s vaccinations are up to date. You don’t want your camping trip shortened because your dog caught an illness.
Medication
When you go RV’ing with your dog, make sure you pack your dog’s medications.
Enough for the planned trip, plus extra just in case you have to spend a few more days away from home.
(Unfortunately RV’s do break down sometimes.)
Do you have an old or disabled dog?
My sister’s Golden Retriever has hip problems and isn’t able to climb their steep travel-trailer steps.
So when they go camping with her, they bring plastic steps from their hot tub for the dog to use instead. That way she can safely get in and out of the trailer.
If your dog is old, or has mobility problems then try to plan ahead and determine any special supplies your dog may need.
Shade for your Dog
If your dog will be put outside make sure there is shade available, and water to drink.
You wouldn’t want to be left out in the direct sun all day. Neither will your dog.
You could position its folding exercise pen (see further below) under the shade of your awning. But remember, if you are gone for several hours the position of the shade will change with the passing hours.
Some folks string up tarps between their RV and nearby trees to provide extra shade for their pets.
7) Make sure your dog has a dog tag on it’s collar
The fear or excitement of being in new place can cause some dogs to bolt out the RV door, past their owner, and they run off to places unknown chasing smells that we can’t even comprehend.
So make sure you have a dog tag with your cell phone number on it.
And if you are frequently camping, it would be a good idea to include the license plate number of your RV on the dog tag.
That way if you are out of cell service they can find your RV parked in the campsite, or they can check in with the campground operator.
8) Pack some Dog Poop Bags
Be a responsible dog owner and clean up after your dog.
You can purchase these leak-proof dog waste bags from your local retailer, or from Amazon.
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9) Consider getting a folding Exercise Pen
You can purchase a folding exercise pen like the one pictured above and place it in the shade near your RV. (I’m really not sure why they call it an “exercise pen” though…unless they just run in circles. I think “portable dog pen” is a more appropriate term, but that’s just my opinion.)
It is really popular on Amazon with a high-rating.
If you want to get your dog outside, but don’t want to tether it with a leash, check out this option.
As we mentioned above, make sure it’s in the shade. And don’t leave your dog unattended.
There are different sizes of panels (and heights) that correspond to different dog sizes.
So make sure you buy a size adequate to contain your dog.
10) Spiral Dog Anchor to tether your dog
I purchased a spiral dog tether similar to this one for my Jack Russell-cross dog.
You screw it into the dirt and then clip the end of the plastic-coated wire to the dog’s collar or harness.
Not only is it super useful while camping, but it’s handy when visiting friends that don’t have fenced yards.
The one thing you have to look out for though, is that if your dog is curious like mine, then they may wrap themselves around trees and create a tangled mess. So choose your tethering spot wisely.
If you want more details on this spiral dog tether, click here.
11) Put a mat or towel inside and outside to scrub off dirty paws
To help keep the inside of your RV clean, you’ll want to have a mat outside your RV, perhaps inside the door too, and a towel to wipe off your dog’s paws.
You May Also Like our article on outdoor RV mats.
12) Bring in your dog’s pet food at night
If you feed your dog outside then you should bring in the food and bowl at nighttime. According to this article from BearWise this will help prevent attracting wildlife like bears and raccoons to your campsite.
13) Get a Screen door protector
Various companies now make metal-grate screen door protectors to help stop damage from dogs.
This particular one from Aupar is adjustable so it is designed to fit different sizes of screen doors.
I love bringing my little dog camping, but it does take extra thought and planning compared to leaving her at home with a dog-sitter.
I hope this list has helped you, and given you some things to think about.
Happy safe and enjoyable camping with your dog.
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