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RVing With Your Dog? 
Take Time To Prepare And Enjoy The Trip!

 So, you’re planning a trip and have decided to bring your dog along.  Whether the trip is by RV or car, there are things you can do to make it an enjoyable experience for both family and dog. 
 A good place to start is with a visit to your veterinarian.  There you can make sure “Fido” is up to date on his vaccinations and is healthy enough to travel.  Tell the doctor where you are planning to visit, he may suggest additional inoculations or decide to extend heartworm prevention to a year round regimen.  If your dog is on medications, make sure you’ll have enough to last until you return home.   He can also provide a heath certificate that may be required if traveling from the US into Canada.  Before leaving the office, ask the receptionist to make two copies of the shot records, one for you to carry and the other to keep in the RV.
 A first aid kit for Fido is another necessity.  Some basic items to include are gauze pads, antibiotic ointment, non stick vet wrap (similar to an ace bandage), Benedryl for allergic reactions, baby aspirin, an anti diarrhea medication, tweezers and a roll of gauze to use to make a muzzle.  A flea and tick repellant such as Frontline or Advantage that you apply monthly is also a good idea.
 What water will your dog drink?  Constant changing of drinking water can cause an upset stomach or diarrhea. Supply for a short trip can be brought from home.  For a long trip, bottled water is best.
  A lost dog can ruin your trip.  You can help avoid this horror by making sure he knows the basic obedience commands of sit, stay and come.  Bolting out the open door of the RV on a busy highway can be a death sentence for your dog.  BEFORE leaving home, teach Fido NOT to exit the RV without your permission.  If, despite all your precautions, Fido decides to take a side trip alone, proper identification is a must.  Micro chips that are put in place by your vet contain the needed information to get Fido back to you.  An identification tag attached to his collar with your cell phone number and address can be purchased at your local pet store.
What type of collar is best?  A flat buckle/snap collar made of nylon or leather is preferred if it is to be on the dog at all times.  Choke chains and pinch collars are training devices and should never be left on your dog.  Your leash should be five to six feet in length.  Many RV parks and campgrounds prohibit the use of retractable leads.
When on the road be sure to keep Fido safely contained in his crate.  The crate should be large enough for him to stand and turn around.  If crating will be new to him, introduce him to the crate at home before leaving.
Highway rest area stops can be challenging at best.  They usually have an area designated as a pet walk.  Watch out!  Unfortunately, many people do not pick up after their dogs.  These areas can be a source of disease and parasites.  An option is to exercise your dog “near” the area or just walk him in the parking lot (traffic permitting).  Be sure to ALWAYS dispose of his waste in a proper container.
When choosing a campground or RV park check ahead of time to make sure the facility is pet friendly.  Many campgrounds that do allow dogs may have regulations as to number of dogs, size and breed.  You may also be required to park in the pet area.  While you are checking in to the campground be sure to ask the location of the nearest veterinarian or emergency clinic.
Walking is great exercise for both you and your dog.  It is wise to use caution when walking in unfamiliar places.  Find out what types of wild life frequent your camping area by asking the camp host or park ranger.  Always keep your dog on leash.   For added safety, pepper spray or bear repellant can be carried along.  Predators such as coyotes and hawks can pose a danger in some areas.  Pay close attention to where Fido is walking.  Are there briars or stickers that could scratch an eye or get lodged in a paw?  Might that log he is sniffing have a snake under it?
Barking is another issue to address.  Even a dog who is quiet at home may bark at the new sights, sounds and smells of the campground.  Excessive barking should be discouraged.
There will be times during your trip when you must leave Fido behind in the RV while sightseeing or shopping.  Don’t assume because your air conditioning is running when you leave that Fido will stay cool and comfy until you return.  Campground electricity can be unreliable, the power could fail.  Temperature monitors are available that can be programmed to call your cell phone in the event power is lost.  Unless you have a neighbor who will check on him, it’s best to limit your time away from the RV. Attach a note to your driver’s license and visor of your car listing your campground RV site number, emergency contacts and that there is a dog in the RV that will need care in the event you are injured in an accident.
RVing with a dog, whether a short vacation or full timing, can be an enjoyable and rewarding journey if you take the time to plan ahead.  So grab your leash and hit the road!