Angelica Kajiwara

There are many benefits to taking long-distance road trips, but many pet parents enjoy the freedom to take their dogs along for the ride. Something about having your fur baby with you makes the experience much more exciting. Your heart smiles as you watch their heads hang out the window taking in the fresh air, or you see them running about in nature playing with the kids. 

Of course, Rving with your dog does require extra preparation to ensure everyone has a good time. If you’re thinking of taking your dog on an RV trip this year, these tips are sure to come in handy. 

Plan A Few Trial Runs

Being on the road for weeks at a time presents challenges for everyone – including your dog. Before committing to a long-term RV trip with your pup, it’s best to take a few trial runs first. Plan a day or weekend trip to see how your fur baby likes the idea. Allow them to get familiar with being away from the house as they travel to different environments. Pay attention to their demeanor and needs, so you know what to do (and not to do) when you’re ready for the long haul. 

Visit The Vet

Is your dog physically and emotionally fit to travel for long distances? Before you travel, a trip to the vet can give you a clear answer. The vet can evaluate your dog’s health to ensure they don’t have any existing medical conditions that could make traveling more challenging. They can prescribe medications to soothe everything from anxiety to arthritis. You should also ask the vet about the best flea and tick protection to keep your dog safe while they explore the great outdoors. 

Dog Training

If your fur baby tends to be a bit hard-headed, it may be a good idea to enroll them in training classes before your RV trip. When you’re away from home, you have less control over your dog. The new environments, people, animals, and sounds could cause them to act out more than usual. No matter where you are, you want to be able to command your dog to behave appropriately. Teaching them basic instructions like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” can save you a lot of trouble on the open road. 

Doggy Seatbelts

While you might have seen dogs hanging out the driver or passenger windows in RVs, it’s not a safe practice. Much like your kids, your pooch can cause a disturbance that puts you all in danger on the road. That’s why it’s essential to ensure you purchase a doggy seatbelt before your road trip. You can also consider options like a crate or dog carrier. Just ensure that the crate is secure, so your dog isn’t slipping and sliding as you drive. 

Pack A Doggy Bag (Or Two)

Although there’s a lot of packing involved in a long-distance RV trip, you don’t want to leave home without essential items for your dog. Create a checklist of things to bring along with you. While every dog has different needs, some standard essentials might include dog food, water, bowls, a bed, blankets, toys, a harness, and a leash. You’ll also want to remember their prescription meds, basic grooming supplies, a pet first aid kit, and other wellness products like pet CBD. 

Choose Pet-Friendly Sites

When selecting places to stop for a few days, try to stick to pet-friendly locations. Some campsites and state parks don’t permit pets or require you to keep them on a leash the entire time. It’s more practical to go places where pets are welcomed, and other pet lovers are in the area. That way, they can have more freedom to explore and meet companions. 

RVs are large enough that you can take the entire family on the road with you – including your dog. You’ll find that traveling with your pet is unlike any other experience. Be that as it may, pet parents are encouraged to make plans before taking their pooches on the road. The above tips will ensure that you, your family, and your dog have a safe, comfortable, yet fun experience in the great outdoors.