Ten Tips for Dog Owners on the Road in
a RV
by: Genevieve Frederick
Motor homes usually have a driver, a passenger, maybe a few kids and
at least one dog. It’s a prerequisite that to own a motor home
you need at least one dog. Don’t be surprised when you see RV
dealers matching a breed to a particular model in the future.
Taking a RV trip with your pooch should and will be pleasant if you:
1. Keep your dog safe; put his leash on before you open the door.
Dogs are excited as soon as their home on the road stops and they want
out! But not every place you stop will be safe; on coming traffic, glass
on the side of the road, and other dogs near by could cause your dog
to run on to the road.
2. Carry a health certificate issued by our veterinarian that clearly
identifies the dog and certifies that the dog have been vaccinated against
rabies during the preceding 36-month period. This is a must if you plan
to travel from the United States to Canada. Different Canadian provinces
may have different requirements. Be sure to contact the government of
the provinces you plan to visit. It is rare to need the health certificate
when traveling in the 48 states but if there is an incident both the
certificate and the rabies vaccination certificate could help a bunch.
3. Respect all the rules of campsites and parks. That can mean a special
Poop Park or a Dog Run Area and leash rules. You don’t want to
be asked to move on if your dog misbehaves or is running amuck. Dogs
in a new strange place will follow their nose so keep that leash on
so he will not get lost. And be prepared to pay extra for your pooch.
Some camps and parks have a “dog fee.”
4. Always carry poop bags (zip lock sandwich plastic bags for smaller
breeds and larger plastic bags for bigger breeds). The trick, using
the zip lock bags, is to turn the bag inside out, pick up the poop,
turning the bag right side again and zip the contents (and smell) closed.
Always try to locate the nearest dumpster or trash can instead of bringing
it back into your motor home.
5. D-rings are great! Hook it on his leash and then hook the D-ring
to your belt loop. You’ll have both hands free. When in camp,
tie a long rope to a boulder, picnic table, tree or the bumper of the
motor home and tie the other end to the hand rail just outside the RV
door. Next time your pooch needs to go out, get his leash, clamp on
the D-ring and hook it on the rope and out he goes like a little paratrooper.
D-rings make it easy to tie up the dog when you go into a store or shop.
Just loop the leash around any post or tree and use the D-ring to secure
the dog; this prevents those knots that seem to get tighter by the minute
as your dog pulls on the leash.
6. When you go on a tour or shopping and have to leave your pooch
in the RV make sure you leave the vents open, have fresh water out,
and a few puddle pads on the floor just in case there is an accident.
Open windows can become an escape route; right through the screen and
a long way down to the ground, so only leave the windows open an inch.
7. The inside of a motor home is usually small and dogs do not get
out as much as if they were at home. Brush your dog outside to remove
dander, and loose fur, it’s much easier to let the wind take it
away than to clog up your vacuum.
8. If you’re on the road for long periods check the local yellow
pages for a dog groomer in the town you are visiting. Or ask at the
campground or RV Park for a recommendation of a nearby groomer. A better
solution than doggy day care, while you tour a museum or go to a ball
game your dog will be pampered and clean when you pick him up.
9. Give your dog a special place, like a dog carrier or a dog pad
or bed this provides him with a secure and comfortable place when he
is feeling scared or tired.
10. If your dog gets nervous or anxious while traveling try Dramine™
and St. John’s Worth. Ask your vet for the amounts to be given
based on your pooch’s body weight.
Dogs enrich our lives in everyway and they deserve a road trip too.
Besides, they’re a lot easier than kids and dogs don’t keep
saying over and over “Are we there yet?” or “where’s
McDonald’s?” The only draw back, dogs can’t use the
bathroom so they compel us to “stop and smell the roses”
every so often.
About The Author - Frederick is the Publisher at Paw
Publishing, Inc. The newest title “Happy Tails – Hilarious
Helpful Hints for Dog Owners,” is a rib-tickling look at why we
both love and are puzzled by our four-footed friends by Dr. Gary L.
Ailes. Subscribe at http://www.pawpublishing.com
and receive by email his free handy checklist “Dog Poisons and
Other Items to Avoid.” Contact Dr. Ailes at dogdoctor@pawpublishing.com.
- publisher@pawpublishing.com
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