RV Trip Safety Checklist for Your Dog
What’s better than getting away for even a few days by heading to a campsite in a RV? Why, that’s easy: inviting your well-mannered dog (or dogs) to join you!
We recently rented a 25-foot RV and headed to the nearby Cedar Hills State Park outside of Dallas. By we, I mean my wife, Julie and our three dogs: Kona, Emma and Nova 6 Toes.
It marked the first time any of our dogs had stepped a paw into an RV. As founder of Pet First Aid 4U and a master certified pet first aid/CPR instructor, I make sure safety is always a priority. Let me offer you some tips to make your next RV trip with your dogs fun and safe.
Pre-Trip Tips
Make sure your pup’s veterinary records are stored in your phone or printed and that your dog is up-to-date on flea and tick prevention medication.
Confirm your dog loves car rides and does not get motion sickness
Measure your dog’s daily meal portions and add a few extra meals in case the trip has to be extended.
Pack healthy treats in bite-sized portions
Bring plenty of bottled water. Never give your dog water from the tap as you risk him getting nauseous and sick.
Pack towels and dog-safe wet naps to clean dirty paws and coats.
Bring treat pouch for hikes and plenty of spare doggy poop bags.
Attach your dog’s leash to a harness and not the collar to avoid undue strain on the neck and to prevent a suddenly scared dog from popping his head out of the collar.
Ensure sound sleep by bringing a cushioned doggy bed and blankets.
Pack a first aid kit with contents for dogs and for people.
Include extra leashes and carabiners to attach the leash to a sturdy object like a picnic table while outside around the campfire to prevent canine escapes.
On the Road Tips
Dogs definitely make great co-pilots, but you need to focus on the road and traffic during your trek to the campgrounds. For your dog’s safety and for yours:
Tether your dog’s leash to seat belts often available at the RV’s kitchen table.
Place your dog on a nonskid doggy bed in the hallway right behind the driver’s seat.
Do not allow your dog to ride in the front passenger seat. In a collision, he could propel through the front windshield or, if you have a small dog, he could lodge under the gas pedal.
Camping Tips:
Follow the park’s rules. Keep your dog on a leash to avoid him rushing up to other leashed dogs or campers.
Maintain a comfortable temperature in the RV at all times to avoid your dog suffering from heat stroke.
Bring flashlights for early morning and evening potty breaks so you can scan the area for any sharp rocks or critters in the path of your leashed dog.
Do not leave your dog alone inside your RV. He could panic and get injured trying to escape. Or howl and irritate your camping neighbors.
Bring a favorite toy or safe chewable treat for your dog to enjoy.
Position your dog and bedding out of the smoke from a campfire. Use wet naps to clean coats of any campfire soot.
Store any cords or chewable items that may tempt your dog inside drawers and storage bins inside the RV.
Make sure your dog cannot access the garbage bin to avoid choking or poisoning.
Keep a floor light on at night so your dog can navigate safely inside the RV.
I am happy to report that Kona, Emma and Nova thoroughly enjoyed our recent RV trip. They were all sound sleepers at night.
Arden and her three dogs sitting by the campfire.
Julie enjoying a hike with the pups.
Final Tip:
Show your dog and your cat how much you care for them by enrolling in one of our Pet First Aid 4U classes. We offer three options for you to earn veterinarian-approved two-year certificates in our pet first aid/CPR programs:
In-person classes primarily aimed at pet professionals and first responders.
Interactive via ZOOM classes offered monthly and on demand
Self-paced online classes for those wishing to learn anytime, anywhere.
Pick the best option for you and sign up today!
