4 Tips for Keeping Your Pup Pampered on the Road

4 Tips for Keeping Your Pup Pampered on the Road
From dog-friendly destinations to pet safety and health.
By: Ann & Lin Bishop

According to the RV Industry Association, 68% of RVers bring a pet along and most are dog people (92%)! But keeping your pups pampered on the road doesn't have to be hard work.

Here are a few tips that we've found helpful in keeping our pack of three (Brady, Abby, and Wally) happy dogs!

1. Plan Ahead

When planning your destination, make sure the campground is dog-friendly. Some have breed and/or quantity restrictions. If the campground website does not specify, be sure to call them to confirm. There's nothing worse than checking in at your destination after a long day of driving to be turned away because of your dogs.

On the flip side of that is finding a park that is completely geared toward dogs. One such park is 4 Paws Kingdom Campground and Dog Retreat in North Carolina. It's heaven on earth for dogs and dog parents!

2. Keep Them Active

Daily walks around the RV park is the simplest way to keep them active. If your dog has a lot of energy and your park has a fenced-in dog park, a game of fetch will surely wear them out. And if you are in a hiking-friendly location, take your furry companion with you. Be sure to abide by the leash laws in the park. No one wants to come around a switchback to find a loose dog charging downhill toward them.

If your pets are well behaved around other dogs, they might enjoy going with you to pet-friendly restaurants. Our friends over at GoPetFriendly.com have a great database of pet-friendly restaurants and other resources for your pets, as well as some articles they've shared on GoLife (like this one about dog-friendly Asheville).

3. Routines

Location changes bring new sights, sounds, and smells which can be challenging for dogs. Dogs are creatures of habit, so do your best to keep them on a routine. Pack their usual dog food, treats, and toys. Find a comfortable spot inside the RV for them to call home with their favorite bedding.

And don't forget to keep them on their regular bath schedule. Just because you are in an RV doesn't mean they have to smell! In fact, your RV's outdoor shower is the perfect place for a good bath.And if they are small like Wally, then the kitchen sink works just as well!

4. Health and Safety

Keeping your dogs safe and healthy on the road is important. Knowing where the nearest veterinarian's office is BEFORE there is an emergency can save valuable time should there be an issue. There are even some RV parks who are now listing the nearest vet on their campground handout which is a nice service.

If you are a full-time RVer, keeping up with annual shots as well as monthly flea and tick medication is critical to their health. Especially if camping or hiking in the woods. You don't want fleas or ticks! Always walk your dogs on a leash and pick up after them. Not only will your fellow campers appreciate not stepping in your dog's business, but it will help prevent the spread of diseases.

Having a good temperature monitor that will alert you should it get too hot or too cold inside your RV is also essential. It will give you peace of mind while you are out exploring without your pups. Go Pet Friendly has an excellent review of the top remote pet temperature monitors on the market.

One of the best benefits of RVing is bringing your four-legged friends along for the adventure. With a little planning and dedication, keeping them pampered on the road will make your adventures even more enjoyable!