Camping is for the dogs...

RVing/camping is a family experience, and that includes our furry friends or better known to some as our ‘fur-children’.  If you RV with a pet, then you know how much they add to the camping experience.  Whether it is added security, or just a reliable companion, your pets need to be protected as much as possible.  While there are many things to take into consideration when caring for your pets on the road while traveling, there are three main concerns that you must keep in mind at all times.

Here’s the big three pet dangers from RV Basics:

1. Disease
   Perhaps the top danger of the road is disease. Regardless of what type of pet a person brings with them, that pet comes in contact with a wide variety of germs, most of which the pet’s immune system has no resistance against. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to completely circumvent this danger, especially with animals like dogs, which tend to have a very curious nature. The best a watchful owner can do is make certain that the drinking water and food being supplied is fortified with vitamins and minerals. Many brands of pet food offer ‘Immunity’ lines, which offer food especially designed to enhance the pet’s immune system. This does not mean that it is permissible for a pet owner to neglect their pet’s health; animals should still be kept under a watchful eye, especially when in outdoor areas, and animal feces should be cleaned quickly from the RV, or other areas where the pet might stay. It is also important that owners know where the nearest vet is in the event of a pet emergency.
2. Aggressive Behavior
   A close second in way of dangers is other animals. While any animal can be targeted by aggression from strays, predators, or prey, dogs and cats that have not been neutered are most susceptible to the dangers of other animals of the same species, as they tend to attract members of the opposite gender. This can lead to complications such as pregnancy in female animals, or fights for dominance in the case of male animals. In order to circumvent this, it is highly advisable that road-ready pet owners make a point of spaying or neutering their pets. If this is not a viable action, use excessive restraint and caution when in areas that other animals frequent. With all pets, neutered or natural, it is advisable to keep them on leashes, and keep a close eye on all suspicious activities within the surrounding area. An alert owner is often the best preventative measure against harm to their pet.
3. Dehydration
   Finally, the third most prevalent danger on the road is dehydration. While the air conditioning may make an RV comfortable while people are in it, many turn off the engine to save gas and battery life while inside stores, or stopped for the night. At times, this can create an extremely hot and dry atmosphere, causing havoc on a pet’s body. Any time a pet must be left alone in an RV, it is important to make sure that they have plenty of water available. To this end, non-spill designed bottles are often recommended.

The above list is not necessarily in numerical order. There are many more things to be concerned with, I just thought to point out what I believe to be the top three while camping.  Please keep your furry family member safe at all times. So be sure to keep your pets healthy and happy, and it is sure to make your life on the road a lot better as well.  If you are looking for a new travel trailer or fifth wheel dealer that is pet friendly, be sure to check out Pennsylvania’s largest travel trailer dealer, Lerch RV.

Safe travels and Happy RVing!