In a recent Facebook conversation, a gal appealed to other participants in RVtravel.com’s RVing with Dogs Facebook group: “Help! This is my first time RVing with dogs. I plan to bring my two retrievers along on my full-time travels. I need a list of ‘must haves’ for my pups. Can you please help?”
“Must-have” list
Many dog owners responded. I compiled their suggestions to form the list below.
- Poop bags. And more poop bags! Don’t be that RVer who fails to pick up after her dog. Pack lots of poop bags.
- Medical needs for RVing with dogs. Take along your dog’s health summary and vaccination report from your vet. Also, consider a pet emergency kit (Amazon offers several different choices here.) Or ask your vet for OTC recommendations for your pets. Depending on where you travel, you may also need tick and flea shampoo and a tick remover tool.
- Food and more. You’ll need a secure bin to store your dog’s food for travel days. Also, pack along a food and water bowl. Many folks suggested putting an absorbable mat or shallow tray under the bowls to help contain spills. Your pups will also need treats and toys. Here are some long-lasting treats.
- Containment. Consider how you plan to contain your pup while she’s outside. Fencing can work well; however, not all campgrounds allow fences. Call ahead to potential campsites and plan accordingly. For inside the RV, you may need a foldable crate. Also, consider a baby gate for the RV exit door(s) to prevent your dog from pushing through the screen.
- Comfort. Your dogs will feel more at home with their dog beds, blankets, and any other comfort items. If you’ll be RVing during hot temperatures, consider an elevated dog bed which allows air circulation all around your pet. A fan and/or portable heater (with anti-tip-over, and auto shut-off) will also help keep your dog comfortable.
- Exercise. Pack a leash and harness for each dog. A lighted collar for your pet and a rechargeable headlamp for yourself will allow you to see and others to see you as you make those nighttime potty walks.
- Cleaning when RVing with dogs. Consider quick-dry towels and a paw cleaner like this one. Also, a lightweight vacuum will help you keep pet hair and any tracked-in debris under control inside your RV.
- Safety. RV carpet step covers will help your dog safely navigate the RV steps while also removing sand, dirt, and debris from dirty paws. Although Apple doesn’t recommend using their AirTag for dogs, many pet owners do. It may help you locate your pet if he somehow gets lost. Or, there are many other GPS trackers meant for dogs.
Your turn
Can you add other “must haves” when RVing with dogs? Please do so in the comments below.
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There should also be some sort of restraint system for each pet that they are attached to while driving.
I don’t let my pet drive, he’s old enough I just don’t trust his judgement! Lol
I found a 20′ training leash works great vs the the portable fencing for medium to larger dogs. My beagles will hurdle a 4′ fence and it takes up too much space in the camper.
Don’t leave Fido tied to the front hitch on the camper while you are gone all day to the fun park. The MUTT barked the whole time you were gone.
Bring dog shampoo and their towel. We ended up with a sick dog who needed a bath. For some reason I had packed his shampoo for the first time ever. It now goes on every trip.
Just got a taser to carry after our dog was attacked and the dog wouldn’t let go for over five minutes. Our dog was leashed, Attacker wasn’t. Police came and owner was ticketed and eventually paid Vet bill. A friend suggested a taser to me as dogs hate the sound and have totally backed off when she just hit the switch for the sound. Hope to never need. By the way this was in a park that required leashes. I was carrying pepper spray but between the owner trying to pull the dog off and our close contact couldn’t use. Two months later in a campground another dog tried to attack but hubby was there and kept kicking it away. We did report the camper to ranger.
I have thought about pepper spray but was concerned that I would get more of it on me and my dog rather than the attacking dog. I did get a security alarm type item that I can pull out and it will make a loud noise. But I’m not sure the one got has a loud enough noise. But maybe it will alert someone to come help us.
Bring your respect for other campers who may not be dog lovers. Always always leash your dog when it’s outside of you RV.
Thank you, Gail! We do most of those. Instead of a fence, we carry a lead to inhibit our dog’s movements while we are sitting outside with him. One end is attached to something firm, picnic table, Jeep’s wheel, RV’s wheel, tree, whatever will allow him to roam without getting into the road or neighbors’ campsites. We try to never have to leave the dog alone in the RV, especially if we know he barks at everything, or if we don’t know that he won’t bark at everything. Thanks again for the list! Safe travels! 🙂
I would add a few cans of canned pumpkin (not pie filling!) plus white rice and some plain cooked chicken breast for when they get “traveler’s tummy on the road.
All good suggestions. One thing that I purchased for my dog, and I’m so happy I did, was a no spill water bowl! Saves lots of mopping time!😃
If you know your dog and use common sense, it should be easy. He has a built in feeding station at home, so I take a folding feeding station to keep food and water off the ground. I trust no one around my dog, and he stays on leash. Other than that, he just has what he uses at home. He comes first at all times. I saw a zipper pouch to put dog poop bags in that you wear on your belt. I mean full dog poop bags, but haven’t really talked myself into wearing dog poop. The opening didn’t look big enough to fit much in them. I also carry a big stick to back off other dogs who should be on leash. Most campgrounds say leash six foot or less.