It’s always a good idea to precheck your RV site before parking your rig, especially if you’re RVing with dogs. You don’t know who parked there before you or what they may have inadvertently left behind. We’ve discovered nails and other debris from time to time. If you RV with dogs, it’s especially important to precheck your site. In fact, you just might save your dog’s life!
Wait! What?
Members on our RVing with Dogs Facebook group recently reported some of the things they’ve found on their RV sites: marijuana butts, candy bar wrappers, fire ants, a raisin package, chicken bones, medication pills, and broken glass. Yipes! Luckily, these pet owners were able to treat or remove the issues before it was too late.
Where?
Much of the detritus discovered was located in the RV site’s fire ring. Yes, the campground should clear away these troubling items, but many times that doesn’t happen. You must assume the responsibility or risk endangering your beloved pet.
How?
RVers are in general a thorough, careful group. Here are some suggestions on ways to safely inspect your RV site.
- Leaf blower. Use your leaf blower to clear away any vegetation debris so that you can clearly see beneath it.
- Walk a grid. Methodically walk back and forth across the site. Then, repeat the inspection as you walk up and down the site.
- Wear gloves. Protect your hands from sharp objects or potentially hazardous material.
- Permission. If you discover fire ants, wasps, or other potentially dangerous insects, tell the camp manager. Be sure she knows that you have a pet so she’ll use a pet-friendly insecticide treatment.
- Light. You need good lighting for a thorough inspection. A strong beam of light will often reflect off glass or metal, especially on a cloudy day or at dusk.
- Disposal. Be sure to responsibly dispose of any trash, glass, etc.
Do you perform a site precheck before parking your RV? Tell us in the comments below.
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I also do a walk through at dog parks before I let my dogs go. I think food on the ground is the worst. It draws vermin as well as insects. And can make your dog sick
No,no,no to the leaf blower! Very obnoxious..we actually camped next to someone using a leaf blower because of redwood tree leaves falling on his rig. One camp’s for being in nature and some peace.
Thank you, Gail! 🙂 No, I do not think that we check the campsite before we setup camp. We do look for things once there, but this is new and good advice; thank you! 🙂 Have a great week, safe travels, amd safe stays! 🙂
Yes, thanks for the reminder! At one site the previous camper poured grease on the fine granite surface. My dogs spent some time licking it up before I noticed. Let’s just say we all had an “upsetting” night!
I pick up all manner of trash and keep throwaway rubber gloves in the car. A leaf blower in dirt or sand, oh, I hope not. My next-to-last trip, I got out, and there were many thousands of biting red ants all over. I left my dog child in the car. We drove an hour round trip for ant spray. I used up two big cans. I made him get in the trailer until the ground aired out. Couple hours later, more ants appeared. I found some little holes and sprayed in those and sprayed a rotten stump and finally were rid of them. They were throughout the campground. There was no camp host. Never had that problem before, but will be ready next time. I also make sure there aren’t loose dogs running around.