RVtravel.com’s RVing with Dogs Facebook group discussed precautions and actions to take if you’re RVing with dogs during severe weather.
Because springtime is prime time for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, hail, and other severe weather, this discussion is quite timely. Members of the online group offered several suggestions that every RVer with dogs and/or cats can use. Read these valuable tips and see for yourself.
Precautions
These precautions are things pet owners can do and/or purchase before setting out on an RV trip in order to be prepared for severe weather.
- Weather radio: Several RVers mentioned the importance of bringing a weather radio along when RVing. Know how to use the radio and also be sure you know the name of the county where you will be camping. Many times, warnings are issued by counties. If you are unaware of which county you’re in, the warnings will make little sense to you. (This is the weather radio RVtravel.com recommends.)
- Thundershirts: Lisa F. bought calming vests for her dogs and suggests, “Be sure to follow the directions. Put it on them when it’s not storming so they get used to it. [Then] put it on at least an hour before the [storm] activity makes them anxious.” Many other commenters also praised Thundershirts and other brands of calming vests for dogs.
- Dog I.D.: Joan J. suggested, “Make sure your pets are chipped.” Ask your hometown vet to microchip your pet in case she gets away from you during a storm (or any other time). Also, be sure to take along all of your pet’s medical records, prescriptions, and vaccination papers. Raven B. added, “Microchipped and with GPS trackers and ID tags on their harness.” (Raven uses a harness rather than a collar because the harness is more secure. Her dogs have a harder time wriggling out of a harness than a collar.)
- RV parking: If possible, request an RV site that is within close proximity of the campground’s storm shelter or designated shelter. That way, you won’t need to run very far to get yourself and your pets to safety.
- Phone numbers: If your campground doesn’t have a suitable storm shelter, here’s a good suggestion from Keyjoe S.: “I research the area [where I’ll be staying] for phone numbers of vets, police, park ranger, hospital, fire department, and churches. In case of bad weather coming, I can call ahead and ask if there is a community shelter available [at their location].”
- Bug out bag: Along with the items bagged up for the human campers, include food, water, and medications, first aid kit, etc., for your pets. Some folks put together a “Pet Go Bag” for this purpose.
- Medication: Several RVers with dogs said they use a calming medication like Benadryl for their furry friends. (Be sure to get the correct dosage from your vet.) Michael R. recommended the all-natural, calming Rescue Remedy, saying “It’s excellent.”
- Pet CPR: Lisa C. said, “I am a dog walker and I just took a Pet CPR and First Aid class. If you have [an opportunity to do so], I highly suggest it. It taught us CPR, how to apply a tourniquet, first aid, and what to do if your dog ingests poison.” Lisa went on to say how she hopes she’ll never need to use her new skills but she “feel[s] better knowing them.”
- Practice: Many television stations in our area will caution viewers days ahead of time when storms are liable to happen. If your camping area is under such an extended storm alert, practice taking your pups to the campground’s shelter. See how long it takes you to grab the “Bug out bag” and quickly move yourself and your pets to safety. This practice will help you and your pets feel greater confidence should you need to use the shelter during an actual storm.
Action
The precautions taken before bad weather hits will help you be prepared. What should you do when a severe storm is imminent? Here are some action ideas.
- Keep ‘em leashed: As soon as your location is issued a storm watch (conditions are right for potential storms), leash your dogs. That way, if you must leave your RV for the storm shelter (when a storm warning is issued) you can grab the leash and go. Margaret K.B. warns, “Carrying pets during a fearful time for them is not a good idea. They become scared and panic and wiggle out of arms quickly.”
Headphones: Amy F. puts noise-canceling headphones on her two pups. She says, “They only attenuate 40dB but definitely help more than anything else I’ve tried.” Above is a photo of her “boys” wearing their headphones.
How about you?
Have you ever had to access a campground storm shelter with your pets? Tell us about it and add your suggestions to the list already presented. Thank you!
RELATED
- Sleepypod Dog Harness—Crash tested, safety certified, and escape-proof!
- Reactive dogs make this couple want to quit RVing. What to do?
- Expert dog trainer provides simple solutions to RV dog problems
##RVT1154
Always check with your vet before giving your canine/feline any over the counter medications or supplements. We are able to give our GSP 25mg of Melatonin when we know a thunderstorm is coming or if we expect fireworks in the area. We give it to her 30 minutes before, if possible. This relaxes her and she is able to get through the incident much more relaxed. AGAIN, ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR VET BEFORE GIVING YOUR PET MELATONIN.
Thank you, Gail! 🙂 I appreciate you providing this extremely useful information; thank you! Dog #3 will be much safer now. Thanks again and safe travels! 🙂
I’ve never seen a storm shelter, but every dog I’ve had was taught not to be afraid of storms, thunder, etc. This one doesn’t care whats going on. I watch the weather before leaving home because my weather radio rarely gets good reception. I have always made a list of vets near where I’ll be with phones and addresses because in an emergency, there’s no time to look for such. Common sense. I’ve had a pet first-aid class. My dogs always were chipped, and in a campground, I attach a temporary tag with my space number, even though he does not run loose.
How do you “teach” a dog not to be afraid of storms? My last dog told me when the storm was getting close; long before I ever heard the thunder, he would go hide under something in the house.