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Viewing Motor Home Travel Tips for DogsMotor Home Travel Tips for Dogs
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Many RVers take their canine companions with them on cross-country trips. It is wonderful to share the experience with your pet. Your motor home is like a second home. However, you should know a few things before you head out. This article explains. By Andrew Stratton Imagine cruising down the nation's highways with your four-legged friend by your side. Your motor home is like a second home, and has space for every member of the family. Almost half of all RV vacationers choose to take their pets with them. After all, the dog is part of the family! RVing with the family dog is wonderful, but you should consider a few things before you hit the road. Before You Leave First, get your pet used to car rides (if he is not already). Take him on some short drives around town, and then go for longer and longer drives. Make sure he is comfortable in the moving car, and get him used to the routine of getting into and out of the car. You should always leash him before you open the door, so that he does not run out of the car. Also, get him used to the inside of the motor home. If it is not convenient to take the RV out for a spin, just open it up so that he can go inside and get acquainted with it. When you actually hit the road, bring along some of his favorite chew toys and items from the house. This will make him more comfortable and less likely to get nervous when you are far from home. Of course, this also includes bringing along his favorite treats! Before you set off on your trip, get him checked out by the vet. Make sure he is in good health and that there is a low risk of anything happening. Bring along his medical records and the telephone number of your vet in case of emergency. It is also a good idea to scout out a vet anywhere you will be staying for an extended time. You can use the Internet to find vets in nearby towns. Another thing to consider is whether you will let your dog roam freely in the RV, or keep him in one specific area. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. He will get restless on the road, and letting him walk around in the motor home will help to avoid too many stops along the way. On the other hand, there is safety to consider. If there is a crash or sudden stop, he will be in danger. You can always use a carrier or dog seat belt to keep him in his seat. You also have to think about keeping the RV clean. The more places you allow him to go, the more hair and potential messes you will have. If you are going to use a gate to confine him to a portion of the RV, it is best to make it an uncarpeted area. That will make clean up much easier. Even pets trained to go outside will have little accidents when spending long periods on the road. On The Road With your furry friend aboard, you will have to make more pit stops. He will need to relieve himself, stretch his legs, and drink plenty of water. It is recommended that you make a stop every 3 hours or so. Make sure that you leash him before the door opens, or you may find yourself chasing him all over the rest stop. You must make sure that dogs are permitted at campsites. Most campsites have a limit to the number of animals, and it can be as low as one. If you have three or more, it might be tough to find a place to camp out. Be sure to follow each campsite's rules. These can be strict, and they are different from one campground to the next. It will usually involve bringing disposal bags, making sure you leash your dog, and restricting dogs to certain areas. Remember that these restrictions are mostly for your pet's safety, to protect him from larger animals that might consider him a tasty snack. Bring several leashes. A great alternative to leashing your dog at a campsite is a portable outdoor exercise pen. You set this pen up each place you go. It allows your dog freedom of movement, without the risk of him wandering off to places he should not go. Once you have everything covered, traveling the country with your four-legged friend can be a great experience. It is a shame to leave him at home when you travel. Why not share the experience of the road with your canine companion? About the Author: Taking an RV road trip can be fun for people and pets alike. Before you pack your furry friend into the motor home, though, you should prepare the animal and yourself for the lengthy trip. If you are searching for a better RV, give Bankston Motor Homes a look - http://www.bankstonmotorhomes.com. Article source: 111 Travel Directory: Triple1.com (triple one dot com) More free articles: 1st Rate Articles - 1stRateArticles.com |
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