RVingwithdogs_ten_commandments

Camping and RVing with Dogs – The 10 Commandments

Every worthwhile endeavor has its own set of fundamental priorities and underlying rules. When it comes to
camping and RVing with dogs, these are the things that matter the most.

1) Make sure that your dog can’t get lost

We’ve seen enough to know that even the best pet owners lose dogs. When you’re on the road or staying in
a campground, make absolutely sure that your dog is always on a leash. If there was only one
commandment, this would be it.

2) Take responsibility for your dog

The biggest complaint about dogs at campgrounds has nothing to do with their bark, their bite, or their
behavior. If you pick up after your dog and keep them on a leash, you won’t give people much to grumble
about.

3) Get your dog’s vaccinations up to date

If your dog gets into a fight with another animal, the vet will ask about your dog’s rabies shots. At some
campgrounds, they’ll request a copy of your dog’s vaccination records. If you decide to visit Canada or
Mexico, you’ll have to verify that they’ve had all their shots. You get the point. Bring a copy and keep it handy.

4) Be prepared when things go wrong

When you’re on the road, what will you do with your dog if you get into an accident? If something were to
happen to you while your dog was back at the campground, who would take care of them? If your dog gets
bitten by a rattlesnake while you’re out hiking, what should you do? There are ways to handle these
predicaments, but they require careful planning and disciplined responses.

5) Make your dog easy to identify and locate

If your dog gets lost, the ability to make a positive identification will become crucial. For permanent
identification purposes, have a vet implant a microchip under your dog’s skin. For even more security, get
them a collar that takes advantage of GPS technology. A dog wearing one of these can be tracked anywhere
with a computer. At a minimum, make sure that your dog wears a tag with his name, your phone number, and
the date of his last rabies vaccination.

6) Learn how to provide first aid to your dog

If a medical emergency (involving your dog) happens at home, you simply drive to your local vet. But if this
same situation were to occur along a dark road in a strange town, it would be a whole different story.
Although there are ways to get help while on the road, it always takes more time than you think. In the
meantime, your ability to provide competent first aid could save your dog’s life.

7) Involve your dog in everything you do

If you really want your dog to have a good time, include them in all of your activities. Take them on hikes. Let
them frolic in the water. Throw a ball. Set up an obstacle course. Grill them up a hamburger. If you keep it up,
they’ll probably help you pack the next time you go camping.

8) Call the campground before you go

Even if a campground claims they’re pet-friendly, always call to confirm their policy. We’ve arrived at
campgrounds (with our two German Shepard dogs) after a long day on the road only to find that “pet-friendly”
meant dogs that weighed less than 20 pounds.

9) Learn about your camping environment

The U.S. is a vast nation with an incredible mix of wildlife, strange plants, and challenging environmental
conditions. If you don’t know what you’re getting into, you might inadvertently be placing yourself and your dog
in serious danger.

10) Savor the experience

Camping and RVing with our dogs is a privilege that not everyone gets to enjoy. The next time you’re sitting
around a campfire under the stars with your canine companion, keep in mind. This is life at its best. 