RVing with Pets
There are so many perks when it comes to camping that it’s probably difficult to choose a favorite. Bringing your pet along for the fun certainly ranks at the top of the list. You no longer have to say goodbye to your furry friend when you leave for family adventures. With an RV, your pets can join the fun too! If you’ve never traveled with pets in your RV before, keep reading for more information.
Create Familiarity
Animals tend to fare just fine in settings they’re familiar with. If you want your pet to be stress-free and well-behaved in the RV, you’ll need to create a good level of familiarity first. Take the time to acclimate your pet to the RV and things should go smoothly on their first official trip.
Whether you realize it or not, pets are very in tune with our emotions. Get the family together on the RV and make sure everyone is talking in soothing, happy voices. The more relaxed everyone is, the better the animal will handle the new setting. You can bring along food and treats to demonstrate a fun, rewarding environment for your pet. If your pet is hesitant at first, make sure to give them time. Forcing an animal into an unfamiliar, scary setting won’t end well.
Stick to a Regular Routine
Animals can easily feel threatened and get stressed out in new situations. Sticking with a regular routine will help alleviate some of these feelings. You’ll want to keep key elements of their routine unchanged while on the RV. For example, stick to regular feeding times, walk times, and bedtimes. Your pet will find comfort in their regular routine and will be less high-strung as a result.
Pack Necessities
When you begin to pack, don’t forget your pet’s necessities! You’ll want to start by making sure you have enough of their regular food for the duration of the trip. If you underestimate how much food you’ll need, you may run out and there are no guarantees you’ll be able to find your go-to brand on the road. Changing a pet’s diet can upset their sensitive stomachs, so sticking to regular food is extremely important.
If your pet sleeps in a bed or with a specific blanket, you should bring this on the RV as well. Buying an additional bed might seem easier, but your pet needs that sense of familiarity to feel secure. Their existing bed is a scent they find reassuring and safe. Place their bed in a comfortable location, preferably near you if possible.
Our pets are creatures of habit, so they’ll feel lost in a new place without their usual treats and toys. Make sure to bring their favorite treats and toys on the trip. You can also use treats for positive reinforcement if your pet has been trained for such.
Stop by our Alberta dealership in Dunmore to check out our wide array of new and used RVs for sale. Sterling Trailer Sales is proud to serve our customers in Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, and Brooks, AB.