Can I take my dog on a campervan holiday? The dos and don’ts…

Campervan holidays with dogs can be a joyous and unforgettable adventure. However, ensuring that your canine friend is safe, healthy and comfortable throughout the parts of the trip which involve driving requires careful consideration. This edition of our blog features essential tips and ideas for making your journeys as enjoyable as possible. Once you’ve bought yourself a new or used campervan and are thinking about heading out on the road, these are the steps you should take to maintain your dog’s health and provide the necessary comforts.

1.     Packing

As well as food, water and the first aid kit we mentioned above (in the section on keeping your dog healthy), don’t forget to pack your dog’s best-loved toys, treats, grooming kit (i.e. brushes etc) and a supply of poo bags. Having these essentials on hand ensures you are prepared for any situation that might arise during your trip.

2.     Familiarisation

If your dog is not used to travelling in a campervan, or if it has been quite a while since the last time, before you set off on your break or holiday make the effort to familiarise them with the vehicle. Encourage them to explore the van while it is stationary and then go on a series of short trips to get them accustomed to the motion and sounds of road travel. Use positive reinforcement (treats and praise) to help create a positive association with the campervan.

3.     Vet visit

Before setting off on your adventures together, it’s crucial to book an appointment with your vet to get your dog checked. Doing this will ensure that your dog is in good health and is actually fit to travel. Your vet can give any necessary vaccinations, provide flea and tick prevention and offer advice which is specific to your dog’s needs. Additionally, if your dog has any chronic conditions, the vet can advise on managing them while you’re away on the road.

4.     First aid kit

Put together a ‘kit’ for your dog which includes all necessary medications alongside items such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers (for tick removal, etc). Keep it onboard in a handy or easily to remember spot. Make sure you’re familiar with basic first aid procedures for dogs so that you can handle any minor injuries or health issues that might arise.

1.     Diet and hydration

Maintaining your dog’s regular diet is very important so that you can avoid digestive problems. Pack a sufficient supply of their usual food to last the entire time that you’re away on the road. Sudden changes in diet can cause stomach upset in dogs, which can be inconvenient and distressing for you both. It’s also very important to make sure that your dog has easy access to fresh drinking water. Using a portable water bottle with an attached bowl can make hydration stops easier.

2.     Grooming and cleaning

Keeping your dog clean means your campervan’s living environment will stay clean. That’s probably especially important to you if you’ve just bought a brand new campervan! Regularly grooming your dog is an important part of keeping them clean and healthy – especially if your dog is the type to enjoy activities that leave them dirty, muddied or matted. Brush your dog’s coat regularly to remove dirt and prevent tangles. Depending on the length of your campervan trip, you might also need to give your dog a bath. Portable dog showers or wipes could be a useful thing to take, for keeping your dog clean without the need to take full bathing facilities on the road.

3.     Poo management

Wherever you are, you should always clean up after your dog. It’s the polite, responsible and healthy way to behave – so take plenty of poo bags on your trips and dispose of them in the correct way (using dog poo bins). Many campsites have designated waste disposal areas, so you should use these. Keeping the environment clean is not only courteous to the other campers on any site you’re staying on, but it also helps protect local wildlife.

4.     Routine

Dogs really thrive on routine, and it is very important for their mental health. Try to stick as closely as you can to your usual domestic routine while you are away on trips. In other words, try and keep the same schedule for mealtimes, walks and bedtime. Sticking to this and providing a sense of continuity or normality will help reduce your dog’s potential stress and anxiety while you’re away.

1.     Sleeping area

Just like back at home, in the campervan your dog should have a designated space to sleep and relax. If you take along their favourite bed or blanket, the familiarity will help them feel more secure. If space in the campervan is limited, consider a compact, foldable bed that can be easily stored when not in use. Familiar smells and comfort items can significantly reduce your dog’s stress in a new environment.

2.     Campervan climate

There can be quite significant fluctuations in the temperature inside your campervan, depending on the weather. You should always ensure the vehicle is properly ventilated and invest in portable fans or heaters to keep things warm or cool as and when necessary. You should never, under any circumstances, leave your dog alone in the vehicle during extreme temperatures – it can quickly become dangerous for them. A thermometer could be used to help you monitor the temperature inside the van to keep it at a safe and comfortable level for your dog (though, of course, when you are driving the temperature should be visible on some of the dashboard’s instrumentation).

Securing your dog when the campervan is moving is very important for their safety – and, in fact, your own too. Travel crates are perhaps the most sensible option as they provide a safe, enclosed space for the dog. You should ensure that the crate is well-ventilated and spacious enough for your dog to comfortably stand, turn around and lie down. Alternatively, a dog-specific seat belt harness will allow your dog more freedom to move while also keeping them secure during periods of travel.

2.     Breaks and exercise

Travelling can be tiring, and sometimes you need to stop for a leg stretch or a comfort break. It is exactly the same for the dog. Plan your route with regular stops so that your dog can have a walk, relieve themselves and get some exercise. Regular stops prevent restlessness and help maintain your dog’s physical condition. Use these breaks as opportunities to have a short explore of somewhere new, or to enjoy a short walk and a play with your canine companion. Stopping for a break every two to three hours is a fairly good rule of thumb.

1.     Dog-friendly campsites

Use guidebooks or the internet to research and select campsites that are dog-friendly. Staying on this type of seat will mean access to specific amenities for dogs – designated walking areas and waste disposal facilities, etc. Wherever you stay, always respect the campsite’s rules regarding dogs to make sure there is a pleasant experience for all. The website campsites.co.uk has a handy searchable list of all the UK sites which are dog-friendly.

2.     Outdoor activities

During your trip, do some activities that your dog enjoys, and which allow them to expend some of that doggy energy. Things like hiking, swimming and playing fetch are perfect options for keeping your dog active and happy. You must always remember to keep your dog on the lead unless you’re in a safe, designated off-lead area. Make sure that any trails or areas you’re exploring are safe for dogs and free from any potential hazards and dangers.

3.     Avoid wildlife

When you are away from the campervan and on walks, be mindful of any wildlife and potential hazards such as sharp rocks and fast-moving water. Keep a close eye on your dog, especially when the place you are in is unfamiliar to you. You could even carry a whistle or bell to alert wildlife of your presence, which may go some way to preventing any unexpected or difficult encounters with your dog.

1.     Identification

Make sure that your dog has proper identification. This includes a collar with an ID tag so that you can be contacted quickly if they are lost (and found), and a microchip with information that is current. Microchipping is a legal requirement. Up-to-date identification means more likelihood of a quick and safe reunion, should you and your dog become separated. Although this is something of an outside chance, it is also a good idea to carry a recent and clear photo of your dog on your phone in case you need to create a lost dog poster.

2.     On the lead

Even if your dog is well-behaved, keeping them on their lead in unfamiliar areas is very important for their safety. As a general rule, not just as preparation for trips, you should work on recall training to make sure they will come back to you when they’re called. This recall is particularly useful in a situation where your dog may get startled or run off.

3.     Emergency plan

It may sound like an extreme bit or prep, but you should have an emergency plan in place in case something goes wrong with your dog. Record the locations of the nearest vets at various points along your route and keep contact information handy. If you have a plan, you are more likely to stay calm and on top of a situation if an emergency arises. Carrying or keeping an emergency fund so you can easily cover any unexpected expenses can also provide peace of mind.   A campervan holiday is always fantastic fun – particularly in a vehicle from Lowdhams! It’s even better if your dog is along for the ride with you, and a road-break can be incredibly rewarding for you both. By considering all of the things we’ve mentioned in this blog you’ll ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, with your dog’s needs met. Safe and happy travels!