So you want to take your dog RVing? Well, there can't be that much to
it right? Just throw the dog in the truck or RV and head out. Well, not
quite. In fact, thousands of dogs end up lost, dead, or in shelters
each year, merely because the owners never dreamed their dog would get
hurt or become lost while on a trip. In order to avoid making a
statistic of your dog, you need to ask yourself a few simple questions
while preparing for the camping trip.
1) Does my dog have proper identification? Keeping proper
ID on your dog will ensure that you will be contacted if he is somehow
lost during your travels.
2) Is the correct phone number on
his tags? Make sure you provide a proper phone number on your dog's
tags. If you will be traveling, your home phone number won't do much
good.
3) Do I have his rabies certificate with me? Some
campgrounds and border crossings require a recent rabies
certificate. So, don't get caught empty handed, bring along your dog's
rabies certificates.
4) Do I have a digital photo of my dog, in
case he gets lost? When your dog gets lost, time is of the essence. If
you bring a digital photo of your dog, you can rush to the nearest
Kinkos.
5) Have I properly researched the environment where we will be
camping? In other words, are there rattlesnakes, bears, water hazards,
etc.? When you take your dog to a new environment, he will be unaware
of the dangers that exist. You need to be aware of these hazards ahead
of time.
6) Do I have a way to contain my dog, so there is NO chance he
can get loose? Either use a strong chain or a pen that your dog can't
get out of -- no matter what. Never let your dog loose in a strange
environment.
7) Did I bring his medications, toys, and bed? Don't forget these basics!
8)
Have I researched the name of the nearest emergency veterinarian
hospital and created a map with specific directions from the
campground? Use the Internet or directory assistance to locate the
nearest 24-hour emergency animal hospital nearest to where you will be
camping. Once an emergency happens, you will be too scared and excited
to do this calmly. If your dog gets hit by a car or bitten by a snake,
every minute counts.
9)
Have I prepared an information card to include in my car? Prepare a
little card with your name, the name, address and phone number of where
you are camping, and a listing of your pets. Put an emergency contact
name and number. If you are hurt or unconscious and in the hospital for
a while, then this card will allow someone to know where your pets are.
These nine simple preparations can make the difference between
a great vacation with your dog and a nightmare. Only you can make sure
you keep your dogs safe and sound. And, if the worst happens, you will
not have to waste precious moments getting the name of the nearest
emergency vet. Instead, you can be calmly driving there, using the map
you created before you left for camping!
Find out more about RVing with dogs in Julee and Jack
Meltzer's book "Camping & RVing with Dogs." It covers preparing for
the trip, what to do on the road, campground etiquette, and it includes
a comprehensive directory of dog-friendly campgrounds.
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2) Is the correct phone number on
his tags? Make sure you provide a proper phone number on your dog's
tags. If you will be traveling, your home phone number won't do much
good.