Keeping your Pet Healthy and Safe while on the Road
04-26-2016
Author: in RV Tips & Education
If you’ve read any of my stuff on here then you have probably read about my little dog slash writing assistant, Gizmo. Now, I know that everybody says their dog is the best, but my Gizmo really is the best. He is sweet and smart and just a great little dog. He’s a rescue; when he was four weeks old his mother was hit by a car and killed. Margaret of Animal Lovers of Edisto Canine Rescue was his foster and she was the most loving, caring puppy foster mom we could have ever hoped for. She gave him a great start.
Anyway, as you may be able to tell, my little guy means a lot to me so keeping him safe and healthy is very important. With that in mind, I have put together a few dog care tips for when you are on the road.
Make sure they have their own space. Gizmo doesn’t sleep with us; he has his own crate (I cover it with a blanket so it is more den-like) that is his own private space. If he wants to nap during the day and I am busy doing other things (no lap for him to curl up in) he will get in his crate. It is his own private retreat and when we travel that is where he rides. Even if your dog sleeps with you, I still recommend having a crate. It is a safety measure when you are on the road and it gives your dog a space that is all his own.
Give them structure. Moving from place to place can be stressful for a dog – even if he doesn’t show it. Each new campground has a whole new set of smells, people, noises, and animals. Having some structure, or a routine, can help. Feeding at the same time each day also helps with scheduling potty visits. Gizmo put himself on a schedule. He always goes to bed at around 8 pm. His little internal clock tells him it’s bedtime so he always goes outside (it is part of the routine – sometimes he doesn’t have to go but we still make the trip) and when he comes in he goes straight to his bed (and waits for his treat – he always gets a treat when he kennels). It doesn’t have to be a rigid schedule, but a bit of a schedule helps.
Find a pet health plan that goes with you. Vaccines are an important part of your pet’s health, but they are especially important when you are traveling, especially in a campground where they may come in contact with other dogs or wild animals. We have Gizmo on a Banfield wellness plan through PetSmart. Not only do we save a ton on veterinarian expenses, there are Banfield clinics located all over the country. No matter where you are, they can pull up your information. It is cost effective, with some pretty great perks including free visits, free check-up and vaccines.
Don’t change food or water. You probably know that suddenly changing your dog’s food can lead to gastrointestinal upset. However, with all the stuff counties are putting in public water these days, changing your dog’s water can have an impact too. We give Gizmo bottled water. It isn’t expensive and it is healthier.
Take time to teach a few manners. Even though I take Gizmo on his leash, I do work with him without the leash to teach him to respond to my verbal commands. He sits on the ottoman by the door when I open it and he is not allowed to go out until I tell him. This helps prevent door dashing. I also always go through the door first. We got to see this training in action recently. My husband was outside doing some work and talking to me through the window. He had left the door open and Gizmo apparently heard him so he went out to see what was going on. I quickly realized he was on an unauthorized outdoor trip and went after him. At this point he was hot on the heels of a squirrel. All I said was, “Stop!” He stopped in his tracks. He turned around, looked at me and I quietly told him to get inside. He immediately did as he was told. You never know when your dog might get out and the only control you have is with your voice.
Check new campsites for things that may be harmful. Before taking your pet out, walk your camp site or the pet area to make sure there are no harmful objects, bones, trash, or anything your pet can get into. We don’t give Gizmo any table scraps and there has been more than one occasion where we’ve gotten to a site to find chicken bones or other food left behind by the previous campers. It only takes a few minutes and is well worth it to keep your pet safe.
Keep a flashlight handy. When you go for potty breaks at night, it can be very helpful to have a small flashlight. I got a clip and keep it attached to the leash. Campsites can be full of tree roots, limbs, and other obstacles and the last thing you need is a sprained ankle – or worse. It works double duty for me; Gizmo is afraid of the dark.
Our pets depend on us to keep them safe and healthy. These are just a few of the things I do to ensure my little guy stays that way. What tips do you have for pet care on the road?
Anyway, as you may be able to tell, my little guy means a lot to me so keeping him safe and healthy is very important. With that in mind, I have put together a few dog care tips for when you are on the road.
Make sure they have their own space. Gizmo doesn’t sleep with us; he has his own crate (I cover it with a blanket so it is more den-like) that is his own private space. If he wants to nap during the day and I am busy doing other things (no lap for him to curl up in) he will get in his crate. It is his own private retreat and when we travel that is where he rides. Even if your dog sleeps with you, I still recommend having a crate. It is a safety measure when you are on the road and it gives your dog a space that is all his own.
Give them structure. Moving from place to place can be stressful for a dog – even if he doesn’t show it. Each new campground has a whole new set of smells, people, noises, and animals. Having some structure, or a routine, can help. Feeding at the same time each day also helps with scheduling potty visits. Gizmo put himself on a schedule. He always goes to bed at around 8 pm. His little internal clock tells him it’s bedtime so he always goes outside (it is part of the routine – sometimes he doesn’t have to go but we still make the trip) and when he comes in he goes straight to his bed (and waits for his treat – he always gets a treat when he kennels). It doesn’t have to be a rigid schedule, but a bit of a schedule helps.
Find a pet health plan that goes with you. Vaccines are an important part of your pet’s health, but they are especially important when you are traveling, especially in a campground where they may come in contact with other dogs or wild animals. We have Gizmo on a Banfield wellness plan through PetSmart. Not only do we save a ton on veterinarian expenses, there are Banfield clinics located all over the country. No matter where you are, they can pull up your information. It is cost effective, with some pretty great perks including free visits, free check-up and vaccines.
Don’t change food or water. You probably know that suddenly changing your dog’s food can lead to gastrointestinal upset. However, with all the stuff counties are putting in public water these days, changing your dog’s water can have an impact too. We give Gizmo bottled water. It isn’t expensive and it is healthier.
Take time to teach a few manners. Even though I take Gizmo on his leash, I do work with him without the leash to teach him to respond to my verbal commands. He sits on the ottoman by the door when I open it and he is not allowed to go out until I tell him. This helps prevent door dashing. I also always go through the door first. We got to see this training in action recently. My husband was outside doing some work and talking to me through the window. He had left the door open and Gizmo apparently heard him so he went out to see what was going on. I quickly realized he was on an unauthorized outdoor trip and went after him. At this point he was hot on the heels of a squirrel. All I said was, “Stop!” He stopped in his tracks. He turned around, looked at me and I quietly told him to get inside. He immediately did as he was told. You never know when your dog might get out and the only control you have is with your voice.
Check new campsites for things that may be harmful. Before taking your pet out, walk your camp site or the pet area to make sure there are no harmful objects, bones, trash, or anything your pet can get into. We don’t give Gizmo any table scraps and there has been more than one occasion where we’ve gotten to a site to find chicken bones or other food left behind by the previous campers. It only takes a few minutes and is well worth it to keep your pet safe.
Keep a flashlight handy. When you go for potty breaks at night, it can be very helpful to have a small flashlight. I got a clip and keep it attached to the leash. Campsites can be full of tree roots, limbs, and other obstacles and the last thing you need is a sprained ankle – or worse. It works double duty for me; Gizmo is afraid of the dark.
Our pets depend on us to keep them safe and healthy. These are just a few of the things I do to ensure my little guy stays that way. What tips do you have for pet care on the road?
Comment
No comments found! Be the first one to write a comment!
Author: Stephanie A. Mayberry
