RV Vacations with your Dog - 10 Great Accessories to Keep Your Pup Happy on the Road

These days are certainly different from pre-2020 days, but fortunately for RV’ers, this is a great time to travel in your RV and keep appropriate social distancing, while enjoying your RV trip! You can also enjoy the pleasure of taking your furry family member along on your RV adventure, saving you the trip to the doggie day care or the cost of a pet sitter. We think that RVs are definitely the best way to take a vacation, especially if you are a dog owner. Your dog will enjoy the outdoors with you and with just a few accessories, you can make the trip enjoyable and easy and fun for all of you.

If you’re planning a family camping trip in your RV this year, you’re probably thinking of all the gear and gadgets you’ll need to keep everyone safe and happy on the road. So include your dog gear for RV in your packing list too. Bringing a dog along can make your RV camping trip so much more fun. Since it’s important to get the right gear to make sure your dog is happy and safe, we created a list of 10 Great Accessories to Keep Your Pup Happy on the Road. Below are some good products to look into when bringing your dog on your next RV road trip.

1. First Aid Kit

This is just common sense, but injuries can sometimes happen when camping and hiking so always make sure that you have a first aid kit in the RV. Make sure you pack a first aid kit for yourself and for your pet. Always have one on hand and hopefully, you will never need it!

2. Collapsible Dog Bowl

You should always provide fresh water for your pooch but with moving around, packing and unpacking the RV, their stationary bowl from home isn’t always practical. There are many different types of water bowls out there for dogs ranging from water bottle and bowl combos to hard plastic spill-proof bowls. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages but the best dog bowls are multifunctional. Try to find dog bowls that are collapsible, sturdy, super easy to clean, dishwasher safe and big enough to use not only as a water bowl but also as a food bowl. This type of bowl allows you to not only use them as stationary bowls while at camp, but to fold them up and bring them along on hikes that Fido gets to join on too! 

3. Leash and Harness

While you probably already have a leash for your dog, it might be a good idea to invest in a leash that is extra durable for your road trip. A simple nylon leash might not hold up to the outdoor elements such as dirt and muck that are sometimes inevitable while camping. It also may be a good idea to have more than one leash in case something happens to one of them or they get accidentally left behind at a campsite. A harness, however, isn’t always needed but can come in handy while traveling on the road. First of all, if your RV doesn’t have room for a crate to be set up while on the road, the next best way to keep your dog safe is to use a harness and dog seat belt combo to keep your dog safe while moving. A harness versus a collar in this situation prevents unnecessary pressure on your dog’s neck in the event that they are tossed from side to side while driving or worse yet, in a crash.  A harness-seat belt combo is a great way to keep your dog safe.

4. Dog Toys, Bones, and Treats

Just like you would at home, it’s important to have some fun toys or treats for your pup to be entertained while you make dinner or are out exploring for the day. Always look for toys that are large enough that they can’t be accidentally swallowed. 

5. Pet Monitoring Camera and Treat Dispenser

One great pet-friendly product for remotely keeping an eye on your pet and also feeding them treats is a Pet Monitoring Camera for dogs and cats. While you are away from your RV you can see, hear and talk to your pet. And you can remotely toss them a kibble treat! It’s all done remotely through your cell phone! You could even use this device to keep an eye on your dog while you go to work all day. And, having one in your RV is a great way to interact with your pet while you are away. 

6. Portable Outside Dog Fence (or pen)

Instead of tying your dog up to the RV, the nearest tree or keeping them in the RV for any longer than necessary, a portable dog fence or pen allows your dog to stretch their legs and get some fresh air. Collapsible pens can unfold to give an impressive amount of space giving the dog some freedom while also adhering to most pet-friendly parks “on a leash” or “contained” rules regarding dogs. Collapsible fences can be folded up and stowed without taking up too much room. In fact, this some fences and dog crates can connect together.

7. Collapsible Dog Kennel (or crate)

Much like the dog fence, a wire collapsible dog crate can serve many purposes. If your dog is already crate trained, it can provide a safe place and keep your dog more comfortable on the road. It can be used while your RV is stationary and also while driving. A dog crate can protect your dog from sliding around the RV cabin while you are traveling. And it can keep loose items from falling on or hitting your dog. Wire crates are open on all sides and allow better airflow to keep your dog cool on a hot day. They are also super easy to clean and more durable than a rigid plastic crate. Keeping a collapsible kennel or crate on board is very convenient because it is easy to store or move in and out of the RV if needed. Be sure to secure the crate with D-rings or links to something permanent in the RV, so it won’t slide around.

8. Memory Foam Dog Bed

Just like humans, most dogs look for a comfy spot to relax and call their own. A comfy yet durable dog bed provides a place in your RV or camper that your dog can call their own.  There are many shapes and sizes of dog beds out there but the best ones are made with thick memory foam, a waterproof liner and, a cover that can be removed and washed easily.

9. Automatic Generator Start Controller

One of the biggest fears for pet owners while away from their RV is that the power will go out and the AC will stop running. This can certainly be a life-threatening situation. The best way to handle this situation is to install an Automatic Generator Start Controller. This is a brilliant device.

The way this works is that if the shore power goes out your AC will turn off because the AC can’t run on battery power. If this happens the generator controller will automatically start the generator and your AC will come back on. For just a couple hundred dollars it can literally save your pet’s life. Remember to check that everything is functioning correctly before you leave Fido alone in the RV, however.

10. Dog Ramp

While a rambunctious young pup may not have any issue making the leap into or out of an RV, adult dogs or senior dogs may need some extra support to get in and out of your RV. A foldable dog ramp is ideal for those dogs who need a little extra help. And a dog ramp will prevent you from straining your back every time you need to lift your dog into the rig. Introduce your dog to the new ramp slowly to help give your dog the confidence it needs to access your RV easily. The most important features to look for when buying a dog ramp are sturdiness, good traction, length (if the ramp if 6′ or shorter it may be too steep for your dog to climb), and it should be foldable.

As a reminder, when you are getting ready to hit the road to enjoy RV life with your pet, even during COVID, check with your nearest El Monte RV Rentals dealer, who can help you with any questions you may have. Please also check out our specials on RV rentals at El Monte RV Rentals.