Guest Blog: 4 Tips for RVers who are Planning a Hiking Trip with Dogs

We are excited to partner with Outdoorsy for this guest blog post! During the cold winter months of the year, I'm constantly daydreaming about green hiking trails and camping under the stars. I had never really considered RV camping before but after learning more about this option on Outdoorsy's website, it's opened up a world of possibilities to think about. Read below for tips on hiking with your dog on your next RV trip and make sure to check out their website for more information.

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4Tips for RVers who are Planning a Hiking Trip with Dogs

RVs and hiking go hand-in-hand. And what better way to make your RV and hiking trip even better than to bring your dogs along? When you’re a dog lover, leaving your dog at home while you explore the great outdoors just doesn’t feel right. Thanks to the comforts of RVs, your four-legged friend can enjoy their trip as much as if they were home. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when traveling with a pup.

Stay at a dog-friendly campground

Pet policies exist almost everywhere in the country and campgrounds are no different. In fact, there are some pretty strict rules when it comes to pets. A number of national parks don’t allow pets at all while others require that the pup stays on a leash whenever outside. Wherever you’re going, research the rules beforehand. If you don’t see anything online about a certain campground, give them a call and double check. The last thing you want is to get to your dream destination only to find that you won’t be allowed to stay because of your dog.

Buckle Fido up!

Seatbelts aren’t just for humans after all. We’ve all been tempted to let our furry friend sit on our laps while we drive but this isn’t in the best interest for you or your dog. Sitting with Fido on your lap can lead to some serious distracted driving and cause an accident. Keep both you and your dog safe by putting him in a seatbelt harness or crate while driving. If you do opt for a crate, ensure that it is secured down so that is it not sliding around while you drive. Whichever way you decide, just make sure that he is in the same vehicle as you. Not left alone in the camper that you’re pulling. The great thing about a motorhome style RV is there are more options to keep your dog safe while on the road.

Incorporate exercise

If you’re planning on going hiking with your pup, this shouldn’t be too difficult since you’ll be taking them with. Sitting in the car for hours is torture for the animals. If your RV is big enough to play fetch, great! If not, find some dog-friendly parks along the way. Not only will he enjoy running around but he’ll love meeting new friends. If you do take them hiking with you, double check that you have extra water for them, especially if it’s warm out. They need it just as much as you.

Pack for your pup

Lastly, don’t forget to pack for your pup. You want to make sure your dog has all the tools necessary in order to have a great vacation too. You’ll want to bring his leash, collar, toys, bedding, food/food bowls, cleaning supplies for accidents, the medication he might need, and proof of vaccines (just in case). It’s also helpful to bring things like a blanket they are familiar with to help them feel like they’re at home. This is especially useful if you run into some bad weather.

Dogs make great companions both in life and on RV trips. They love to see the world and experience everything with you as much as possible. If you follow these tips, you can be sure that you and your pup will have the best trip possible. And who knows? Maybe he’ll become your permanent travel buddy.