We love the RV life, but it has it’s share of challenges and blessings when it comes to traveling with dogs.
As our dogs lay peacefully cuddled together in front of the fireplace, I am musing over the unexpected challenges and joys of RV life with pets. These little fluffballs are family, and we want them to enjoy the adventures of RV life as much as we do. However, in life of constant travel and new places, some days are harder on dogs than others. There are inevitable rainy days, busy days, travel days, and sick days. Even just the every day life of kids and dogs in a small space can leave you frustrated.
The Downs
RV Life Challenge – Veterinary care can be difficult when traveling with dogs.
Right after we arrived in our new home base in Missouri, our little poodle got pretty sick. Fortunately for us, we have family in the area and they were able to connect us with their vet right away. After a few days of medication, she had no more symptoms, so we gave ourselves the green light to hit the road.
Subsequently, we hooked up the RV, and headed to the Memphis area in search history and good barbeque. At a rest stop about halfway there, we discovered our other little fluff butt had come down with similar symptoms, but more severe. He had terrible diarrhea and wouldn’t eat or drink. We got to our campsite and did some major clean up, but it was Saturday, so there was nothing we could do besides push fluids and wait until a vet opened up on Monday.
By Monday morning, we were getting really worried. He was looking thinner and was very lethargic. At 7:30am I started calling local vets. It is the week of Christmas, so several places had NO veterinarian working this week. Others were just completely booked up. I finally found 1 that would let us drop him off to try to squeeze him in. They treated him, and he was doing better the next day. We were so relieved, but it definitely added a whole different level of stress and worry to have our little guy so sick while on the road.
RV Life Challenge – You need to limit your time away from the RV based on how long your dogs can be alone.
We have small dogs. This may not be as much of a limitation for larger dogs who can hold their bladders for long periods of time. However, for us, it is very important to be mindful of time if we go sightseeing without the dogs. If we are going on a hike, we can just take them with us and let them enjoy as well! But not all venues welcome hyper little fluff bottoms, so sometimes they stay behind in the RV. As such, we plan around their needs.
RV Life Challenge – The everyday messes of kids and dogs are magnified ten-fold in an RV.
This goes without saying, and I mentally prepared myself for this reality. Buuutt, I didn’t quite imagine how the dirt would concentrate in our little living room/kitchen/dining room/schoolroom. We all track in dirt, leaves, and whatever else we happen to step walk through or brush up against. Muddy boots and muddy paws leave telltale evidence everywhere despite our best efforts at cleanliness. And it is the same amount of mess that is tracked into a big house, but it all ends up in gathered in a 8×10″ room. It is what it is. I accept this. Mostly. Well, I’m working on it.
The Ups
RV Life Blessing – The entertainment
Without a doubt, our dogs make RV life more interesting. Their silly antics never cease to bring laughter and joy. And they don’t ask for much in return – just food and cuddles. They were always entertaining, but in our little RV, we never miss a moment.
RV Life Blessing – The Companionship is priceless.
The other major plus of having dogs on the road, is the companionship. Traveling is an amazing, experience. We love (almost) every minute of it. But it can get lonely sometimes. We all miss friends and family. We sometimes miss “normal” life. And our dogs have a way of providing genuine companionship. They just love. They just sit with you. They never get tired of listening to our little guy describing his creations, or our tween pouring out her sweet heart.
They make us laugh and they seem to understand unconditional love better than most people.
So, having dogs as a part of RV life can make your space feel smaller and messier. They can add complications. You need to really weigh out all of the variables before choosing this lifestyle with dogs. But, as far as we’re concerned it is 100% worth it.
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