5 Reasons Not to Lock Your Dog in an RV Camper

RVing with dogs can be a great experience. Having a furry travel companion can help fight the loneliness that may creep up while you’re on the road.

Dogs can not only make your adventures more fun but lend you a sense of security as well. But having a dog is a big responsibility.

You have to care for them — and that means not locking them in your RV camper.

Let’s see why!

5 Reasons Not to Lock Your Dog in Your RV

When you head out on your adventures, it might be tempting to leave your dog behind in the RV. It isn’t always convenient to bring along the dog, but leaving them behind could also present some challenges.

Let’s take a look at what could go wrong if you lock them in a camper.

1. Dog Barking Disrupts Other RV Campers

Let’s face it, dogs bark. Even the most even-tempered dog can become a barker when left alone in an unfamiliar place. Add in the random sounds of a campground, and you could come back to the RV hearing what the campers around you have heard for hours — relentless barking.

If someone complains about the noise the campground may kick you out.

Pro Tip: Here’s a long list that covers the “Don’ts of RV Camping.”

2. The Power Could Go Out, and They Could Overheat

While it may not happen frequently, power outages can and do happen at campgrounds and RV parks. If you’re boondocking, your batteries could run out of juice.

If you’ve ever stepped into an RV on a hot day, you know how miserable it is. But you may put your dog’s health at risk if they’re trapped in a very hot RV all day.

3. They Might Tear Up Your RV from Anxiety

You’ve likely seen this image of the dog who didn’t want to miss out while his humans were away and chewed through an RV door. Not only did these owners have to rush back when they got the call, but now they have a pricey door to replace. You put more than your doors at risk when you leave your dog behind.

You could come back to a ruined couch, chewed on cabinets, and scratched floors. A dog-sitting service might prove more budget-friendly. 

4. Some Campgrounds Prohibit It

These days most (but not all) campgrounds are pet friendly. But even the most pet-friendly of RV parks have rules regarding pets. Some prohibit you from leaving an animal unattended in your RV. If you’re camping in one of these parks, you may face logistical challenges.

Not all hikes are pet-friendly; therefore, you may have to miss out on an adventure to keep your pet with you. 

5. Illness or Injury

Leaving your dog unattended in your RV could lead to an injury. If they get scared by something or anxious about you leaving, they could try to get out of the RV.

It would be easy for them to hurt themselves in the process. Additionally, they could get into household items, such as food or cleaning products. Ingesting hazardous items could lead to a dangerous situation. 

Tips for RVing with Dogs

Just because you may face challenges when RVing with dogs doesn’t mean you have to leave your pet behind. Often the benefits outweigh the challenges.

If you think you’d still like to bring along the family dog, here are a few tips to help make the experience better. 

Give Them Dedicated Space 

Dogs are creatures of habit. They find comfort in what they know. If possible, bring along their dog bed from home to give them a sense of normalcy.

If they’re usually in a crate at certain times, bring that as well. Allowing your dog to have a dedicated space will help ensure they won’t stress out due to the change of scenery.

Bring Along Plenty of Toys

Odds are your dog has a few favorite toys. Keep them busy and happy by bringing those along. When dogs get bored, they may create their own entertainment, leading to some expensive destruction.

Help them enjoy camping by stimulating them with toys and playing with the family. 

Make Sure They Get Their Exercise

It can be easy to get so busy enjoying the campground activities that you forget to take the dog for a few walks. Helping your dog get some exercise while RVing might be easier than you realize. Are you taking the trash out? Grab the leash and take the dog along. Are you going for a hike? They’d love to join you. Just be sure to double-check that the hike allows dogs before hitting the trail. 

Keep Vet Records Handy

Carry proof of vaccination that you can display at check-in. Many RV parks and campgrounds will ask for confirmation of your vet records upon arrival.

Even if they don’t ask, it’s always a good idea to have these handy in case of an accident or major event. 

Never Leave Them Alone at the Campsite

Your dog might not mind the leash while you’re all around the campfire. But your pet likely won’t enjoy a tether outside while everyone else goes inside or heads out for the day.

Campgrounds typically discourage leaving your pet unattended and may outright prohibit it. Be careful to avoid putting your pet in a dangerous situation; dogs can quickly wrap themselves around a pole or tree, which could lead to an injury. 

Create Good Memories RVing with Your Dog

Bringing along the family dog can be a great way to bond and create lifelong memories with your pet.

Do you feel the challenges of bringing your dog are worth it to have them with you for the journey?

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