When Randy and Cindy Harris pull into their campsite each summer in South Dakota, their friends and coworkers are happy to see them. But it is their dog Rocky that also gets attention.
Rocky has been RVing alongside the Harris’ for years, ever since he was a puppy. His youth and familiarity with the RV lifestyle have made him the ideal pet to take along as Cindy and Randy hit the road for more than half a year at a time. He has his own campfire chair and the familiarity of his favorite toys, dishes and bed.
But what about a dog who has not grown up riding for long hours in a motorhome? Experts say that proper training and a planning ahead can make the trips enjoyable for all members of the family.
Many pets will show signs of anxiety when the prospect of riding in a car or other vehicle occurs, said Dr. Lorraine Corriveau, a professor specializing in small animal wellness at Purdue University’s School of Veterinary Medicine.
Signs of anxiety include pacing, panting, and drooling excessively. Some pet may also whine, bark and shiver. A pet’s response to anxiety may include urinating, defecating or vomiting.
“Anxiety about riding in the car affects having to travel anywhere with your pet,” Corriveau said. “This anxiety makes the experience not an enjoyable one for the pet or the owner.”
According to professional trainer and dog behaviorist Steve Kasten, dogs and their owners can benefit from training before hitting the road for long-distance or extended periods of travel. His mission is to train dogs to trust and obey their owners, and with that training, strengthen the bond between canine and human.
“This helps owners understand the mental and physical exercise that is necessary for dogs,” Kasten said. “Training builds a bond… It starts a dialogue between owner and pet. When the dog trusts you, it will obey you.”
Dogs, Kasten said, are for the most part happy-go-lucky. They easily adapt to new situations. But some dogs become fearful of being in new environments, around new people and in unfamiliar situations, such as different campsites. Training and the trust that comes with it lets the dog know its human is there to watch out for it, Kasten explained.
Preparing a pet to travel well is more than simply learning basic obedience commands. With proper training, dogs can learn self-control, self-discipline and learn how to be alone.
Kasten said crate training is an important, both at home and in an RV.
“When you are at a campsite and have to leave for an extended period of time, crate training can help keep the animal safe and less stressed,” Kasten said. It also minimizes the potential for the dog to damage the RV.
Just like their human counterpart, some dogs are susceptible to motion sickness. Knowing your pet’s limits can make traveling less stressful and more enjoyable.
“Some dogs are just in general more anxious,” Corriveau said. “A short car ride – like one they might take to go to the park or the veterinarian’s office may indicate how they act in a car. Taking a small short trip in the car can help to decide their comfort level in the car without prolonged duress if they show signs of anxiety.”
In fact, taking a dog with you whenever possible is a key training component to making sure your dog stays happy on the road, Kasten said. He recommends exercising the dog before traveling. “A good workout is mentally and physically draining,” he said. “They will want to rest when they get into the car or vehicle.”
“The more you take them on trips, the better they can acclimate to longer trips,” he said. “Put them in the vehicle in which they will be traveling.”
“Sometimes pets have motion sickness,” Corriveau said. “With proper discussion of how your pet acts in the car with your veterinarian, it can be hopefully be differentiated as which treatments or remedies [to try].”
What treatment the vet prescribes will be determined by whether the sickness is caused by motion or due to anxiety.
There are also medications that can be used to minimize stress, Corriveau said. Some products available in pet stores also offer calming effects, according to Kasten.
Corriveau cautioned that the decision to use a sedative is not clear-cut.
“The answer to this question is really dependent on the pet,” she said. “If your pet does not vocalize excessively, drool or salivate, vomit, defecate, or urinate while traveling in the car then a sedative may not be needed.”
“Sometimes Benadryl at a dose of 1mg/pound of pet can be enough to take the “edge” off many pets if the symptoms are very mild,” Corriveau said.
“If your pet exhibits and of the above behaviors in the car or carrier, a stronger sedative may be needed,” she explained. “You should seek the advice of your veterinarian as to what sedative is right for your pet. A physical examination and evaluation is important to make sure your pet is healthy for travel and to choose the proper sedative.”
Knowing the limitations of your dog when it comes to traveling is a way to gauge whether your dog may benefit from a calming product, Kasten said. Taking the dog on short and long trips will help the owner understand the dog’s natural reaction to riding in a vehicle, he said.
Both Corriveau and Kasten offered some tips to help make trips less of an ordeal for dogs.
o Pets should be in a carrier or use of a pet car seat and harness to ensure your pet’s safety as well as your own while driving.
o Make frequent stops to allow for “potty” and water breaks.
o Prep your pet for a long trip.
“Get your pet geared up by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car,” Corriveau said. “If you’re traveling across state lines, bring along your pet's rabies vaccination record. While this generally isn't a problem, some states require this proof at certain interstate crossings.”
She suggested making a pet-friendly travel kit. This should include the dog’s regular food, a bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and first aid and any travel documents.
In addition, Kasten recommends carrying a copy of your pet’s vaccination records and making sure your pet is micro-chipped so the dog can be reunited with its owner if it becomes lost.
o Packing a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity because it carries their scent.
o Be sure to pack plenty of water, and avoid feeding your pet in a moving vehicle.
“Your pet's travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours prior to departure, and always opt for bottled water,” Corriveau said. “Drinking water from an area he or she isn’t used to could result in stomach discomfort.”
Kasten also suggested that dog owners should familiarize themselves with local ordinances regarding leash laws and other restrictions on dogs. Every jurisdiction is different, he said.