With the approach of summer and warm sunny days, many people like to escape daily routines by taking a road trip across country in an RV.
If you own a dog, you may feel guilty about leaving him behind and so you should, because most dogs love exploring new places with their owners! Taking your dog along with you on an RV trip can be fun for everyone involved as long as you follow a few safety guidelines.
Here are a few tips to get you started on your RV road trip adventure with Fido.
Heat While hot sunny days are appreciated and enjoyed by most people, dogs can find hot weather very uncomfortable, especially long haired breeds of dogs.
Dogs can't sweat like we do and they can quickly become overheated in very hot weather.
Keeping your dog hydrated at all times is crucial if you don't want him becoming dehydrated.
Make sure the dog has free access to clean drinking water at all times.
Don't allow your dog to spend too much time out during hot weather especially during midday.
Limit walking and exercise time to ten minutes a session later during the day when the weather is a bit cooler.
Dogs can die from dehydration and it cannot be stressed strongly enough that you should do everything you can to protect your dog from becoming overheated.
Insects Some dogs can develop allergic reactions to insect bites and you should avoid areas that contain swarms of bugs and insects.
Insect allergies can sometimes be fatal in a dog so you don't want to risk it.
Be very careful not to let your dog roam through thick wooded places or high grassed areas as these can contain dangerous ticks that will latch themselves onto your dog and cause serious health problems.
Grooming You should give your dog a thorough grooming before setting off on your cross country trip as you may not find the time or facilities to do so while you're on the road.
Just as you like to feel clean and well groomed before going out, so does your dog and a well groomed dog is a self confident and happy one.
Swimming Most dogs love swimming and can do so instinctively but you should never let your dog off leash to swim as he may panic or overexert himself and get into trouble while he's beyond your reach.
Dogs can suffer from fatigue and drown so be very careful and keep an eye on your dog at all times.
Having Fun Taking your dog on a road trip to explore new and exciting places is a great opportunity for adventure for both you and your canine companion.
Try to include your dog in any activities you do as he will enjoy being with you while taking in the scents and sounds of new and exciting places.
Even if you're going to sit at a café, your dog will enjoy spending the time with you.
Try to take your dog hiking at any national parks on your route as dogs love nature.
Remember, it's a vacation and everybody should have fun!