Taking Your Dog on a Caravanning Holiday: What to Know Before You Go
There is something truly unique about the freedom of going on holiday in a caravan. You can hit the open road with your entire family along for the ride, and this can often include the family dog (who will undoubtedly be overjoyed to be included). Caravans can easily accommodate all the members of your family (including those of the four-legged variety), but if you've not taken your beloved pooch on such a holiday before, there are a few things you need to do to ensure that your dog is safe and comfortable.
Safe Transport
It will be best for your dog to ride in your vehicle with you, instead of them being towed in the caravan. If space is at a premium and you are forced to transport your dog in the caravan, then you need to ensure that they are appropriately restrained. Simply attaching their leash to a handy fixture will not be enough, since your dog could easily take a tumble when they try to stand up. Obtain a transport crate that is large enough to comfortably accommodate your dog, which can then be securely fastened into place inside the caravan. Transport crates can generally be rented.
Becoming Familiar with the Caravan
If you do expect to transport your dog inside the caravan, then it's best to allow them to get used to this prospect before the actual holiday. Secure your dog inside their transport crate and go for short drives. This means that the long-haul journey inside this new environment will not be quite so daunting.
Motion Sickness
Does your dog suffer from motion sickness? It's best to visit your vet to receive medication for this before you hit the open road. This can be quite important, even if your dog is generally a well-behaved traveller. A particularly long journey can be a trying time for a dog, so it's better to have any necessary medication on hand, even if it's a "just in case" type of scenario. On this point, it can be very smart to buy a specialist cleaning product (one that disinfects and deodorizes upholstery and hard surfaces) in case there are any "accidents" while on the road.
Planning Ahead
You might not be sticking to any predetermined route or schedule, but it's important to do a little planning ahead (which is why a smartphone can be so convenient). Check ahead when it comes to your overnight stops to ensure that a dog will be permitted on the camping ground in question.
Staying Safe
Chances are that you'll have to leave your dog behind at some point on your holiday. To do this safely, your caravan should have an awning to provide shade for your dog (if not, then you'll need to invest in a shade tent). There will need to be a suitably strong fixture attached to the exterior of the caravan to fasten your dog to, and the rope or chain needs to be long enough that they will be able to access their water and their shade and also long enough that that they won't need to go to the the toilet directly next to either of these things.
Bringing your dog on your caravan holiday doesn't have to be complicated, provided you do a little legwork.