Dog in a Camper – How to Travel with Your Four-Legged Friend?
For pet owners, embarking on a journey comes with an important question – who should take care of their four-legged friend? Fortunately, when travelling in a camper, you don’t have to worry about this, as you and your companion can enjoy the adventure together in comfort.
So, how should you prepare? What documents do you need? What should you do if your pet feels unwell? You’ll find all the answers in this article.
Where to Start?
First – do not take an animal with health issues.
Such an experience can be very stressful and may lead to further complications.
Second – if not necessary, avoid distant and exotic destinations.
A sudden change in climate can be difficult and exhausting, not to mention the fatigue from a long journey. If you must travel far, consult a vet beforehand.
Third – check the pet entry regulations of the country you are travelling to.
For example, Norway bans certain dog breeds considered potentially dangerous. Ignoring such restrictions may result in a heavy fine or even the seizure and euthanasia of the animal.
Another very important factor is your pet’s temperament and habits.
Does your dog tolerate long journeys well? Does it enjoy long hikes in the mountains? Or perhaps it is more of a home-loving pet that dislikes cold or rain? If your pet is uncomfortable in new places or dislikes being in a vehicle, you should consider whether travelling together will be a positive experience for them.
Naturally, you want your furry friend to accompany you. You can try to gradually accustom them to camper travel – go on longer walks, explore new routes, take longer trips, and spend as much time in the car as possible.
If this doesn’t work and your pet remains stressed, reconsider. Some animals will never enjoy long journeys, and it’s important to respect that.
What to Pack for a Camper Trip with Your Dog?
Dogs also need to pack their essentials! Here’s a list of things to include in their “travel bag”:
Passport – If you don’t have one, visit a vet who will issue the necessary documents.
Health record book – Before departure, check if your pet has all required vaccinations and medical tests. Some countries require proof of a rabies test conducted within 48 hours before arrival.
ID tag – Another essential item. The dog should wear it at all times in case of an emergency.
Medications – Consult your vet about which medications may be needed, such as calming pills, anti-diarrhoea medicine, motion sickness relief, tick prevention, and a first aid kit with sterile dressings, bandages, disinfectant, gloves, and scissors.
Contact details of the nearest vet (preferably an emergency night clinic).
Basic walking kit – Harness/collar, lead, waste bags, and a muzzle if necessary.
Bed or blanket – Preferably one that your dog already sleeps in, so they feel comfortable with familiar scents.
Favourite food and treats, along with bowls for water and food.
Towels and pet wipes – Useful for cleaning after outdoor adventures.
Toys – Both for solo play and activities with you.
Image by Flickr
Travelling in a Camper with a Dog
At the beginning of the journey, dogs may feel anxious and tremble. This is understandable as the camper resembles home but is moving.
Remember to secure your pet properly – they should not roam freely in the camper while driving. Sudden braking could be dangerous. Use a pet carrier or a special car seat with a safety harness. If possible, let your dog sit near a window so they can see outside – unless this causes more stress.
Plan your route with breaks every few hours for walks, toilet breaks, and hydration. Pets appreciate routine, so try to schedule stops at regular times.
Lastly, keep an eye on the temperature inside the camper. Dogs cannot regulate body temperature as well as humans and can easily overheat. Ensure a comfortable environment and monitor for signs of heat stress, such as heavy panting or excessive drooling.
Camping with a Dog
Before arriving at a campsite, call ahead to confirm that pets are allowed. Read the regulations carefully – some sites charge an additional fee per night for pets, while others require dogs to remain on a lead at all times.
Ensure that your dog does not disturb other campers and always clean up after them.
What to Do If Your Pet Feels Unwell?
During the trip, your dog may experience discomfort. Here’s what to do:
Stay calm – Your behaviour affects your pet’s stress levels.
Recognise symptoms – Watch for signs such as excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, or breathing difficulties.
Consult a vet – Have an emergency contact for a nearby vet. In some cases, an online veterinary service may be helpful.
Carry medications – If your dog is prone to motion sickness or other issues, have prescribed medication ready.
Schedule breaks – Frequent stops help prevent discomfort.
Provide comfort – If your dog seems stressed, soothe them with your voice, offer their favourite toy or treat, and let them look out the window if it helps.
First Aid for Pets
During a camper trip, situations may arise where your pet requires immediate assistance. It is important to know how to provide first aid to your pet before reaching a veterinarian.
Always carry a pet first aid kit, which should include:
- Sterile gauze and bandages
- Alcohol-free disinfectant
- Rounded-tip scissors
- Disposable gloves
- Tweezers for removing ticks or foreign objects
- Thermometer
- Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication (vet-prescribed)
- Medication for diarrhoea and vomiting
- Calming remedies (only if prescribed by a vet)
How to Handle Emergencies
-
Wounds: Rinse with clean water, disinfect, apply a sterile dressing, and bandage lightly before seeing a vet.
-
Poisoning: If ingestion of a toxic substance is suspected, contact a vet immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless advised.
-
Heatstroke: Move your pet to a cool place, apply damp towels (avoid ice-cold water), and offer small amounts of water. Seek veterinary help as soon as possible.
-
Loss of consciousness: Check breathing and pulse. If your dog is not breathing, perform mouth-to-nose resuscitation. If there is no pulse, perform CPR and contact a vet urgently.
Knowing basic first aid can help keep your pet safe until professional assistance is available.
Summary
Travelling in a camper with a pet can be an amazing experience when well-prepared. From planning the route to packing essentials and being ready for emergencies, all these steps contribute to your pet’s safety and comfort.
Ensure regular breaks, secure your pet properly in the camper, and monitor their health. If they feel unwell, stay calm and contact a vet. Understanding basic pet first aid can be invaluable in unexpected situations.
By taking care of your furry companion, you’ll make every shared journey filled with joy and adventure!
Do you have any questions? Write to us and our team of specialists will answer your questions.
Hook on pickup truck and in the AZAR4
Although the nature of pickup trucks makes it uncommon to fit towbars, most modern models are designed to do so. This greatly extends the functionality of the car, allowing you to connect an optional cargo trailer, for example. It is also great if you have a...
Traveling with AZAR4 Pickup Camper can be even nicer – how do you do it?
The AZAR4 capsule provides you with luxurious travel conditions from the start, but we encourage you to adapt it to your needs. This will make using the built-in even more enjoyable.Test the capabilities of your gas cookerNo matter where you are, with a pickup camper...
Pickup Truck AZAR4 – Broaden your travel horizons
Visiting the wilds of Scandinavia or relaxing on a Balkan beach with your family is still within your reach. Find out how to do it.Want to free yourself from limitations?You can't live without people, but it's worth making yourself independent. This will allow you the...
Pickup camper trip in the face of coronavirus
Our world has changed beyond recognition and we are getting more and more used to the fact that the situation will not return to normal for long. The global economic collapse, a multitude of social problems, an inefficient medical care system and... drastically...
Economic caravanning. How to save up on a trip with a pickup camper?
Recently, interest in caravanning and traveling with a caravan or a modern capsule on a pickup has increased significantly. This is due to, among other things, the need for closer contact with nature and more freedom, but also the desire to feel much less restricted....
Through Scandinavia with a camper on a pickup truck
Not without a reason, Scandinavia is considered to be one of the must-see destinations when travelling with a camper. Beautiful, wild spaces, well-maintained roads, breathtaking views and freedom, that is vainly sought in any other land.Scandinavia with a...
Office work is boring! Work in a pickup camper
Many of us have been working from home for some time. Remote working has become a problem eventually. Locking in four walls can cause headaches and fatigue. To be more efficient, more creative and feel your mind refreshed - you need a change of scenery! Maybe try...
Travel with an additional baggage. How do you take your bike and surfboard on to AZAR4?
You’d like to take your hobby with you on your camper journey, but you don't know if it will accommodate the items necessary to realize your passion? Don't worry, AZAR4 will provide you with as much space as you need to be able to travel comfortably and safely with...
AZAR4: Standard, Off-Road, Premium or Premium Plus? A guide for the undecided
Would you like to feel the freedom and safety that travelling by camper provides? Do you dream of going on a long journey away from civilization? Taking a break from the hype of information and everyday duties? Or maybe do you want to live like a digital nomad and...