Exercise is very important while Travelling?
Long road trips to fun, recreational destinations will undoubtedly require frequent stops along the way. Not just to eat and sleep, but to exercise your four-legged companion.
Apart from regular bathroom breaks, your pet will need a chance to get fresh air and ‘stretch it legs’ after being cooped up in an RV for hours on end.
This ultimately begs the question, ‘how do I exercise my dog while travelling in an RV?’
Regular Stops For Exercise
Making sure to incorporate at least 3 stops for exercise (preferably one in the morning, one in the afternoon and one in the evening) is recommended. While on a leash, allow your dog to explore the area at rest stops, campgrounds or (dog) parks.
This will ensure your pet can make the journey to whatever destination lies ahead, without becoming too ‘antsy’ or anxious along the way.
Physical Activity For You & Pets
Now that you know it’s important to stop and exercise your furry friend, let’s explore this in more detail below. We’ll look at where to stop to give your pet (and possibly yourself) some much-needed physical activity.
We’ll also discuss which activities (apart from walking) are preferable as well as what supplies and/or equipment is needed for each.
So, if you’re ready to learn more about exercising your dog while travelling and living the RV lifestyle, then let’s get to it!
When Should You Stop to Exercise Your Dog while Travelling in an RV?
Stopping 3 times each day (once in the morning, once in the afternoon and once in the evening) to exercise you pet while travelling cross-country in an RV is recommended.
You can coincide these times with meals (breakfast, lunch and supper) so you make fewer stops. Or, you can stop an hour or two after you eat, once your food has had time to settle and you likely need to take a bathroom break.
An Itinerary For Traveling
A travel itinerary is a helpful tool. Preparing one in advance, so you can plan when and where to stop is preferable. You’ll need to do some research online beforehand. This way, you’ll know which rest stops, campgrounds or parks are pet friendly as well as what activities are allowed.
For example, if your dog likes to play catch with a frisbee or stick, you can find out which places allow pets to play off-leash.
Activities Other Than Walking
What Activities are Best to Exercise Your Dog while Travelling in an RV?
Apart from walking, there are other activities you can engage in with your dog to give it (and yourself) some much-needed exercise, especially when you’re living the RV lifestyle and travelling for hours at a time.
If your dog likes to swim, you can stop at a beach or lake and let it frolic in the water for a while. Plan a picnic lunch for this time so you won’t have to make an additional stop that afternoon.
Hiking is another great way to get exercise while travelling. Plan this activity for the morning, if you can. Not only is it the safest time of the day but it’s also cooler. And, since dogs are sensitive to warm temperatures, it’s better for them (and you) to do this early in the day to avoid potential heatstroke.
As well, it’s likely quieter on the trail, allowing you and your pet to explore the area undisturbed by others.
And of course, nothing beats walking when it comes to exercising your dog. At night, after a long day of travelling, it’s a relaxing, low-impact activity that allows your pet (and you) to unwind while enjoying the beauty of nature.
Take in the sights and sounds of the wild and let your pet stop and smell or (when it comes to a dog) sniff the roses! This activity will also help your pet sleep better at night too.
Dogs, more so than other pets, need consistency. A steady rhythm of exercise, food and rest will keep your pet calmer and happier while travelling.
If you haven’t prepared an itinerary in advance, setting reminders on your smartphone will help you stick to an activity, meal and sleep ‘schedule’. This is the best way to travel with ease and reduce the tension and anxiety often associated with life of the road!
Supplies, Safety And Identification
What Supplies do You Need to Exercise Your Dog while Travelling in an RV?
When considering what to take along for your pet while travelling cross-country in an RV, think of items needed for exercise, such as a collar, leash and harness.
Since walking will undoubtedly be an activity you’ll do with your dog on a daily basis, having an identification tag with vital information such as the dog’s name, your name, your address, the city you live in and your home or cell phone number is a must.
Perhaps you and your dog prefer jogging or running to walking. For this activity, you’ll need a hands-free leash that attaches securely to your waist.
Some commercial brands are designed to swivel with a 360-degree range of motion. Others come with reflective surfaces for night jogging/running. Be sure to bring along a water container and allow your dog to take small yet frequent drink breaks throughout.
If hiking is your dog’s pleasure, then, like walking, you’ll need a harness and/or reflective collar along with a leash, an identification tag or microchip. A microchip can be easily inserted by your veterinarian and will ensure that, should the unthinkable happen and you get separated, your dog will be returned safely to you.
A collapsible bowl for water and a plastic bag with dried dog food is also necessary.
If biking is something you and your dog enjoy doing together, then you’ll need a bike tow leash, a reflective collar, a non-restrictive harness (preferably with padding), padded paw protectors, a cooling vest and a water container.
It’s very important that you let your dog set the pace, as this activity can be highly strenuous. Your dog should also be in good health and at least 30 pounds in weight.
Take supplies along, like toys or sporting equipment that your dog likes to play with. A frisbee, ball or stick for a game of catch or fetch, for example.
If your dog likes to swim, be sure to pack a lifejacket with a handle that you can use to guide your pet in the water (if its not a strong swimmer) or a D-ring you can attach a leash to. And don’t forget the floating toys that can be buried (and then dug up) in the sand!
A canine first aid kit should also be kept in your RV when travelling with your pet. Since exercise can sometimes lead to injury, having one at the ready is a good idea. Basic supplies such as hydrogen peroxide (to disinfect minor wounds), scissors with rounded edges (to trim hair around wounds), gauze, bandages, tweezers (to remove splinters) and dog booties (to prevent infection) should be included.
Conclusion:
To conclude, stopping 3 times per day for exercise is recommended when travelling with your dog cross-country in an RV. Once in the morning, once in the afternoon and once in the evening is preferable, if possible. Be sure to bring along a leash and collar as these are necessary for walking your dog at rest stops, around campgrounds or in (dog) parks.
Regular exercise will help your pet burn off excess energy so it can relax and calmly make the journey to whatever recreational destination awaits. Exercise will keep your dog healthy and reduce anxiety. Excessive licking, barking, pacing and chewing are all signs of stress that can affect your pet if confined to a car for too long. For the well-being of your pet, take the time to stop, get fresh air and exercise.
Happy trails to you!