PETS AND CARAVAN LIFE

Caravanning can be tiring!

Travelling in a caravan is an adventure – freedom, interesting new destinations, the open road.  We know that travelling with your furry or fine-feathered friend makes the trip even more enjoyable, and I’m sure your pets enjoy those stunning sunsets and picturesque campsites just as much as you do.  Whether you have a dog, bird, or both, living in a tiny space with pets poses its own set of challenges.

But with the right planning ( and a good sense of humour), you can make it work.

Here are some tips on how to travel and live in a caravan with your pets in tow, and keep the peace between the two-legged and four-legged creatures.

CHOOSE PET-FRIENDLY CARAVANNING DESTINATIONS

Luckily, many campsites and caravan parks now cater specifically to pet owners.  Before booking your spot, double-check their pet policy to avoid surprises.  Look for places that have space for you to walk your dog, and be mindful of your pet’s reaction to unfamiliar surroundings.  Most resorts will only allow small pets, and usually only one or, if you’re lucky, two dogs.  Pets may also only be allowed during out of season months, so plan your routes accordingly.

GETTING YOUR PET READY FOR THE ROAD

Before hitting the road, make sure your pet is well-prepared for the journey.  If it’s a first trip for Fido, try getting him accustomed to the caravan beforehand: a few test runs to nearby parks or shorter holiday stints can help them adjust to the confined space.

Ensure their vaccinations are up to date, and that their ID tags are also in good condition.  If Fido is chipped, make sure it is registering properly.  Let’s bring their food, their bowls, their bed and blankies, and any favourite toys, to help ease them into their new space.  If your dog is on meds, remember to stock up at your local vet so you have enough to last the journey.  If you’re travelling with “Polly wants a cracker”, a nice perch and some stimulating toys for their cage will make them feel more at home.

KEEPING YOUR DOG SAFE AND SECURE

Living in a caravan means space is limited, and when you’re on the road, your dog’s safety should be top priority.  Fencing off an area of your tent or using a pop-up portable play-pen will help ensure your dog does not go wandering off while you’re not looking.  There are various types of ‘fencing’ available for you to try out, keeping the front of your tent cordoned off and giving Fido some freedom to roam about and relax.  Using shade-cloth or plastic interlocking systems to create your fence should be relatively inexpensive, while providing priceless peace of mind for all.  Pop-up pens are ideal to put under the big beach umbrella when at the beach, and are easy to ‘pop up’ and to store and clean.

Using a harness and leash when walking your dog around the campsite is non-negotiable, keeping your pet safe as he walks and explores.  Buy the right size harness for your furbaby – too loose and he will get out of it – too tight and he will be uncomfortable and irritable and may develop sores from chafing.

KEEPING YOUR BIRD SAFE: THE SUN, THE COLD, AND CANINE CURIOSITY

If you’re one of the many caravanners who travel with a feathered friend in tow, you’ll know that birds can bring a lot of joy, but they also require a bit more attention to ensure their safety and comfort in a small, mobile living space.  After all, they have specific needs that differ from your four-legged companions, so let’s talk about how to keep your bird safe, comfortable and secure on the road.

TEMPERATURE

Unlike dogs or cats, birds are particularly sensitive to temperature changes.  A caravan can get hot fast on sunny days, or chilly quickly when temps drop in the evenings. When travelling with a bird, it’s crucial to ensure that their cage is kept at a consistent, comfortable temperature.

On hot days, position the cage away from direct sunlight – this means away from any windows where the sun beats down.  Instead, look for a shady spot, ideally with some airflow to keep things cool.  You might even want to use a portable fan, just make sure it is not blowing directly on them, but rather circulating air around them.  On chilly evenings and cold mornings, ensure that your bird’s cage is kept away from drafty areas where the temperature drops quickly.   If it’s really cold, consider placing a blanket over their cage, still allowing air to circulate.  You can also use a pet-safe heating pad designed to provide gentle warmth without overheating the bird.

As for dogs, don't leave them in the sun on the beach for too long (they say avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm, that means you too). Short-haired, thin-skinned breeds would do well with some sunblock on their skin, and a good bath or even a rinse with a hosepipe after a day in the beach sand, will make Fido feel so much better, and he will be able to sleep more comfortably, free of sand and salt water.

NOTE: No matter what pet you have, where you take them or whatever the season, ALWAYS ENSURE THEY HAVE A FULL BOWL OF FRESH WATER AT HAND.

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BOWL

As a stay-home mom who runs a doggy-sitting business, I have my own collection of dog bowls - lots of them! My go-to rule is to feed the dogs from either melamine or hard plastic bowls, and use stainless steel bowls for water, and almost all of them have a non-slip base. Melamine for the dog kibble is ideal; it's hygienic, washes very well and easily, and comes in pretty patterns. Brands like Rogz and Dog's Life sell a 2-in-1 melamine bowl with a stainless steel bowl inside. If you're using plastic, that's also good for food, but I would not recommend it for water; water that has been sitting in a plastic bowl for ages takes on the taste of the plastic and can be toxic. It is fine to use it for brief trips to the beach etc, and if you do choose a plastic water bowl, be sure to wash the bowl and refresh the water regularly.

Your dog's bowls probably stands in your tent, so consider using an anti-ant system to protect the water and kibble from the competition.

As for your bird bowls, stainless steel is also the way to go, preventing Polly from chewing the plastic bowls to shreds.

Shop around, online or in pet stores, or your local Pick n Pay or Checkers, you'll be sure to find a set of beautiful bowls to suit your needs.

BIRDS AND DOGS DON’T ALWAYS MIX

Birds, while often brave and inquisitive, are not the best buddies for your dog, especially when both pets are confined to a small space.  Dogs, even the most docile ones, have a natural prey drive, and that can be a bit risky when a bird is nearby.  This could cause undue distress for both animals.  Keep the cage on a higher surface or on its stand.  If you want to let the bird out a bit to stretch its wings, do it indoors with windows shut and door closed, no dog in sight.

MENTAL STIMULATION AND ENTERTAINMENT FOR BIRDS

Just like your dog, your bird needs mental stimulation and exercise to keep them happy while living on the road.  Try bringing along some travel-friendly toys or perches.  Birds love variety, so rotate toys regularly to keep them interested.  Allowing your bird to be able to see your surrounds and all that is going on, will also keep them curiously and entertained.

Be mindful of any distractions, like loud noises, dogs barking or other commotion.  These may make your bird feel anxious and overwhelmed.  In cases like this, it’s best to make sure their cage is in a quiet area of the caravan, perhaps with a cover on to help them feel secure.

DEALING WITH CHALLENGES: DOGS ON THE LOOSE AND THE BARKING DILEMMA

Living in a caravan with your dog can feel like a never-ending game of “How Can I Keep You From Escaping?”  Your dog’s natural curiosity and wanderlust can make camp life a little chaotic, but adequately fencing off an area can avoid you having to play ‘chase the dog’ every five minutes.  We’ve covered the fencing option, but other ideas may be to attach an extendable lead to a stake in the ground, like a spare strong tent peg, so Fido can have more freedom of movement without running off.  Just make sure there is plenty of water available, and shade too.

If you’re staying at a busy campsite, your fellow neighbours may not be too thrilled if your dog is a yapper.  Being cooped up, or in response to other dogs barking or unfamiliar sounds, may be what sparks Old Sparky to test his vocal cords.  Comfy beds, toys, or even calming pet music or pheromone sprays, can help quell the desire to yodel-ay-ee-oo.  You may want to keep your dog inside while you are out.  If barking is a serious issue, try working with a professional trainer to address the issue.  There are a few online bark-training courses available, and it would be a great bonding experience for you both.

Take note: a tired dog is a quiet dog - there's much to be gained from a good run on the beach or a nice long stroll through the park!

 IN CONCLUSION

Having a pet for company during your travels, especially if you are travelling alone, is a wonderful way for both of you to avoid being lonely.  Adhering to a few key rules will make for a wonderful vacation for everyone.