Escapees September-October 2024

camping chair chat

Managing Pet Anxiety During Long RV Journeys

Just like humans, pets should use a seatbelt. The size of your dog, however, dictates the best con fi nement method. Although a carrier is best, it may not be practical for your Great Dane, mainly if you have limited cab space. Larger breeds do fi ne with a special attach ment that keeps them secure to your standard harness. Smaller dogs often do better in a carrier. Cats, too, do best in carriers. However, long RV trips require special handling, as kitties can’t tell you when they need a break like Fido can. Out fi tting a small cage with a litter box can signi fi cantly ease their anxiety. Mix a small amount of used stones from your box at home into the remaining litter. Cats are highly territo rial, and the scent provides the illusion that they aren’t far from home. Acclimate Pets to Their “Safe Space” Another trick you can use to help dogs and cats feel more secure during long RV trips is to acclimate them to their “safe” travel space at home. Leave their carrier out before you depart, lining it with favorite blankets or toys and keeping it open—you might discover them curled up in it. Some owners put it out a few hours before each trip as a signal, and associating its appearance with excitement encourages reluctant pets.

Your faithful companion may leap for joy when you announce, “It’s road trip time.” Your pets are your BFFs, which means you will take them along on your journeys. How can you manage their anxiety on the road? F ortunately, acclimating your pets to routine travel doesn’t take an expert trainer or poten tially dangerous tranquilizers. All it requires is time, patience and the right approach — with a generous dollop of treats to reward your precious furry friend’s good behavior. Your biggest concern is keeping them safe and ensuring you meet their needs. Their natural desire to be with their favorite people will cause even reluctant pets to handle long drives like champs in no time. Keep Them Con fi ned and Safe As much as your dog may love hanging their head out the window, resist the temptation to give in to those desires. At best, your pups could get corneal ulcers from the sand and dust assaulting their eyes. An accident could result in severe injury or worse. If your vehicle has power windows, disable them so your dog can’t acciden tally press the button.

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ESCAPEES Magazine September/October 2024