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As the weather cools down in the fall, it can be a beautiful time of year to take an RV trip with your furry companions. The crowds and heat of summer are gone, and there are often fewer insects as well. However, RVing with pets in the fall does come with some special considerations. Use these tips to make your autumn RV trip enjoyable for both you and your pets.
Prepare for Temperature Changes
While daytime temperatures may still be warm in the fall, evenings can turn chilly surprisingly fast. Make sure your pet has enough cozy bedding so they can sleep comfortably at night. Bring an extra blanket in case it gets exceptionally cold. You’ll also want to think about temperature control inside the RV. Make sure your heater and insulation are adequate before hitting the road so neither you nor your pet gets too cold overnight.
Keep Up with Grooming
Your pet's grooming needs may change in the fall. As temperatures drop, pets often experience heavier seasonal shedding. Brush your dog or cat daily to remove excess hair and prevent matting if they have long coats. You’ll want to brush really well before entering the RV too so loose hair doesn’t get all over the upholstery. Bathing and grooming before a trip also helps minimize dander and hair inside the living space.
Address Changing Daylight Hours
In the fall, days get notably shorter while nights lengthen. Make sure your evening campsite has adequate lighting so you can see your pets after sunset. Pack a flashlight and leashes with reflective strips for better visibility during after-dark potty walks. If early dusk means your pet's dinner time shifts significantly, bring food on schedule to prevent tummy issues from the change.
Adjust Exercise Schedules
Pets often require more exercise time in nice fall weather. Take advantage of crisp mornings and sunny days to play fetch, go for longer leashed strolls, let your cat lounge outside on a harness and leash setup, etc. Keep a close eye on your pets when they’re active outdoors though, as fall brings wild creatures like deer closer to camping areas. Make sure your pets wear visible tags or high-visibility vests when exploring campsites.
Consider Fall Allergies
Just like people, pets may develop runny noses and other allergy symptoms from exposure to fall pollen or seasonal mold. Bring any medications your pet takes for allergies and be vigilant for new symptoms like sneezing, sniffling, and watery eyes. Keeping your RV’s air filter clean and windows shut when pollen counts are high will help. Pack tissues and allergy meds for both you and your pets.
Protect Pets from Critters
Fall weather draws snakes, rodents, ticks, spiders, and stinging insects closer to the ground as temperatures drop. Keep pets away from woodpiles, dense brushes, long grass, and piles of leaves where risky creatures hide. Check your pet’s coat thoroughly for ticks during and after each outing. Ask campground hosts about any area hazards like venomous spiders or scorpion species as well.
Prepare a Fall Emergency Kit
Pull together a basic pet first aid and emergency kit before vacationing with pets in the fall. Include any regular medications plus supplies for minor wounds, car sickness, allergic reactions, and digestive issues. Pack prescribed sedatives or anxiety meds for stressed traveling pets too. List emergency veterinary clinics and pet hospitals along your route as well, just in case. Hopefully you won’t need anything, but it’s wise to be ready.
While the changing seasons can complicate travel with pets a bit, taking the right precautions makes RVing with your furry best friend quite enjoyable. Follow these tips for a pawsome autumn adventure on the road. The comfortable temperatures and lovely scenery are perfect for pets who love making memories in the great outdoors alongside their owners. So, get out there and enjoy those fall colors with your four-legged explorer!
