As anyone traveling with their pet knows, it can provide comfort, companionship, joy, and a respite from the loneliness often felt on the road; but it can also be a source of that feeling of responsibility that many of us look to escape. After all, being solely responsible for the comfort and health of another living being is often the largest responsibility one can feel — but also the most rewarding when accomplished well.
Contents
Fit Your Dog into Your Schedule – Not the Other Way Around
Dogs do love routine, and it is important for puppies to grow up feeling secure in their next meal, potty break, or playtime; however once the dog is your dog, and knows that they will be fed, relieved, and exercised regularly, they will not feel anxiety around it. So fit your dog into your schedule!
When I’m done bathing myself, I hold him in my arms and towel him off until he’s quite dry and is no longer at risk of picking up every bit of dirt on the ground. And then I tell him how handsome he looks as he prances around with his newly clean coat, and it’s an enjoyable experience for both of us!
Proper Grooming Tools Make Things Easier – But Are Not Always Available
Ear Cleaning is Very Important – Especially if You Live an Outdoor Lifestyle
Tooth Hygiene is Very Important – and Easy!
When I’m on the road, it’s sometimes difficult to pack everything, which means I sometimes don’t have my pup’s toothpaste and toothbrush with me. Bones, even those from the meal you ate that night, are a great natural way for dogs to clean their own teeth. Just make sure it’s not the type of bone that can splinter and cause tummy issues for your pup. Turkey necks are usually the bone of choice for my dogs, but I take it away before they have the chance to try to ingest the whole thing.
Eye Boogers are Uncomfortable
Different dog breeds acquire different levels of eye gunk. My big dog, Nola, only acquires the sticky, slimy stuff when she’s having an issue – and that can sometimes happen if you let your dog hang their head out the window while you’re driving (but I usually can’t help myself from allowing this, seeing the smile on their faces as the wind whips their ears back). My small dog, Swifty, has these every morning, afternoon, and evening. I typically help him out just by picking them off – but it’s very important that your hands are clean before you do this. If an unusual amount of eye gunk for your dog presents itself, it might mean a bigger problem, so keep an eye on it.
Fur is Everywhere!
I recently also found the pet hair remover of all pet hair removers (after trying many) – a pumice stone! I already have one for my feet (I like to walk barefoot a lot, especially when traveling), and it works wonders at removing pet hair from cloth seats, sweaters, and other cloth-like materials.
Also getting a good pair of clippers for your dog will make like a lot easier, because you can keep their hair or fur at a manageable length.
If Your Dog is Licking A Lot, it Might Mean Allergies, Not Self-Grooming
During the spring and fall, my pups often start licking their paws, the top of their haunches, and yes they even perform the dreaded butt drag on the ground. I did some research and realized that this was not a sign of self-grooming, but a sign that my dog was itchy. I was recommended to try fish oil by a holistic vet friend of mine, and it worked miracles! Turns out my pet had allergies, which can often happen when they’re in new environments when environmental allergens are high. If you don’t have access to the kind meant for dogs, foods that contain fish oil also do the trick, so if you’re eating salmon for dinner, share some with your pup!
I have lived with dogs my entire life. I have read many books and articles about dog psychology and training, and have attended many training classes in order to give my pups the best lives possible. I have been traveling with my dogs for about 10 years now and converted to part-time van life about 3 years ago. Living in my van with my dogs has been one of the most freeing and joyful experiences of my life.
Leave a Reply