Nomadic Lifecycle Shared with Canine Companion
For those seeking a life of freedom and adventure, vanlife with a dog offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the world while keeping your beloved pet by your side. With the right preparation and care, this unique lifestyle can be a fulfilling, safe, and enjoyable experience for both humans and their four-legged friends.
Before hitting the road, it's essential to ensure your dog is well-equipped for the journey. Hiking with a dog requires knowledge of suitable hiking trails, and providing dogs with adequate exercise, play, and mental stimulation is essential for their well-being in a motorhome.
Safety is paramount when travelling with a dog. Securing them during the drive is important for their safety and the safety of other passengers. Proper nutrition and regular deworming are important for maintaining a dog's health during long journeys, and maintaining current vaccinations and having up-to-date vet records is crucial, especially if you plan to cross borders or use doggy daycares or boarding facilities during your travels.
Protection from extreme heat is essential for dogs during vanlife. With enough shade and water provided to prevent overheating, you can ensure your dog stays cool and comfortable on hot days. On these days, cool mats or cooling vests can be used to keep dogs comfortable.
To make your van a comfortable home for your dog, consider optimizing it for canine comfort. Insulate your van using materials like Thinsulate, foam board, or spray foam to maintain comfortable temperatures inside. Equip your van with openable windows and roof vent fans placed to create good airflow. Additional fans like 12v Sirocco fans can keep your dog cool on warmer days.
Leaving your dog safely alone when needed is also important. Since there will be occasions where your dog must stay alone in the van (shopping, appointments), the build features above help keep your dog safe and comfortable in your absence.
When choosing a dog breed for van life, consider breeds with traits such as moderate size, calm indoors, low grooming needs, and adaptable to a travel routine. For example, Whippets are quiet, low maintenance, and do well in small spaces but need protection against cold temperatures, while breeds like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel are cozy companions preferring relaxed van life rather than high activity.
Remember to give your dog time to adapt to new environments, and utilise modern technology like GPS trackers for dogs to help keep track of them in unfamiliar areas. With careful planning and preparation, and consideration of a dog's needs, vanlife with dogs can become an enriching experience for both animal and human.
Personal recommendations and tips on how to prepare optimally for hikes with a dog can be found in the author's blog, along with equipment indispensable for hikes with a dog and how to best cater to a dog's needs on the go. Special apps for dog owners can be used to find interesting walking spots or dog-friendly facilities, and special dog sports like agility or mantrailing can promote a dog's fitness and well-being in a mobile home.
Living in a campervan with a dog can help develop more intense communication and a better understanding of a dog's needs. Shared adventures, close living quarters, and constant proximity can help humans and dogs connect on a deeper level. Nature holds countless treasures waiting to be discovered, and special nature experiences with a dog can be enjoyed, from magic sunsets to enchanting starry skies and untouched landscapes.
The author of this article has been living in a campervan with their two dogs since 2018 and has travelled throughout Europe. Regular vet visits are crucial for ensuring a dog's health in a mobile home due to the increased risk of infections from constant contact with different environments and animals.
Vanlife, or living in a campervan, is gaining popularity among adventurers and nature lovers. By following these practical tips for a successful vanlife with a dog, you can embark on a life of adventure and deep connections with your furry companion by your side.
- While traveling with your dog in a campervan, it's crucial to ensure they have a suitable lifestyle, including finding suitable home-and-garden places for them to explore and exercise, like dog-friendly hiking trails.
- As you prepare for your adventure, consider the lifestyle changes that will benefit both you and your pet. This might include researching other pet-friendly accommodations like doggy daycares or boarding facilities during your travels.
