Your Winter Safety Guide for RV Pets

For most RVers, instinct would tell us that furry family members are almost a mandatory part of RVing. And, unsurprisingly, the numbers back that up. A recent Go RVing survey found that 68 percent of RVers bring one or more pets on their RV adventures. (Also, not surprising: 92 percent of pet loving RVers share their RV with at least one dog.) As it turns out, RV life just wouldn’t have the same appeal if we had to leave our four-legged friends at home, no matter what time of year it is. After all, our dogs love to be part of whatever we do. (That is, as long as it doesn’t involve a bath.) And all that is great when the weather is nice. But what about when it get’s cold? Winter RVing with pets presents some notable challenges, so we wanted to share a wintery safety guide for RV pets — to keep everyone warm and cozy.  

Winter Factors to Consider for Furry Friends

In the RV life, there will come a time when we have to leave our pets in the RV for an extended period. You know, because we need to go out and do “people things.” For example, we might want to take part in winter activities like skiing. Or it might be time to restock the groceries. Whatever we’re doing, it’s important to know that RVs rapidly revert to whatever the outside temperature when the furnace is off.  

Depending on the outside temperature, it can get too cold for some pets really fast. Small dogs and short haired dogs are especially susceptible to hypothermia, a potentially deadly condition that results from the core temperature dropping just a few degrees. Regulating RV temperatures when you aren’t home is a must to keep pets comfortable and safe. 

So, how can you best do that? Let’s walk through this winter guide for RV pets. It’s intended to give you everything you need to know to keep your pet warm and cozy — even when you’re not there.

First, a Few Rules for Leaving Your Pet Alone in an RV

There are some basics about leaving you pet in an RV. (Forgive me if you already know these, but I have to make sure.) These rules apply whether it is cold or not, and they’re foundational for everything else we’ll discuss.

1. Avoid leaving your pet in the RV for extended periods.
2. Tire your pet out with a walk aor play session before you leave the RV.
3. Never use a space heater in the RV when you aren’t there.
4. Use a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-capable temperature monitor to keep an eye on the temperature in the RV.
5. If you have to be away for more than a few hours, have someone check on your pet every two to three hours and offer them a potty break.

Follow This Winter Safety Guide for RV Pets

Bundle Those Pups Up

Dog sweaters and jackets aren’t just a fashion statement. Some dogs need the extra layer of warmth to be comfortable and safe when temperatures drop. Puppies are also especially susceptible to hypothermia.  However, if your four-legged furbuddy is less than 30 pounds (or has a short coat), he or she’ll probably appreciate some extra help staying warm. This is especially true for dogs with short legs such as dachshunds, basset hounds, and corgis because their low slung bodies are close to the cold ground. Here are some examples of dog breeds that need a little extra help staying warm. (But this list could be longer.)

Breeds Especially Susceptible to the Cold

• All toy dog breeds
• Poodle (all sizes)
• Shih Tzu
• Doodle
• German shorthaired pointer
• Pointer
• Boxer
• English bulldog
• American Staffordshire terrier
• American bullies
• Greyhound
• Whippet
• Lurcher
• Basset hound
• Daschund
• Jack Russell terrier
• West Highland white terrier
• Dobermann pinscher

Raise Pet Beds Up Off the Floor

Unless they’re heated, RV floors can get really cold. This is true even if you use RV skirting and insulation. Cold air can find its way into pet beds that are directly on the floor. To help ensure your pet stays comfy and cozy, raise his bed up onto a couch or chair. He’ll love you for this. If you’re completely against allowing your pet onto RV furniture, a portable raised dog bed could be a perfect alternative. 

Watch for Signs Of Hypothermia

Hypothermia occurs when the body’s temperature goes below 98 degrees Fahrenheit. When the body gets this cold, internal organs begin to shut down, with the likely result of death. Since organ shut-down and death can happen very fast in dogs and cats. It’s vital to begin treatment of hypothermia ASAP.   

Normal body temperature for dogs and cats ranges from 98 degrees and 102 degrees Fahrenheit. However, If your pet is lethargic, shivering, doesn’t have much of an appetite, and has been exposed to cold temperatures, you should suspect hypothermia. Focus on life-saving first treatment immediately. If you happen to have a rectal thermometer in your pet first aid kit, you can take your pet’s temperature after treatment is initiated. 

Perform Hypothermia First Aid

No matter what the species, hypothermia treatment is all about warming up the core body temperature. However, this needs to be done gradually. Too much heat can cause superficial blood vessels to dilate, resulting in shock. Therefore, avoid the use of excessive heat from heating pads or other appliances when you’re warming up your pet. 

• Move your pet to a warm environment. 
• Bundle your pet in warm blankets You can use an electric blanket set on the lowest setting if you have one. If you have a hot water bottle, wrap it in a towel and bundle it in the blankets (not in contact with your pet) as well.
• Seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.

Final Tips for Safe Winter RVing with Pets

It’s probably worth saying that if you’re pet is going to stay warm in your RV then … you need to prepare your RV for winter and avoid common winter RVing blunders. But here’s an additional checklist to walk through.

• Use a Reflectix or bubble wrap and draw window coverings to help insulate windows.
• Install RV skirting to conserve warm air under the RV while keeping cold air out. 
• Ensure you have an adequate propane supply to keep your RV furnace running.
• Leave the propane furnace on when you leave the RV.
• Space heaters present a real fire hazard in RVs. Never leave an electric space heater on when you aren’t there to supervise it. 
• Include your pet in your plans wherever possible.
• Boarding your pet at a kennel or enroll him in doggy daycare if you must be away for an extended period.
• Use a temperature monitoring device with an app that sends an alert to your phone if the RV temperature drops below a preset level. There are now many options to choose from.  Here are a few examples: Temp Stick, Marcell RV Pet Temperature Monitor, and Waggle Pet Safety Monitor.