RV Tips and Tricks

4 Paws on the Road - January/February 2018

Traveling and Camping with Companion Animals

By Jenn Gehr

Q– My husband and I are having a big debate getting our barking dog to quiet down. “Brass” is a 3 1/2 year-old mix Terrier who, I think, needs to be nurtured asap. We have tried the citronella spray collar as well as tethering the dog up on a running line in the backyard to keep it from bouncing back-and-forth on the perimeter fence barking at the neighbors dogs. We both work and can’t be home all the time. If we keep the dog in the house, he will destroy the furniture. My husband wants to use a shock collar for the barking so he can stay outside- What if the shock collar goes off when the neighbors dogs are barking? The citronella collar worked so-so for about four days. This increase in poor behavior is making it difficult to go to Campgrounds and keep him quiet. We are newish to the dog world and I’m thinking we are in over our heads.

A– Situations like yours are stressful for all members of the family including your dog. You are wise to be reaching out and have touched on some of the reasons why people end up relinquishing their dogs to a shelter. I am confident that with some work and professional help, those irritations can be managed positively. First, have the dog neutered! Make an appointment with your vet and look for a trainer who can help you make a game plan for Brass as soon as he is home from the procedure. Getting the testosterone out of Brass’ system will help to calm him and set the stage for retraining. Dedication and diligence on the part of you and your husband will be needed to see results! In no time at all, everyone will benefit! In my experience, static and bark collars are effective when used as a last result and will not be activated by another dog’s bark. I recommend training with these when working with a stubborn barking dog. The timing of correction is critical and you can’t be home when Brass is barking to properly correct him so the collar is an ideal training aid when you aren’t home. Unfortunately, the majority of RV parks will not allow dogs to be tethered outside and if found to be a nuisance, you could very easily be asked to leave. Having our dogs join us when traveling is a highlight of all of our days. I hope you will be able to experience this pleasure for yourself sooner rather than later.


Q– Could you explain the popularity with the use of goat milk for dogs and cats? It seems everywhere I go, the pet food stores are promoting both the Primal and the Answers Goat Milk. Do you use this product and what are the health benefits?

Cheers, Rita

A– Every morning my dogs each receive two ounces of Primal Pet Food’s Inc. raw goat milk based on their weight after their breakfast. I always feed breakfast to our dogs after our morning walk or hike to ensure that the food settles in their stomachs. This ensures that maximum absorption takes place without the risk of vomiting. Ginger and Brie look forward to their Primal Raw Goat Milk almost as much as chasing squirrels. They love goats milk and I love the nutritional qualities they get from it. I greatly appreciate the added organic supplementation found in the Primal brand which includes turmeric, ginger, and probiotics. Turmeric is a world-renowned natural anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, detoxifier, and a proven anti-cancer herb. Ginger is a digestive aid and a natural antioxidant. Cinnamon assists with arthritis and lowers muscular inflammation and is also antibacterial and antifungal. Lactobacillus acidophilus is a probiotic that helps increase immune resistance against harmful fungi and bacteria. Anytime you can naturally aid your pet in a stronger immune system, you are certainly on the right track. Fermented/organic is the best way to go! Lactobacillus lactis is a key component which helps synthesize two B vitamins: folate and riboflavin. These help in the production of lactic acid and treatment of irritable bowel disease. Enterococcus francium offers additional support for pets experiencing other forms of diarrheal diseases. The bouts of off-and-on diarrheal issues that my dogs were experiencing at one point have completely disappeared since adding daily Primal Goats Milk. They love it right out of the refrigerator into their bowls or as a special snack when I freeze the milk into the ice cube trays. The goat’s milk should be stored in the freezer and defrosted in the fridge for 24 hours before using. Remember to shake it well prior to feeding because the milk tends to settle. Once thawed out, the milk lasts ten days in the fridge. Both cats and dogs benefit from having the nutritional supplement of goat’s milk and helps them to obtain their daily moisture needs. All batches of Primal Raw Goat’s milk are tested to be free of pathogens prior to release for sale and are appropriate for all cats and dogs in every stage of life. I personally love that Primal sources their milk from free-range goats that are raised without added hormones or antibiotics. Always transition your pet slowly when introducing new foods.

Sign up for our Newsletter and
stay informed