{"id":6361,"date":"2022-02-25T08:54:58","date_gmt":"2022-02-25T16:54:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sitmeanssit.com\/dog-training-mu\/south-orange-county\/?p=6361"},"modified":"2025-02-26T20:43:55","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T04:43:55","slug":"tips-for-van-life-with-a-dog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sitmeanssit.com\/dog-training-mu\/south-orange-county\/tips-for-van-life-with-a-dog\/","title":{"rendered":"Tips for Van Life with a Dog"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cVan life\u201d is a term that is becoming increasingly popular with younger people who want to travel the country. But, what if you have a furry friend to think about. No worries! Van life is accommodated for pooches as much as it is for humans! Here are some of Sit Means Sit’s<\/a> top tips for van life with your canine companion by your side.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s Van Life?<\/h3>\n

Van life is when someone lives in a van that acts as a \u201ctiny home\u201d! These vans most often have a foldable sleeping space to turn into a living space, kitchen essentials, and sometimes even a bathroom.<\/p>\n

Van Life With A Dog<\/h3>\n

Now it may seem hard to picture you and your pup living in small quarters together, but there are tons of pros to think about! Van life is a perfect adventure as you can just about go anywhere together, explore nature, and stop when needed. But, of course, there are practicalities to think about when toting your dog across the country. If your dog is prone to shedding<\/a>, it\u2019s a good idea to get a travel-sized<\/a> fur cleaner! Your dog will also need their own travel items<\/a> like a bed, bowls, and any paperwork.<\/p>\n

Van Life Tips<\/h3>\n

Create A Safe Space<\/strong><\/p>\n

Making sure your van is dog ready is one of the most necessary steps for pooch van life, and it\u2019s not as complicated as it sounds! Making sure your dog has their own space will significantly reduce their feelings of being closed in or anxiety. Getting a crate, bed, or even blanket space that is specifically theirs will do the trick. You can even fill it with their favorite toys or a new comforting toy like this one<\/a>!<\/p>\n

Trial Run<\/strong><\/p>\n

Before you both embark on your van life journey, take a few trial runs to make sure your pup is completely comfortable being in the van for a long period of time. This can be a trip to go camping, going on a road trip for a few hours, or even spending the night in the van. You should also be aware if your dog gets carsick or not as this is something that requires more planning than just hopping in the van to travel! Talk to your vet about recommending anti-nausea medicine for your pooch and any strategies for car travel.<\/p>\n

Checking Cooling\/Heating<\/strong><\/p>\n

One important aspect many travelers might look over is the heating and cooling of the van. The van should be able to be kept cool, especially when parked as the temperatures can rise quickly and become dangerous for a dog kept inside. A roof vent or roof vent fan<\/a> are great options to install if you don\u2019t have a set plan on keeping cool during warm months.<\/p>\n

A pet temperature monitor<\/a> will come in handy when traveling as you can ensure your dog stays at a healthy temp while you\u2019re driving or even running errands. Be sure to also watch out for signs of overheating<\/a>:<\/p>\n