If you’re a dog owner and love travelling like us, then a motorhome is an excellent investment for you. For us, having a motorhome and being able to travel all over the UK and Europe and bring our little best friend Lottie with us is just the best thing ever.
However, not all motorhome layouts are suitable for dogs and it is something that we had to put a lot of thought and consideration into when we bought ours.
Finding the perfect motorhome layout for dogs can make a huge difference in the comfort and happiness of your pet during your travels. In this article, we will provide you with tips and ideas on the best motorhome layout for dogs.
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Why is Motorhome Layout Important for Dogs?
A motorhome layout plays a significant role in the comfort and safety of your dog during your travels. Dogs have specific needs, and the wrong motorhome layout can lead to stress, discomfort, and even accidents. A suitable motorhome layout for dogs should offer enough space, a comfortable sleeping area, an accessible feeding area, easy access to the outdoors and storage space for pet accessories and supplies.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Motorhome Layout for Dogs
Size of the Motorhome
The size of the motorhome is the first factor to consider when choosing a suitable layout for dogs. A larger motorhome offers more space for your dog to move around, stretch, and play. However, a larger motorhome may not be suitable for smaller breeds as they may have difficulty navigating around the motorhome. On the other hand, a smaller motorhome may not offer enough space for larger breeds.
When you are buying your motorhome, you really need to spend time looking around at different layouts and sizes of motorhomes, and even take your pet with you, so that you can get a good idea of how comfortable they may be in the motorhome before you actually commit to purchasing one.
Flooring Material
The flooring material is another essential factor to consider. Dogs can be messy, and accidents are bound to happen. A motorhome with carpeted floors may not be the best option as it can be challenging to clean and may retain odours. Opting for hard flooring material such as laminate or vinyl is a better. option as it is easier to clean and more durable. If you do opt for hard flooring then you have to make sure it is not slippery for your dog as this can cause accidents too.
Sleeping Area
A comfortable sleeping area is crucial for your dog’s well-being. When choosing a motorhome layout, consider a designated sleeping area for your dog that is cosy and comfortable. A motorhome with a dedicated bed or a space that can accommodate a dog bed is ideal. If you’re taking your dog travelling with you, it’s just as important that they feel as comfortable in the motorhome as you do.
We find that our dog Lottie loves to sleep on the seating area at the front of the motorhome and so we have throws and blankets on our sofa seats to protect the fabric, so that she can sleep comfortably on the seats without damaging them.
Feeding Area
Dogs need access to food and water, and a designated feeding area is essential. When choosing a motorhome layout, look for a space that can accommodate your dog’s food and water bowls. Consider a location that is easy to clean and accessible to your pet.
We use an anti-spill bowl in our motorhome which is great, especially when we’re driving, it means the water doesn’t spill all over the van.
Easy access to the outdoors
It’s really important for your dog to be able to access the outdoors easily to go to the toilet and also exercise.
Storage Space
Lastly, consider storage space for your pet accessories and supplies. A motorhome with enough storage space for your dog’s food, toys, and other accessories is essential. A cluttered motorhome can lead to stress and anxiety for you and your dog.
Best Motorhome Layouts for Dogs
Class A Motorhomes
Class A motorhomes are the most spacious motorhomes and offer plenty of space for your dog to move around. They are ideal for larger breeds and families with multiple dogs. Class A motorhomes offer a variety of floor plans, and you can choose a layout that suits your dog’s needs. Some Class A motorhomes come with slide-outs that can offer additional space. Class A motorhomes may have a higher initial cost, but they offer luxury features and amenities that make them worth the investment.
Class B Motorhomes
Class B motorhomes, also known as camper vans, are smaller and more compact. They are ideal for smaller breeds and solo travellers with dogs. Class B motorhomes are easy to drive and park and offer excellent gas mileage. They offer fewer amenities and may not have enough space for larger breeds. However, they are an excellent option for short trips or weekend getaways.
Class C Motorhomes
Class C motorhomes are a middle ground between Class A and B motorhomes. They offer more space than Class B motorhomes and are less expensive than Class A motorhomes. Class C motorhomes are ideal for families with one or two dogs and offer a variety of floor plans. They are also easy to drive and park.
Other Tips for Travelling with Dogs in a Motorhome
Apart from choosing the right motorhome layout, here are some other tips for travelling with dogs in a motorhome:
Proper Restraints
Ensure that your dog is properly restrained during your travels. This will keep them safe and prevent accidents.
If you want to know more about how to secure a dog in a motorhome, you can check out our blog post here – How To Secure Your Dog In A Motorhome Or Campervan
Keeping Your Pet Cool
Dogs can overheat quickly, especially during hot weather. Keep your motorhome cool and provide access to water to prevent heatstroke.
If you’d like more information about how to keep your motorhome cool in the summer, you can check out our blog post here – Beat The Heat: Tips For Keeping Your Motorhome Cool In Summer
Bringing Enough Food and Water
Pack enough food and water for your dog’s entire trip. This will prevent your dog from getting dehydrated or hungry during your travels. If your dog has special dietary requirements, you need to consider this, especially if you are going to be travelling outside of the UK where you may not be able to buy their usual food, and make sure you stock up enough.
Regular Exercise
Dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Take frequent breaks, especially if you are driving for a long time, and allow your dog to stretch and walk around.
Conclusion
Choosing the right motorhome layout for your dog is essential for a successful and enjoyable trip. Consider the size of the motorhome, flooring material, sleeping area, feeding area and storage space when choosing a layout. Class A, B, and C motorhomes are all suitable options for travelling with dogs, you just need to take the time to view different motorhomes to make sure you find the right one for you and your dog. Remember to keep your dog safe, cool, and well-fed during your travels.
If you’d like to know more about taking your dog to Europe, we have written a blog post with everything you need to know that you can check out here – Taking a dog to France – A complete guide
FAQs
How do I keep my motorhome clean with a dog?
Opt for hard flooring material, clean up messes immediately, and use a lint roller to remove pet hair.
Can I bring my dog on hiking trails during my trip?
Yes, but ensure that the trail is dog-friendly and that your dog is leashed and properly restrained.
Can I leave my dog alone in the motorhome while I go out for the day?
It is not recommended to leave your dog alone in the motorhome for extended periods. Consider hiring a pet sitter or taking your dog with you.
Can I travel with multiple dogs in a motorhome?
Yes, but ensure that you choose a motorhome with enough space to accommodate all your dogs comfortably.
What should I do if my dog gets motion sickness in the motorhome?
Speak to your vet about medication that can help prevent motion sickness. Additionally, provide your dog with fresh air and a comfortable spot to lie down.
How do I introduce my dog to a new motorhome?
Gradually introduce your dog to the motorhome by allowing them to explore it while it is stationary. Provide treats and positive reinforcement to help your dog associate the motorhome with a positive experience.
Can I bring my dog to campsites and motorhome aires?
Yes, most campsites and aires are pet-friendly. However, ensure that you follow park rules and regulations regarding pets.
Do I need to purchase additional insurance when travelling with my dog?
It is recommended to speak with your insurance provider to ensure that you have adequate coverage when travelling with your pet, and if you are travelling outside of the UK, you need to make sure that your pet insurance covers this.
How do I ensure my dog’s safety while travelling in a motorhome?
Properly restrain your dog, ensure that your motorhome is cool and comfortable, and provide enough food and water for your dog’s entire trip. Additionally, take frequent breaks and allow your dog to stretch and exercise.
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I love everything about travel, from seeing new places, learning about new cultures and trying new foods! I believe that travel is one of the best forms of education you can get, I have learnt so much about myself and about the world from travelling all over. Travel is something I feel so passionately about, and I love the fact that we are now lucky enough to have this opportunity to do what we love as much as we can, it’s a dream come true.
Before we started travelling, I worked in local government in administration. I had been in this job for several years and had reached a complete brick wall where I was so fed up, but didn’t know what else to do. The only thing I knew that I wanted to do was to travel, and had wanted to do that for many years.
There were hundreds and hundreds of places on my wishlist that I wanted to go to, and I knew that going on a weeks holiday maybe twice a year if we were lucky wasn’t going to cut it.
After being in lockdown due to the Covid pandemic, and working from home staring at the same 4 walls every day, 2021 seemed like the perfect time for us to take the risk to finally do what we had dreamed of for so long.
It was a hard decision to completely change our lives, but so far it has been the best decision we have ever made!
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