Surviving Vanlife With A Dog
When we decided to move into a van, there was a discussion about what we would do with Lhotse, our 65 pound Australian Shepard and Border Collie mix. The conversation ended quickly when I declared that Lhotse and I are a package deal and if Grant wanted me in the van, Lhotse would also be in the van. With that decision quickly made, all three of us moved into our 144 Mercedes Sprinter van.
The majority of people that we share our experience with are surprised to find out that we have such an energetic and large dog traveling with us in such a tight space. I would be lying if I said that sometimes it isn’t a hassle to have him along, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. Lhotse, of course, seems to think we are doing this entire van trip simply for his benefit. Which we kind of are.
These simple solutions help us coexist with a big dog in a small space.
Designated storage
Everything in our van has it’s own place. When we designed the van, we specifically designated a drawer just for Lhotse’s stuff. This drawer contains all of his belongings including his food, bowls, toys, medication, bed, etc. Whatever he decided he wanted to bring, had to fit in the drawer. This organization helps keep the van clean and livable.
Food and water
We had to get creative when it came to storing Lhotse food. We didn’t want a large container that would take up too much space. We found a food bag made by Ruffwear that is similar to a stuff sack. It’s perfect for the van because its soft sides can squeeze into tight spaces.
Lhotse has two bowls, a food bowl and a triangular water bowl. When we first started out, Lhotse’s old water bowl absorbed the water and leaked. I went to the only dog store in a small New England town and bought a triangular rubber water bowl. Since then, there has been a lot of discussion about the decision to purchase a bowl that can easily tip over and spill. Lhotse and I don’t seem to care too much.
Sleeping
Lhotse is supposed to be a floor dog at home but sometimes those rules get broken. He is so good at cuddling and with those puppy eyes, it’s hard to say no. However, we did make a rule in the van that Lhotse is not allowed on the bed. I am happy to say this rule has stuck. At any given time, Lhotse may be muddy, sandy, wet, or some combination of these. Our bed is the one place that is always clean and free of his incessant shedding. Lhotse has the most pathetic dog bed that he hardly uses (remember it had to fit in the drawer), but putting it out for him every night makes me feel like a better dog mom. He usually skips his bed and curls up on the captain chairs at night.
No dogs allowed
Visiting locations where no dogs are allowed is the hardest part of traveling with Lhotse. I will give credit to Grant who does a significant amount of research seeking places that allow dogs. Unfortunately there are still places, such as most National Parks, that have very few areas for dogs.
If we know that we are heading to an area with limited activities for the dog, we try to wear him out the days before by hiking, running, or simply throwing an imaginary ball back and forth.
Lhotse is a great car dog and if the temperatures are cool enough he lays in the seats and guards the van. However, in places like Death Valley, where the temperatures are too high to leave him in the car, one of us usually stays with him. Since Lhotse’s and I are a package deal, I’m usually the one who stays.
Bath time
When we were in the rainy northeast, Lhotse was constantly covered in mud. We kept a package of dog wipes in the van to clean him off after hikes. If he is too dirty for wipes, self- serve dog washes are amazing. They are like a carwash for dogs and have all the soaps, brushes and blowers to make sure our furry friends feel pampered and loved. They have come in handy on the road when we are visiting our grandparents with meticulously clean white carpet.
Being a long hair dog, Lhotse sheds a lot. We carry our trusty FURminator with us that helps remove some of his undercoat. Though no matter how much we use it, there is always dog hair around the van.
Vet visit
I don’t know if I have ever met a dog that hates the vet as much as Lhotse. So much so that he has to be sedated, muzzled, and carried into the vet. We try to make these visits as few as possible mostly to save our marriage.
Since we have had to board Lhotse a couple of times, it was important that he had proof of updated vaccinations. Being from Colorado, we haven’t had to worry about ticks and fleas as much. However, with all of the traveling throughout the states, Lhotse has to take certain medications based on our location.
Even though having Lhotse with us can be challenging, it is well worth it. Seeing him run through the snow, prance in the sand, or climb up steep rocks makes my heart happy knowing how much he loves life.
