Caravanning with a Senior Dog | Caravan Vlogs from Mac & Sarah

[@michaelsnell5888]

Congratulations on yet another fantastic video from yourselves and I must say your to be commended from the highest level for the greatest of care shown to dozzer ( Hope this is spelt correct ) keep up the fantastic work making memories and videos Thank You

[@MacSarah]

Ah thanks so much Michael, really appreciate that. Dozer is our number 1 priority always, and he's a super good boy to boot 🙂 thanks for watching 👍

[@MarcGemis]

Dozer is just a lucky boy with such caring "parents". As for the tips, we apply most of them ourselves. We also carry a first-aid box with us with some medicines, dog shoes (in case they injure one of their pads), etc.

[@MacSarah]

Hi Marc, thanks for watching. Actually yes a first aid kit is a great idea, especially the dog shoes! Luckily Dozer hasn't injured his feet before but I bet it would be really painful. All the best Mac & Sarah

[@MarcGemis]

@@MacSarah We have made some trips in the mountains with a group of 14 whippets. Several of them got damaged cushions under their feet from walking on the stoney mountain paths. Pawz rubber dog shoes really helped them. Also something against allergic reactions from bee stings and a tick remover are part of our first aid kit. We even had some sticks to fix a broken leg, but that is more because we participate in lure coursing.

[@steve1962]

Jeanette says thanks for the tips.......now I can look forward to all sort of new treats🤣🤣🤣

[@MacSarah]

Haha oh it's a joy for sure 😊 thanks for watching 👍

[@schofield4836]

Librela injection once a month took away all my elderly dogs arthritic pain and gave him a great last two years

[@MacSarah]

We've heard about that too. Dozer is lucky not to have arthritis but his legs just aren't as strong as they used to be, so we're happy to adapt for him 🙂 Thanks for watching 👍

[@user-fr7zg6tg3u]

Hi both. We don't have a dog at all but love watching you guys anyway. What lovely people you are. Happy caravanning with Dozer. ❤ Amanda and Paul.

[@MacSarah]

Ah thanks so much Amanda & Paul, we really appreciate it ❤️ Thanks for watching

[@michellebojoma4407]

It's so nice to see you taking care of your lovely Dozer! We've had elderly dogs for the past years and as they were all rescues, there was always a senior dog around. Your tipps are great❤ I also always take some cat milk on longer trips in the car or exploring and pop some in their water bowl to make sure they drink enough during the day.

[@MacSarah]

Hey Michelle, thanks for watching. That's so lovely that you rescued older doggos in need of love ❤️ that's a great tip to ensure they stay hydrated too, will remember that one! All the best Mac & Sarah

[@grahamd9518]

Hi Mac and Sarah. You really are such a caring hooman Mum and Dad to your gorgeous elderly fur baby boy. He's such a lovely squidgypud and he's deffo worth the TLC and extra planning you give to your precious trips away with him. We can relate a lot to this video as we have a still energetic 11.5 yo female Vizsla. She is showing signs of slowing down, albeit gradually, but we know and recognise the issues you have with your boy. Like you, we bought the caravan in 2022 to holiday in the UK with Xenna as we were loathe to leave her anymore in kennels during trips abroad. Also holiday cottage prices became illogical post Covid. Regarding your tips. We replicate most, but haven't invested in either a ramp or a buggy yet. We have elevated food and water bowls and regular water provision is always a priority in and outside the caravan. Everywhere has to be dog friendly including pubs, eateries, cafés and attractions and we look for serviced pitches surrounded by sizeable grass, so that Xenna can hop out quickly at night for a toilet if required. Finally, we use the bin in the caravan door to store most of Xenna's "essentials" during our trips to make them very accessible. Things like treats, Yu- Move tablets, wormer, spare poo bags, brush, cloth, towel etc. We bought a bigger 25L lightweight flip top bin with handle for general rubbish that we bungee tightly to the caravan step outside. Keep the content going. We look forward to the next one. Best wishes, Graham and Pam x❤

[@MacSarah]

Hey Graham, Pam & Xenna 🙂 sounds like we all caravan for the same reasons! That's a great idea to use the door mounted bin for Xennas bit n bobs, must confess we do now need some elevated bowls, I think Dozer would appreciate those! Of course we'd all do anything to keep our doggos happy, safe and comfortable wouldn't we? ❤️ Thanks again and all the best best Mac, Sarah & Dozer

[@NeilCane]

Thank you for your reply 😊my partner had a chocolate Labrador he had a fantastic love filled life for 18 years ❤

[@MacSarah]

WOW!! 18 years is absolutely incredible, we cherish every day with our boy ❤️

[@annatidmarsh8085]

Very useful tips! I am a new subscriber and am the lucky owner of a 13 year old rescue staffie. We are hoping she will join us on holiday to Whitby next year, so have found your vlog really useful. Dozer is a lovely boy and has very caring doggy pawrents!

[@MacSarah]

Hey Anna, thanks so much for watching and subscribing too, we really appreciate it ❤️ awww that's lovely, give her a kiss from us. Glad you found the tips helpful, holidays with our doggos is so special isn't it? All the best Mac & Sarah

[@gordonbarclay6106]

He's a very lucky dog looks like he stays at the Ritz hotel. lol One good thing we use in our house and the van, as I have 2 dogs and get the odd accident is the Vax Spotwash it is a bit expensive however its the best money I have spent saves a lot of time..

[@MacSarah]

Hi Gordon, thanks for watching 👍 we do sometimes feel like valet service at a posh hotel 😂 but he's worth it for sure!! The Vax sounds like a great idea actually. I guess it could work on furniture too? Thanks again, all the best Mac & Sarah

[@barbsdee3831]

Have you visited Sandringham campsites? Caravan and Motorhome club site and Camping and Caravan club site are right next to each other. A circular dog walk with poo bins goes all around the sites and there is of course Sandringham estate for further walks. We bought single bed waterproof mattress covers which fitted the front seats perfectly and helped with sicky or damp dogs x

[@MacSarah]

Hey Barbs! Thanks for watching. No we haven't actually, but we'd love to go back us that way again! Sounds great to have a choice of each club 😀 great idea to combat we dog syndrome haha

[@G.J..Journeys]

Nice tips for us dog owners. Thanks very much 👍

[@MacSarah]

Thanks very much for watching 👍

[@BusyElf]

Lucky Dozer to have such caring and thoughful owners. One thing to keep him cool in the Caravan is the 'Vent' facility on the Truma blown air system, you probably have the same in your 'van. It can rapidly cool down the interior fairly well. Just a little thing I found usefull during a hot spell one July in Yorkshire ( rare I know, but it did happen once.) Sadly we lost our family dog many years ago and never had a chance to use that feature for our pet. All those tips for life with a senior dog are great Keep up the good videos and enjoy the time with your elderly family pet.

[@MacSarah]

Hi there Chris, thanks so much for watching and leaving us a comment 👍 Yes they did explain the vent function actually, we haven't had a need to use it just yet but I'm sure our wonderful summer (hehe) will mean we need it soon!! Sorry to hear you lost your family pet, we never have long enough with them do we? Thanks again and all the best Mac & Sarah

[@rhinogooner]

What wonderful people you are. Our dogs were the same reason we started caravanning. When all the offspring left home and we had no one to look after them when we went away, my good lady said let’s get a caravan and take them with us. We don’t do kennels they are family. Best thing we ever did wish we started years ago. You say his crate restricts his space a bit. We have a hammock on the back seat so our dog (we only have the one now) is fully enclosed on the back seat. He wares a harness to which we clip a short lead to and this clips in the seat belt catch. This safety restrains him in the event of sudden breaking. Just to add this lead should never be attached to a dog collar but the harness. He has free movement across the back seat but is safe. We also have a similar cold coat to you it’s brilliant. We also have those clip on rechargeable fans, great minds, as they say😂

[@MacSarah]

Hi there Bob, thanks for watching 👍 yes we think it's a popular reason to start caravanning, it's such a dog friendly way to holiday. When we used to travel abroad, we had the luxury of Sarah's mum looking after Dozer, but as he got older it just made so much sense to start caravanning. We just don't want to be apart from him now. We'll look into a hammock, but for Dozer, it's easier access into the boot than the back seat, bit well worth a look. Thanks again and all the best 🙂 Mac & Sarah

[@rhinogooner]

@@MacSarah Hammock’s are a good idea but if Dozer is happy then leave him as he is.

[@juliemcmillon4892]

Great tips for any age dog. We weigh out in individual packs. So easy and quick to feed our dog Phil. Also great ideas you had on keeping dogs cool. Never thought of fan in the boot. X. Love your blogs.

[@MacSarah]

Hey Julie, thanks for watching 🙂 aww Phil sounds well looked after 😊 just makes life so quick and easy when away doesn't it? Yes the fan for the boot is great and a full charge will last about 5 hours on full if needed Thanks again, all the best Mac & Sarah

[@gourdarchibald6588]

Oh I did chuckle through much of this vlog, many of the tips you list also work for senior two legged companions too! Like with Dozer, when the spirit is still willing, but the body doesn't always agree and the love is as strong as ever...... For when accidents happen, a couple of things you could look at. A VAX spot cleaner is very effective or on the containment side some absorbent pads. Look under the somewhat unkind names of "Pig Mats" or "Incontinence Pads", Both are available in various sizes, some are large enough to fit well in Dog crates. A couple of first aid items, self adherent cohesive bandages and gauze pads. The bandage does not stick to flesh or fur so is great for holding a protective dressing (gauze) in place without causing distress with furry friends, children or frail elderly skin.

[@MacSarah]

Hey Gourdy! Haha that's so true, we didn't think about that at all 🤣 thanks for the additional tips too, especially first aid items. We have a good kit for ourselves but one for Dozer Bear would be a great idea! Thanks for watching and leaving us a comment 👍

[@sandrapearson728]

These are pretty good tips for travelling with any dog. 2 of our caravanning friends have buggies for their senior dogs, they are game changer. Our dog is only 3 but isn’t a fan of travelling in the car. He’s better with my sister’s dog but we can’t always do that. Like you we choose shorter distances or plenty of stops. He’s currently snoozing on my lap initially lifting his head every time the barking marked a new tip. He’s lost interest now though.

[@MacSarah]

Hey Sandra, we have a great image in mind of his snoozing through the tips lol Yes the buggy has totally been a game changer for Dozer, it just gives him the chance to still enjoy a couple of hours out without having to walk. Thanks so much for watching 👍 All the best, Mac & Sarah

[@kenandersson7268]

Hi Mac and Sarah, great to see you guys again and an excellent video with great advice. Our border terrier, Hamish is only two but still some sage advice given for him too. We purchased a Paw Daw drying robe on your recommendation which is brilliant and we also bought the cooling coat which I saw Dozer wearing, he looks super cool. Those products are top notch, thanks for the recommendation guys. Look forward to seeing you on your adventures very soon, take care.

[@MacSarah]

Hi Ken, thanks for watching and leaving us a comment 👍 yes the Paw Daw cool coat got it's first run out on the last trip and is way better than other we've had in the past. Hope Hamish likes his too 🙂 Thanks again and all the best Mac & Sarah

[@pawdawoflondon9677]

So pleased to hear you are happy with the drying bag, hopefully the cooling coat will come in handy now the weather is getting warmer, thank you for your kind words 🥰

[@kenandersson7268]

Used the coat yesterday and Hamish loved it. Brilliant product, stayed damp and cool for hours after we got back from his walk. Thank you

[@MacSarah]

@@kenandersson7268 ah that's fantastic news!! A happy Hamish too 👍

[@arnie111999]

Great vid thanks - we travel about 6 months of the year all over with our two schnauzers who are now 13 and slowing down. It’s a bit unpredictable when they will run out of steam so we have a dog sling we can carry them in with us at all times - we also have a plug in heated pad which goes under their bed at nights in the cooler months - thanks again for the vids

[@MacSarah]

Hey Chris! Thanks for watching. That's our dream to travel that much 🙂 A dog along sounds like a great idea, never come across those before. However, Dozer is 38kg so probably best for smaller doggos haha Thanks again, Mac & Sarah

[@NeilCane]

Hi Mac a sarah Iv just subscribed to you channel may I just say what a lovely couple you are and I’m enjoying your videos 👍

[@MacSarah]

Hi Neil, thank you so much, we really appreciate it and thanks for subscribing!!

[@pawdawoflondon9677]

Great tips for anyone caravanning with their dog, super helpful. So pleased you are loving our cooling coats, Dozer looks super cool in his ❤

[@MacSarah]

Thanks so much Anna! Yes the cooling coat is absolutely brilliant 😁

[@duncanwright7027]

Good tips and ones we used until we lost our 14 yo Cavalier Bailey in January, the 3rd we've lost in 14 months. He had similar hip problems and used a buggy some of the time. We enjoy watching all your vids and as we are in Yapton, close to Edgecombes maybe will see you one day.

[@MacSarah]

Hi Duncan, thanks so much for watching 👍 Really sorry to hear that, 14 is a great age but it's never long enough is it? Oh I'm sure we'll bump into each other at some point, being so close 🙂

[@user-go6cf2zj7v]

Great tips for the old dogs 👍🏻👏👏

[@MacSarah]

Cheers Gary! Thanks for watching 👍

[@barryrigby1568]

Having a 5 year old Lab who loves watching your videos as much as we do and loves his caravning we all enjoy all your videos. They are all very well done and are very funny. Can't wait for the next one.

[@MacSarah]

Awww it's great to know your doggos enjoy the videos too 😀 thanks so much, we really appreciate it. We love making them so it's lovely to hear that you enjoy them, we're so grateful for the support 👍 All the best, Mac and Sarah

[@BeckyOobs]

You're such lovely people ❤

[@MacSarah]

🥰🥰 thanks so much Becky xx

[@user-qr4pr4zs5t]

We had two elderly labradors one of 15 and one of 13 and like Dozer needed extra blankets as time went on. I found some Sherpa type blankets that are waterproof on Amazon. They are lovely blankets and wash very well. I’ve had them for about three years and they stayed waterproof all that time with plenty of washing. Unfortunately we no longer have our beautiful girls, but now have a 17 week old lab puppy so the blankets again were useful on a recent trip to Weymouth. Some great tips you have given, have a good year .

[@MacSarah]

Hi Jane, thanks so much for watching 👍 aww sorry to hear you don't have your old girls anymore but how wonderful that you have a new bundle of fun to accompany you on your adventures! The blankets sound great, we'll have a look for some too. Thanks again and all the best Mac & Sarah

[@user-qr4pr4zs5t]

Thank you Mac and Sarah. Enjoy Dozer every minute , there is nothing quite like an old lab face so precious and so full of love ,

[@juliaclapton1141]

I hope Dozer can carry on caravanning for many years too come. Bless his beautiful soul. Happy Holidays darling Dozer x

[@MacSarah]

Awww thanks so much Julia ❤️❤️

[@irene1770]

Super tips

[@MacSarah]

Thanks Irene 🙏

[@carmenmcgowan3968]

Wow, doggy heaven for Dozer .. you guys are just adorable xxx

[@MacSarah]

Ahh thanks so much Carmen ❤️❤️

[@connorefc]

We have a senior large dog, a setter. The dog waggon is a great idea, do you have details on the one you purchased. Thanks John & Helen

[@ashleyhannah9651]

Best doggo pawrents 🥰

[@MacSarah]

🥰 thanks so much Ashley ❤️

[@stevensparrow7938]

Hi guys, great tips but would they work for the mother-in-law? lol.....happy caravning

[@MacSarah]

😂 hi Steve!!! Good question, I think most would be suitable but please avoid putting her in the boot of the car lol Thanks for watching

[@barbsdee3831]

We started caravanning because of our 2 dogs. Little did we know 2 dogs would be so expensive starting with buying a caravan 😂😂

[@MacSarah]

😂 oh so true!!! But we'd do anything for them wouldn't we?❤️

[@alisonriley6837]

Can I ask where did you get your seat covers and clip on fan. I have a 3 yr old but these tips apply for all dogs too. Great videos. New caravan owner and first proper holiday coming up 🎉🎉

[@MacSarah]

Hi Alison! Yes of course, the seat covers are from Tuck Me Under and the fan I think we found on Amazon. Thanks for watching, enjoy your first proper trip in your new caravan 👍

[@glenisgrossmith131]

Hi Mac and Sarah, I have a friend that has an elderly Golden Retriever and she was looking for a wagon for their dog. Can you recommend where best to get one please. Another great video.

[@MacSarah]

Hi there Glenis, thanks for watching. We actually found Dozer's buggy on eBay, it had only been used a couple of times and was in great condition. Other than that, a quick search on Google for the Innopet Mamut XL should help.. 🙂👍 Thanks again

[@garypollard9736]

Where did you find the buggy please, It would be perfect for my 15 year spaniel, I can’t find one big enough anywhere, just love this idea

[@MacSarah]

Hi Gary! Actually we found ours on eBay once we'd researched the right one. It's an Innopet Mamut XL. Its a good size and it really well made and sturdy

[@garypollard9736]

Thank you I shall see if I can get one or something similar, or at least searching for that one will lead me in the right direction 😊

[@rossvjohnson]

Some good tips there. Which buggy is it you use? We have a 12 year old chocolate lab, so have the same issues if she goes too far. We tried one, it was big enough and she was within the weight limit, but first time we used it the wheel went down a dip and broke!

[@MacSarah]

Oh nooo! Dozer's wagon is an Innopet Mamut XL. It's really durable well made, we picked it up on eBay a few years ago and it had only been used a couple of times. It's been a godnsend really. Hope you manage to get another. Thanks for watching 👍

[@rossvjohnson]

@@MacSarah thanks, I’ll have a look at that one. This was a marketplace bargain, and seemed good. But in hindsight, the design of the wheels wasn’t the best.

[@NeilCane]

Hi Mac a Sarah did you get dozer as a puppy he’s a lovely old boy bless him.

[@MacSarah]

Awww thanks Neil, yes we've had Dozer since he was 12 weeks old ❤️ he was 15 a couple of weeks ago 🙂

[@juliangray744]

Like you we have just started caravaning last year and have a 13 year old Labrador. We too have found some great sites that accommodate dogs predominately in the West Country but also in North Wales/Anglesey. Following your previous vlog we are off to Back of Beyond later this month and have secured a pitch near to the dog walk. Quick question after your research where did you find your dog wagon that is suitable for a Labrador? Thanks Jules

[@MacSarah]

Hey Jules!!! Oh yes there are some wonderful dog friendly sites aren't there? All in all is a really dog friendly way to holiday 😊 So glad to hear you're off to BOB, you'll love it, such a great site and the dog walk is amazing!!! So our buggy, we actually researched the largest and easiest to use them we're lucky enough to find one on eBay which had only been used once or twice. Ours is the Innopet Mamut XL. The quality is great. We don't use the canopy as much as Dozer likes to be able to see everything and jump out when he wants too. All in all we'd definitely recommend that model. Thanks for watching and enjoy BOB ❤️

[@juliangray744]

@@MacSarah Great-thanks for the reply and your advice, we’ll check out the Innopet Mamut. Happy holidays and keep up the brilliant videos!

[@cameronstevenson7138]

Was trying to sell my cvan kept getting silly offers from time wasters cant be bothered with those pests wanted me to take 2 grand off the price so am not selling it now looking forward to my weekend away next week at prestwick holiday park was at anstruther last month the pub was shut so had to make do with takeaways oh well thats life suppose could you maybe do a video all about timewasters or give this a mention thanks