Worried about a/c failing and dogs cooking

Blood is not boiling, but is heating up a bit. First, you never, never, never leave a pet in the car with the windows rolled down. If you are not within eyesight/earshot, you have no idea what is going on. What about the person who thinks your pooch is just too cute and would love to have him as their own. Gone. You don't know if the dog will freak out and do something totally unexpected. You're not there, you don't know. Same applies to barking....maybe your neighbors were just being nice. Maybe they were indoors and didn't hear it. Maybe they were just far enough away not to be within earshot. Maybe after listening to your dog bark his head off all day long, they don't want to get into it with the owner. After working in veterinary clinics 9 years, when someone adamantly tells you "my dog absolutely does not....." they may be entirely wrong.

We camped a few sites down from a family with a small dog and a cat. They left early one morning and didn't return until late evening. The poor little dog was totally freaked the entire day. Barked, shrieked, whined the whole time. The poor cat looked scared to death and we could tell this because every blind in the trailer was shredded by the time the owners got back. We couldn't be upset with the pets, but the owners!!!!! And it was summer and have no idea about the temps inside the trailer. Leaving a radio on to block out noises is a fine sounding idea, but your dog can hear your car a block or more away from home with the TV on.

If you took this thread and substituted "child" for "dog" or cat, I would hope that your thoughts would be changed. My strong opinion is that if you would not leave your child in a particular situation, don't leave your pet. And BTW, those of us who consider our pets an equal part of the family really don't appreciate the blasé attitude of those who seem to think there is something wrong with us because it's a DOG, they can handle it.

Gdetrailer wrote:
....Really does get my blood boiling since no one in the campground can calm your pet...

Sorry about your blood! You just need to relax and understand that if that's all it takes to get your "blood boiling" you have a very good life!

We leave a radio on so any outside noises are blocked out. I've asked people if they heard them while we are gone and always they've said "no". So I'm not going to apologize for barking that my dogs don't do. If it was a problem I'd address it but it's not. Seriously: Got any helpful comment on my original concern other than ranting about your blood and highjacking the thread?

Acampingwewillgo,

Your system sounds similar to the one I suggested. I was just trying to suggest an all in one easy to set up solution that does not require an additional cell phone. The alarm itself essentially acts as a cell phone sending your phone a text or allowing you to text into it for updates. Cost is about the same as your setup. I can be technology challenged ;), so I wanted something foolproof and a phone number I could call for help with set up if needed.

TNGW1500SE wrote:

Gdetrailer wrote:
....they DO bark and carry one WHEN YOU ARE NOT THERE....

Mine don't. You'd never know they were in the camper. They're both Border Collies so I think they just read their magazines until we return.

I would suggest you buy a recording device and let it record what happens when you are gone.

In 15 years of camping I have NOT had the pleasure of a "quiet" campsite due to at least ONE camper near by that has left their dog alone.. Really does get my blood boiling since no one in the campground can calm your pet.

You ARE taking pets out of their "known" environment and putting them into a place which is not familiar with new noises and smells. Some my be fine with that and some not so good. The problem is no one really knows exactly how the pet will react. Some may sleep, some may whine, some may jump at the windows every time a certain sound happens and some will flat out bark the entire time.. YOU might be "happy" to take your pet with you but is your pet REALLY happy when you take a 8hr or more "daytrip" without them?

A few bucks at a pet resort can make both the owner AND pet "happy" all without the stress of not knowing if the A/C is running or did the pet break through the popup canvas or through a window..

Its your pet and your responsibility to choose the best way to keep your pet safe..

I chose to not have pets, my allergies prevents me from enjoying a pet, it doesn't mean I don't like them but to me leaving pets unattended (even in a car or trailer with A/C running)is not nice to them nor to others nearby..

Can't tell you just how many times I have walked or been parked by vehicles and had even the most docile dogs take running leaps at the windows when someone walks by..

I'm sure others here can link you to the many threads concerning my type system as well as others but in a nutshell what I use requires three components...... A Cobra Phone Lynx BT215($31.00), a Control Products freeze alarm FA-I-CCA($121.00) and a spare Cell phone. The prices listed are from Amazon. The phone link plugs into the freeze alarm which you can program your own temp set points..when the temp reaches your set point, or the power goes off, the temp alarm sends a signal to the phone lynx which in turn dials up to three numbers to notify of an alarm condition. What I like about this one is the fact you can call this system to find out the conditions at the Rv in case you missed the alarm call or just for peace of mind. Hope that helps...

This issue was a major concern for us traveling long distances by car as well. We leave the AC running and car locked when we have to stop, but I was concerned if the compressor stopped working. After much research, this is what I bought: http://theanimalarm.com/en/

You do have to get a SIM card and a cheap pay as you go kind of contract (text only), but this device works wonderfully. It will remote monitor temperatures and text your cell phone if the temps exceed the parameters that you choose. You can also text the device for status reports. I have been using it for about 6 months now and I highly recommend it. Well worth the peace of mind.

Tell me more about this setup. What all does it take to make it work?

Acampingwewillgo wrote:
I put to together the temp alarm/cell phone dialer following idea's gathered from this forum. As long as I have cell coverage, I am somewhat pleased(still worried but not as much). I set my warning temp at about 80 degree's which means if you get a call, you don't have to be within minutes to respond. I also like the idea that I can call my system to check on power and temp at intervals while away. I'm pretty happy with it!

I do use a booster on my cell phone and have yet to be anyplace where I could not get a signal. As others have noted, I also set my exhaust fans to come on in the event of power interruption with a couple of windows cracked.

Seriously, why do the non dog people feel that its so necessary to put their two cents in? We travel with four small dogs and I make it a habit to ask my neighbors about any annoying behavior while were away...in 20 years, most don't even know We have dogs so.

I worry about it too, my dog does not tolerate heat well. Bulldogs and French Bulldogs are very prone to heat stroke, anything above 85 degrees puts them at risk for it. Even 80 degrees with activity puts them at risk for airway restriction due to brachycephalic airway symdrome. In temps that a golden retriver would fine uncomfortable, a bulldog can die.

We leave our dog in the TT when going on short excursions around the area, never gone for very long. He's pretty lazy and naps on the bed while we're gone (and while we're there) Generally we have someone we know at the campground that checks on him too. He's also very used to being in the TT, since when it is hot, he needs AC and can't be left outside for long periods.

We camp mostly in Northern PA and upstate NY, so truthfully the temps are rarely excessive. 85 is a very hot day in NY state.

Gdetrailer wrote:
....they DO bark and carry one WHEN YOU ARE NOT THERE....

Mine don't. You'd never know they were in the camper. They're both Border Collies so I think they just read their magazines until we return.