Lets Go on a Road Trip

The summer season finds many families on the roads and if you are planning a vacation trip by car, you may want to include your dog in your travel plans. Before making that decision, however, consider your dog's health, age and personality. You must also determine whether your dog will be included in your vacation activities. If your dog isn't up to extensive traveling or would only end up spending lonely hours in a hotel room while you go sightseeing, leave your pet at a boarding kennel or with a professional pet sitter.
If you've contemplated the situation carefully and have decided that your dog should travel with you, the following suggestions will help ensure that both you and your dog will enjoy your vacation.
Before your departure, take your dog to your veterinarian to get a health certificate and proof of vaccinations. Different states have different regulations, so it is best to take your dog's records with you in case they are required. Let your vet know where you will be traveling in case there are communicable diseases of which you should be aware. If you are going to be hiking in wilderness areas, inquire about Lyme disease.
Most dogs love to travel in the car, but if your dog is not accustomed to traveling, take him for mini-trips beforehand. To help your dog overcome motion sickness, feed him lightly before the trip, about one-third the usual amount of dog food.
Your vacation route should be planned with your dog's needs in mind. Rest stops should be included every four to six hours so your dog can relieve himself. Water should be offered at each stop. Be sure to carry paper towels for to clean up potential car accidents and poop bags to scoop up after rest stops.
During your trip, your pet should always wear a dog collar with rabies and dog tags. Keep an extra ID tag on your dog's collar with a friend's name and address -- since you will not be at home to receive any calls if your dog is lost. Of course, the most permanent form of identification is a tattoo on the inside of your dog's rear leg.
Although you may be tempted to let your dog wander around in the car while driving, he could represent a real hazard if he wanders underneath your feet or gets in between you and the steering wheel. Do not let your dog stick his head out of the window since this can lead to ear or eye injuries. If loose, he could also be hurled against the windshield or escape through a shattered window in the event of an accident. A dog should never be allowed to ride in the back of an open pickup truck. In case of an accident, the dog would be thrown from the vehicle.
As a safety measure, it is a much better idea to keep your pet in a dog travel crate while driving. When confined to a crate, your dog won't be able to get in the way of your driving and will be better protected in the case of an accident. A crate will also provide a den for your dog when you reach your destination. Your dog will feel secure in his crate, despite the strange location. You also may want to check out a dog car harness, which is made from nylon and attaches to a car seat belt.
Please remember when traveling with your dog that you must never leave it in a parked car. Even a car parked in direct sun on a cool day, with the windows cracked a few inches, can heat to more than 120 degrees F in less than 10 minutes.