Everyone’s dogs are different. Some are comfortable and familiar with being in the car, others will cower from being in a new environment.

A week or two prior to traveling together on the road, take your dog with you to run a few errands togauge his comfort level.

If he is comfy and calm, great but if he gets panicky, try moving him to a new part of the car, orletting him play with his favorite toys within the car.

Obtaining your dog’shealth certificate from your vet is a smart step to take just in case anywhere you may be traveling requiresinformation about him.

Getting him up-to-date on his shots can also be helpful when you both are traveling to brand new places you never know how it can affect their health!

It’s critical to keep your dog identifiedwhen you travel, just in case he runs away in a place that you are unfamiliar with no less!

If you dog is microchipped, make sure that all the current information on it is accurate.

Also, taking a current picture of him while you both are traveling will ensure that you have an up-to-date photo handy in case the unthinkable should occur.

The ASPCA stresses to continue to keep your dog hydrated while on the road.

Bring along a portable bowl will make it easy to stop, fill-up, and feed him while you both stretch your legs on the side of the road.

It’s also important to maintain your dog’s eating schedule while traveling. This will help keep him calm and less anxious.

If your dog is nervous in the car, bringing along something plush and soft for him to lay in can help him calm down or even put him to sleep.

If you would prefer to keep him in a carrier, make sure that too has added comfy aspects and that you take him out frequently to stretch his legs.

Just remember not to let your dog roam freely in the car, as it can be very dangerous for both of you.

Another way to calm your dog down during a long car ride is to bring something that smells like home to put him at ease in a strange new place.

Alternatively, bringing along an exciting new toy can also create a clever distraction from the new sites and smells.

When spills, stains, or accidents occur, it is unlikely there will be anything akin to a paper towel around, especially if the nearest rest stop is miles away!

Bringing along an old rag ensures that you have a way to clean up messes should one occur and you can throw away at the end!

Keep a kit handy, filled with first aid supplies, grooming supplies, a waste scoop, and their medical papers.

This way, if you ever need anything in a pinch, you know right where everything is!

If the weather suddenly changes, you’ll want something to keep your doggy warm and dry.

You can get him a cool waterproof coat, or even bring a blanket that can double up as a sleeping buddy.

Everybody gets antsy in the car.

There just comes a point were your legs can’t stay still, and you have to step outside, stretch out your legs, and enjoy the air.

Since your dog likely has an even shorter patience level than you do, remember to do this even more frequently than you think you need to!

This can also cut down on sudden messes to clean up in the car.

While car safety and dog seat belts are vital, it’s important to let your dog smell and see all the fun sights.

If you simply put your dog on a leash, there’s a chance that he’ll quickly become agitated because he can’t move around as well.

Putting him in a little harness will improve his mobility ever so slightly and make him feel more free to move about.

While on your long trip, be sure to keep the air blowing constantly when you are both in the car. This will ensure your precious pup won’t overheat.

Cool air will also do more than just beat the heat; it will help to keep your dog comforted and calm. Just be sure it doesn’t get too chilly in there!

And of course, never ever leave your dog alone in a hot car not even with the windows rolled down!

While you should maintain your dog’s feeding schedule, if he commonly gets car sick, it might help to hold off on feedings until your next stop.

Dosg can easily become agitated or motion sick, so if you aren’t traveling for long, waiting until your destination could mean a significantly cleaner car and happier dog.

For further advice on how to make sure your dog is happy and safe on the road, you can consult your vet.

Traveling with your pet can mean some seriously fun times together, seeing sites, and having new experiences.

Following these steps can ensure that your dog is comfortable in the car and will have a blast during the journey, as well as the destination.

If you love driving in the car with your dog, make sure to SHARE with friends and family on Facebook!