Taking a Road Trip with Your Dog

During the summer months, many families decide to pack up the car and hit the open road. While there is no better way to discover the beauty and diversity of America, traveling by car can be a hassle, especially if you have pets.

My husband and I never leave our dogs behind when we go on a vacation, so we have become experts when it comes to traveling with pets. Here are a few tips to make life on the road easier for you and your pets:

1) Make sure that your pets wear their collars and leashes at all times and that their tags are up to date with addresses and phone numbers in case your pet jumps out or gets loose when you are stopped at a rest area. Also, if you keep their leashes on them at all times, if you stop and your pet suddenly jumps out of the car before you can grab him or her, it's much easier to catch them with their leash on than off.

2) Since my husband and I don't have a big car or an SUV, we like to create a bigger back seat in our car by filling the space behind the front seats with pillows or blankets and then covering the entire back seat with a comforter. This gives your dog extra room to stretch out and move around. We find that our dogs really like the extra space. Of course, you can only do this if your pets are your only traveling companions.

3) Trying to keep over excited dogs calm in the car can be a challenge, so if your dog's hyperactivity is impairing your ability to drive, then I would suggest some type of medication to keep your dog calm. Homeopet is a brand that is available over the counter at your local pet supply store and was recommended by my vet. I noticed that my dog was somewhat calmer about a half an hour after I gave it to him, but he still had some energy. If you prefer, you can also get medication from your vet that is stronger. Another option for active dogs is a crate or some type of carrier or restraint. If you have the room, this is probably the best alternative.

The most important thing to remember when traveling with your pets is to give them plenty of water and stop every few hours to allow them to stretch their legs. There is no reason that you can't have an enjoyable road trip with your pets. So pack up the dogs and hit the road!