Tips for Summer Road Trips with Your Family Dog

Summer is here and so is the travel season. Wether you're packing up the whole family for a summer road trip for the Fourth of July or a family vacation, don't forget to make travel plans for the family dog as well.

The following road trip tips will make your pets travel experience just as rewarding as your own. After all, they are on vacation too!

Before setting off on your summer road trip, be sure you have an area of the car designated for the family dog. The safest mode of travel is to have them secured in a kennel or crate. Doggie seatbelts are now available for those pet owners who prefer to not have their dog confined in a kennel during the drive. Although less secure in the case of an auto accident, metal barriers are also available to fence off the back portion of larger SUV or van style vehicles. This may be more comfortable for your pet so he can stretch and move around a bit more, but in the case of an accident, your family pet can become a projectile, just like any object in the car that is not secured.

Another aspect of pet travel that must be considered is leaving your pet alone in the vehicle during meal stops. You should always crack the windows an inch or two, but not enough that your dog's head could get stuck. If it is a warm day, you should leave your car running with the air conditioning on, and lock your car with a second set of car keys. The internal temperature of a car can quickly exceed the outdoor air temperature causing heat exhaustion or even death. Never leave a pet in a locked car without proper ventilation or cooling. And always limit your time away from the car. If possible, plan meal breaks with your dog in mind. By getting food from a fast food drive thru, a gas station or by packing your own lunch, you can eat in the car with your pet, or if the weather permits, sit outside with your pet.

Don't forget to pack dog food and water for your dog. I like to use an old ice cream bucket for my dog's kibbles. I can open the bucket and let him eat for awhile, and when finished, just put the lid back on and store it back in the car. The ice cream bucket then has a dual purpose; both as a storage and serving device. To transport fresh cool water, I like to take an old 2-liter pop bottle or milk jug and fill it 3/4 full with water and put it in the freezer the night before I travel. In the morning when I go to pack the car, the frozen container goes into a cooler to keep my snacks and drinks cool. When it comes to a break in the road trip, I just pour the melting water from the jug into a plastic bowl so the dog can have a cool drink.

When packing your dog's food be sure to also pack any medication that he may need during your time away from home. This may include insulin for diabetic dogs, pet aspirin or even flea & tick products.

As you plan your route for your summer travels, be sure to include pet friendly stops. I like to choose gas stations with grassy areas nearby and travel on smaller highways, so I can stop at the small town parks to let my dogs stretch and play before cooping them up in the car for another few hours. Be sure you have also included a plan for cleaning up your "doggie deposits". From plastic mits, to bags and scoopers, there are several products on the market to get rid of dog waste. Just be sure you do your part and clean up before getting back on the road. Used plastic grocery sacks work well too. I also prepare a clean-up bag to have in my car incase of an upset stomach, since my dogs have a tendency to get a little car sick. I include a roll of paper towels, a bottle of upholstery cleaner, a towel and a scrub brush.

Just before you leave, be sure to prepare a few activities for your dog. Much like children, they will need to be entertained since they don't have free roam of a house or yard like they are used to. I usually present my dog with a brand new bone or chew treat. I also pack a few favorite toys from home that they like to sleep with. And, if your vehicle has a DVD player, a movie with pet sounds can keep them occupied. And be sure you pack a few toys for the rest stops like tennis balls, tug ropes, frisbees and a long leash or tie-out that can hook to a tree or picnic table leg.

With just a little preparation before your travels, you can make your pet's vacation just a enjoyable as your own!