Traveling by car with your dog

For many of us, trips are no fun unless the four-legged members of our families can join us. Whether you're setting out on a scenic cross-country tour or making your annual trek to the veterinarian, though, car travel with a companion animal can be a stressful experience for both you and your dog. Don't fret! With a little planning, you can make sure all of your road trips are safe and comfortable for everyone.

Although flying to your destination may save time, travel by car is usually the best option if your pet will be joining you on your trip. Unless a dog weighs less than 15 pounds (kennel included), most airlines will regulate him to the cargo area of the plane – a deafeningly loud environment with no climate control. This can be a scary experience for even the best canine traveler - and downright dangerous for pets with respiratory difficulties or other health problems. Even if your dog is a toy breed, there is no guarantee that he will be able to accompany you in the airplane's cabin, since there is often a limit to how many pets are allowed on each flight.

Meal plans

Begin by feeding your cat or dog about an hour or two before setting out on your trip, and also give him an opportunity to empty his bladder and bowels. Even if you will only be away from home a short time, always bring along fresh drinking water for your pet. Zip-style plastic bags can serve as easy-to-stash water bowls, and they also come in handy for cleaning up after your pet when he needs to make a pit stop. Limit edible treats while on the road; instead wait to feed your pet until you stop for a family meal.

Carsick pooches

Just like certain people, some dogs and cats experience motion sickness when they ride. This can usually be avoided by following the above advice, but if your pet is particularly prone to an upset tummy when traveling, feeding him a little crystallized ginger before you leave can help circumvent nausea. Many owners find that their dogs prefer munching a couple of gingersnap cookies – another effective means of delivering this stomach-soothing spice.

Opening windows a bit for fresh air can also reduce an animal's tendency to get sick while riding. Avoid placing your dog in an area of the vehicle where he will have to ride backwards, since this too can exacerbate a car sickness problem. Being able to see where he is going will also make the journey much more enjoyable for your pet.

This vehicle makes frequent stops

If you will be driving for long periods of time, be sure to make frequent stops for your pet to relieve himself and stretch his legs. Use these breaks to replenish your dog's drinking water and also to get some exercise yourself. Having regular opportunities to refuel your bodies and minds will help everyone keep a positive attitude toward extended travel.

Toy with him!

Finally, don't forget to bring along something for your dog to do while you make your way to your destination. Just as children can be amused with books and games, pets too can be entertained with bones and other chew toys. Skip squeak toys and other noisy objects, though, as these can grate on your nerves after the first few miles.

To keep your pet from getting bored with the same old object, bring along a bag filled with a variety of toys and rotate these from time to time throughout your trip. If the weather is hot, store at least one toy in a bag of ice before offering it to your pet for an especially fun treat. Keeping your pet entertained and refreshed will help you both keep your cool on the open road.