Who here doesn’t love going on a road trip with their best friend? We all know how those adventures can be life changing and unforgettable. But how about traveling with your four-legged best friend? Although dogs make everything better, unlike human friends they can’t actually say when something is bothering them. Therefore, it is your duty to plan your road trip carefully and make sure you bring everything you and your furry companion will need along the way.

Safety first. 
Is your buddy used to spending time in the car? If not, you should consider taking your dog on short rides to the park beforehand so it can associate the car ride with something fun. This way you won’t have a problem with getting your pet into your car. Just as people wear seatbelts, dogs should also be properly restrained. Check out local pet stores and purchase a ventilated pet carrier or a dog harness. Keep in mind that in case of an accident your puppy could get seriously injured, so it is better to be safe than sorry. Speaking of accidents, understand that airbags are extremely dangerous for dogs, so keep your buddy in the back seat where it is safer. 

Packing the necessities
You really don’t need to pack every chew toy and every ball your dog has! Keep in mind that you have a limited amount of space available so plan ahead and make sure you bring all the necessities, such as food and treats, medications, vitamins, as well as food and water bowls and your buddy’s favorite toy. Unless you want to find dog hair all over your car, check out Drivr Zone dog car seat covers reviews and find the one that suits your needs. We all know how those paws can get dirty in a second so pack an old towel, as well as waste bags so you can pick up after your dog.

Talk to the vet
If you are aware that your furry friend is prone to motion sickness, visit a vet before your trip so they can prescribe anti-nausea medication and discuss feeding plans with you. Even if your dog doesn’t have this kind of problem take it for a check-up so that the vet can confirm that your dog is healthy enough for the long trip. This is also a good opportunity for you to discuss fleas, ticks, heartworms and other health concerns. In order to be prepared for any type of situation, ask the vet about remedies for diarrhea and allergic reactions.

Don’t roll down the windows
We all know that scene from a movie when a dog puts its head out the window and sticks its tongue out. Although this is every dog’s dream and their favorite part of a road trip, it is really not recommendable. Flying objects could possibly injure your dog and cause major problems. Therefore, make sure the window is open just enough so your buddy can get a fresh breeze, but can’t stick its head all the way out.

Don’t leave your dog in the car alone. 
Bear in mind that during hot summer days temperature in your car can climb very quickly, so don’t leave your pet alone in the vehicle, otherwise you will be putting your dog at risk of heat stroke. In some states, it is even illegal to do so. Therefore, either bring your dog along or travel with a friend who can remain in the vehicle with your pet while the air conditioner is running. 

Take breaks
Regardless of whether your dog needs to take a bathroom break or not, stop every couple of hours so your pup can stretch its legs. During these breaks, you will also be able to get some rest, grab a cup of coffee and see whether you are awake enough to continue driving. If you know that your road trip is several days long, make sure you book a room at a pet-friendly hotel. Be sure to call ahead, since many hotels have size, breed, or weight restrictions for dogs.

Do you know what the best thing about traveling with a dog is? Seeing its face when it experiences something new and exciting! Dogs really know how to enjoy little things in life, so learn something from your furry friend and use this time to slow down and smell the roses.