Dogs are our best friends, and we want to have them near for every adventure we are going on. Even though our little friends are fun, they can sometimes be a lot of work. It can get pretty difficult to travel with them. Having a pet in your vehicle can quickly become a hazard, so it's important to take care of them properly and prepare your vehicle and them fro the road. There are many rules and regulations you should follow with animals in your vehicle, as well as the pros and cons. Keep on reading to find out all the dos and don'ts of taking your dog on a road trip.

Do: Plan ahead

When going on a trip anything can happen, especially if you have your furry friend with you. This means you should take some extra time to plan ahead. Be prepared for anything. A good idea is to always make a checklist of things you should bring or do before you start your road trip. Take a look at a map of where you are going to go, and jot down any places you can stop for a break on your route. You and your pup need breaks for stretching your legs and going to the restroom. You know your dog best, so accommodate the stops for how often your dog needs to its business. Make sure you find out which places are pet-friendly where you can stop for a drink or something to eat. Check ahead before booking your place to stay if they accommodate dogs.

Do: Pack all the necessities

We all need our essentials with us, and so does your dog. Before starting your road trip, make a list with all the things your doggie may need. This includes their favourite food, snack, bottled water, and toys. This is not the time to experiment with new food as your dog may get sick in the car. If your drive is going to be long, make sure they have something to do while in the car. A long drive can get more exciting if they are occupied with their favourite toy. Chew toys are perfect because they are less likely to roll away. Look up non-spill water bowls. They are great if it's very hot while you are travelling, and your dog gets thirsty very quickly. You don't have to stop so often if they can drink nice, cold water in the car.

Do: Visit the vet

Before any vacations and trips, you should take your doggie to the vet. This is the perfect time to check them up and see if there are any issues you have to resolve before the trip, like getting them up-to-date on their shots. If you are worried they may get car sick, you can ask your vet for some nausea medication that will fit their needs. It's also not a bad idea to protect your car seats with an old blanket or towels, just in case. If you notice they are not feeling well, make a stop to let them stretch their legs, drink some water and get refreshed. Don't let your pets try the food that you eat. Any different food from the usual may upset their stomach, making your trip many times more difficult.

Do: Properly secure your pet in the vehicle

As you make sure every person is secure before starting the car, the same should be for your dog. Make sure he is safely and properly buckled up or in their crate. Never let your dog be in the front seat or in anybody's lap. This can be very dangerous for you and for your dog. Never drive with your dog in your lap. There are many options for dog and pet safety in the car. A pet seat belt is perfect if you don't want your dog in the crate or they are not comfortable in it. Another similar option is the pet car seat. If you have a ute or a truck, your dog or the dog crate is probably sliding around on the tray. Consider using safety ute mats for that extra grip to prevent sliding and slipping of your friend.

Don't: Allow them to stick their head out the window

Trips and driving in the car can be very fun for our dogs. They get excited and want to see what's happening. A very dangerous thing that happens is to let your dog stick their head out the window while you are driving. It may seem like it's very fun for your dog, but it's actually very dangerous. It's very easy for them to get hurt like this. There can be flying debris or bugs that can fly in their mouth. The worst thing that could happen is that your doggie falls out of the car. Keep them inside at all times with windows all the way up for maximum safety.

Don't: Leave them in the car

While you may think that it's okay for them to stay in the car while you take a quick break, it's a really dangerous thing to do. Never leave your pet alone in your car. If it's warm outside, the temperature in your car can get very high in a matter of minutes. This is very dangerous for anyone, especially your pets. Even if you crack the windows, it's still the same story. Always take them with you outside, preferably to a shady spot where you can relax and stretch a bit. Another thing to be cautious about are pet thieves who can take your pet if you leave him unattended.

Don't: Get frustrated and have fun

It can be difficult to travel with your pets because they don't understand why they can't do certain stuff and why they have to do other. They probably don't understand when you are telling them to stop slobbering the window or scratching the seat. Just remember, a lot of the things they do can be cleaned up and fixed easily, so don't take it out on them. Doing a road trip can be a great bonding opportunity and you can have so much fun. Relax and give them the opportunity to have fun. They want to have a great time as you want to.

Conclusion

Having a dog by your side on road trips can be extremely fun, especially if you are travelling alone if not for them. Take this opportunity as bonding time and an activity to try something new and exciting. Make necessary preparation beforehand and enjoy your road trip with your little or big friend.