The Holiday Season is here and it’s time to visit family. Some of you have family close by while others may have to drive a few to several hours. For those of you who have to go a long distance, you will probably want to take your dog with you. Your dog is part of the family, after all. So if you are traveling with your dog in the car for a long drive, here are a few tips to make the travel easier and safer for you both.

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Some dogs love to ride in the car while others don’t. Before traveling with your dog in the car, check with your vet. Make sure your dog is healthy enough for the trip or if it would be best to leave the dog at home or with a boarding kennel. Or your vet may recommend something to keep your dog calm during the trip if your dog tends to get nervous in the car.

Also have your vet make sure your dog has updated tags and possibly even an identifying microchip insert. This is for just in case your dog gets away during a pit stop or your dog wanders off while you are at your far-from-home destination.

Depending on how long you are traveling with your dog in the car, you may want to have your dog’s food and water handy. Convenient pet travel bowls would make it easy to give your dog food and water while making a pit stop. If your dog tends to get sick in the car, you may not want to give them food. Be sure to talk to your vet about this.

Be prepared to make pit stops for not just you, but also your dog. You do not want a doggie accident in the car. If you are afraid such a thing might happen, it would be best if you had a car seat cover or even just a blanket over the seat. Handi-wipes are great for cleaning up messes and eliminating some odors. Make sure you put your dog on a leash when you let your dog out of the car. Also, keep some dog waste bags on hand. Picking up after your pet is not just a courtesy, it is a requirement in some places.

The most important thing to consider for traveling with your dog in the car is a pet auto safety device such as a dog seat belt. The last thing you need while driving possibly wet or icy roads is a distraction caused by your pet. Some dogs are inclined to jump back and forth from the front to the back seat or they attempt to get into the driver’s lap. A dog seat belt will help to keep your dog in the back seat. Even if your dog is well behaved in the car, a dog seat belt will help to protect your dog should an unfortunate accident occur. If your dog is 30 pounds or smaller and the trip is long, you may also consider using a comfortable pet car seat in conjunction with a dog seat belt.

If you have a chance, take your dog on smaller trips to get them used to riding in the car or wearing their dog seat belt. Traveling with your dog in the car does not have to be a hassle. And don’t forget to pack all the things both you and your dog will need during the family visit. Besides all the items listed above (current tags, food and water, dog travel bowls, dog waste bags, dog seat belt, and dog leash), you may also want to bring your dog’s crate, their bed, and their favorite dog toys. This way, your dog feels a little more at home and has as great of a time as you. Have a safe and wonderful Holiday!

Dawn Ross
http://www.PetAutoSafety.com