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The day ahead may be filled with multiple, short trips or one longer ride. Chores must get done and journeys happen but that doesn’t mean you can’t take along your best friend. Canines in cars can make for a more splendid road trip, but before you hop in your automobile, read tips to ensure your best friend remains safe and happy.

Be Aware of The Law

While you’re preoccupied with the safety and happiness of your canine, you may neglect the laws of your city and state. For example, police officers in New Jersey can stop and fine owners who they believe are improperly transporting pets. Hawaii may be filled with laid back surfers, but if they ride to the beach with their dog on their lap, they’ll get a fine. Make sure you know the laws regarding transporting pets in your city and state. If you can’t find any information online, call your local police department and ask.

Use Dog Crates

Dog owners rely on dog crates to keep pets safe during short or long rides. You may notice some dogs hanging out of the window or taking up space in another driver’s backseat. While some dogs obey and make for safe passengers, other dogs should be placed in a crate for the benefit of their safety as well as yours and other drivers. Experts suggest crates made of aluminum or plastic. Of course, make sure the model chosen allows for good air circulation.

Give Your Dog a Break

Dogs are a lot like little kids, especially in the car. You can’t expect them to ‘be good’ for long periods of time. On an especially long ride, stop for breaks and give your dog water and snacks. Stop every two or three hours so your dog can stretch its legs and go to the bathroom. Humans need breaks too but sometimes push on to make better time, yet don’t sacrifice the happiness of your dog.

Lock the Power Windows

Dogs are curious and may paw at parts of the car, including the knobs that control power windows. Turning on the child locks keeps your canine from accidentally lowering the windows while you’re driving. Not only are dogs known to leap out of windows but they may also accidentally raise the window back up on their necks, paws, etc. For this reason you may want your dog to ride in the front with you where you can keep a better watch on them. That’s fine but regardless of the laws in your area, don’t allow your dog to rest on your lap; it restricts your range of motion and increases the likelihood of an accident.

Clean-Up After Your Pet

Owning a pet means getting used to cleaning; the car is no exception. Rather than have hair and dander to accumulate, clean the seat right after riding with your pet. It helps lessen the duty of cleaning next time and won’t threaten the health of others with allergies who may get in the car next. Some owners get seat covers, which makes cleaning easy; just take off the covers and throw them in the wash. Shear Comfort has covers for cars and trucks.

Apply Clear Plastic Wrap

You’ll want to put a child lock on your windows as mentioned, which will make it easy for your pooch to place its cute face and paws all over your windows. It makes for a comical scene for others passing by, yet it will dirty your windows. Place clean plastic wrap on the inside of your windows, so your dog can paw, lick, and press their face against the window all they want without making it dirty.

Talk to a Vet

If you’re moving from state to state or taking a long trip for a vacation or holiday, you may want to talk to your vet, especially if your pet has shown signs of nausea in the past. In some cases, dogs may get sick due to nervousness, which can be resolved without the need of medication. In other instances, you may need your vet to prescribe your best friend medicine to calm their nerves and stomach.

Bring a Favorite Blanket or Toy

Like little kids, dogs like taking their favorite objects with them. Bring along your dog’s favorite blanket or toy for the journey, which will help calm them as well as keep them occupied. The best way to compensate for an unusual routine is to reintroduce familiar items. Don’t reserve a particular toy for rides alone; you’ll teach your dog to get nervous or reluctant upon seeing it if they don’t like car rides. Alternatively, they may grow disappointed if you are not taking them for a ride.

Stanley Soto is a dog trainer. He likes to write about his insights on the web. His articles are available on many pet websites.