dogs in car

The safest place for dogs is in the back seat - properly restrained. There are 4 main ways to safely restrain your dog:

1. keep the dog in a crate, that itself is safely attached to the seat belt system


2. a proper-fitting harness that holds the dog in via a strap attached to the seat belt mechanism


3. one of the new booster seats for small dogs, with built-in seat belt or harness restraint


4. a barrier for the back of SUVs - hold the dog away from the passenger area but don't do much to protect the dog, who could still get out the back door in the case of an accident

There are also restraints available if you carry your dog in the bed of a pick up truck (illegal in many areas); but this restraint will secure the dog safely.

Your dog might not like it much at first, but just like children -- safety comes first.

And the dog's head out the window, although a romantic image, is really dangerous too - think of flying stones, insects and cigarettes thrown from the vehicle ahead of you .... to name just a few hazards

In an auto accident a 60 pound dog in a car traveling 30 mph will hit an object ten inches in front of him at 1,200 pounds per square inch

Car sickness in dogs is a tricky thing... you can't ask them how they feel, suddenly your dog just hurls all over your car!

Many experts feel the main cause of car sickness in dogs is stress.

How can you reduce stress?
First, "practice car rides."

If your dog throws up after say 20 minutes in the car, go for a little drive and stop after 10 minutes. Let the dog out for a short walk. Ideally have someone else with you to calm the dog.
Do this at least a dozen times over several weeks, then begin to slowly add a minute or two to the trip.
9 times out of 10, your dog will stop throwing up at the 20 minute mark.

Second, try some natural remedies.

Ginger has been used for centuries to calm upset stomachs for both humans and animals. Give your dog some flat ginger ale or a 500 mg capsule of the powder - about 30 minutes before the car ride.
Peppermint also has medicinal effects for stomach problems. Try a drop or two of tincture of peppermint or brew some peppermint tea and let it cool. Again, about 30 minutes before the trip.
How about a natural relaxant: Rescue Remedy from Bach Flower Remedies. You can find it in most health food stores. Give your dog about 4 drops directly on the tongue, about 12 hours before the trip. Then repeat every 4 hours. Your dog will be verrrrry relaxed... but not "doped up."

Third, see your vet.

He or she can recommend an over-the-counter drug like Dramamine or Gravol, in the appropriate dosage for your dog, or may even give you a prescription for something stronger.

Good news: nearly all puppies grow out of car sickness.

You don't need to leave your dog in a kennel or with friends when you go away - there are so many pet-friendly hotels, motels and campsites around...the trick is to find them, confirm that they really do accept dogs, and check on the extra fee.

Although airline travel with your dog can be very challenging in these post-9/11 days of added security, if your dog can fit under your seat in the cabin, it can be done.

First, source out the places that welcome dogs

Just Google "pet friendly hotels" (or motels, campgrounds, and so on) and you'll see that there are plenty of places that will welcome you and your pet. You can expect an extra charge though so be prepared - it's anything from $15 per stay to $75 per stay (not per night). This is to cover the cost of shampooing the carpets after you leave, which sounds fair.

An excellent link to check is BringFido.com. You'll find listings for thousands of places where your dog is welcome.

Don't forget to double check by phone though - sometimes policies change and the website doesn't get caught up quickly enough.

Second, get ready for the car ride itself

If you don't already have a harness dog restraint or a strapped-in kennel cage, then you'll want to look at these.

Any object in your car - including your dog - can be a deadly projectile in the case of an accident or a very fast stop. Plus, in a lot of places you can get a traffic ticket if you happen to have your pet on your lap while your driving; it's a charge related to being "crowded" while you're in control of a motor vehicle.

Besides protecting your safety and that of your passengers, keeping your dog well secured is obviously the best way to ensure that he too will be safe, happy and comfortable in the car.

Many pet supply stores and websites offer portable food and water dishes, crates, portable beds and even medications to calm your dog in the car or offset motion sickness. Most of these medications (many are offered online at Amazon), are holistic or herbal remedies that will reduce your pet's discomfort. And of course, you can check with your veterinarian if you'd prefer a prescription solution.

Third, be ready in case there's a problem or an emergency

Keep some clean up gear in your car in case your dog has an accident. Remember, he needs his bathroom breaks too - so take lots of short stops. When you're pulled over to let the dog out, be sure to put his leash on BEFORE you open the car door or even release him from the kennel cage or seat belt. That way, you will have a firm grip on him. Sometimes dogs become disoriented and nervous in the car, and could jump right out of the vehicle and into traffic.

Another emergency you don't want to think of, is your dog getting lost. But sadly it does happen, even on vacation, so take a hard-copy photo and description of your dog with you, be sure he's wearing an up to date license tag, and or is micro-chipped. (Take the micro-chip information too.)

Don't forget to write out your veterinarian's name, address and phone number and keep it handy too. It's surprising how quickly we can forget things in a high-stress situation.