Everything Dog for Dog Lovers

Most dogs want to go with you wherever you go. When weather is not extreme there is really no reason your best friend(s) can't accompany you on your next road trip(though you should never leave your canine companion in a car when it's hot or cold). I travel a lot with my dogs and I have discovered some important things that I won't travel without.

Always make sure you have water and a water dish in the car with you so your dog can drink when s/he needs to.

Get a seat belt for your dog. It may seem over the top but the addition of a seat belt on your dog is essential. The belted in dog is so much safer than one that isn't. If you got even in the smallest accident your dog could be badly injured. It is also safer for the driver. The driver won't be distracted by any extra activity that your dog may engage in if the dog is belted.

Some dogs have a genuine fear of moving at fast speeds- maybe it is motion sickness. But it is always better for the dog, if it shows this fear, to use a gentle sedative. The use of a light sedative will induce rest and if you use the smallest dose it won't cause the doggie to be clumsy. He will just rest comfortably. Ask your vet if you have a dog who is afraid of traveling at highway speeds.

A simple sedative can be very helpful for the nervous canine traveler. If you have a dog that isn't completely comfortable at highway speeds or passing overpasses it is such a relief to him to sleep through the boring long highway miles. There are very light inexpensive sedatives at your veterinarian. There are also herbal remedies for nervousness such as Rescue Remedy on the market which you can find at most natural food resellers.

Have a leash in your car no matter how well trained your dog is. In this era of pet friendliness, more and more places will let you bring your mutt inside. Did you know that Home Depot and Lowes allow dogs?

Have a chew toy if you have a younger dog.

Have a couple plastic bags. You don't ever want to be caught without a way to pick up poop!

Every city, town and village has pet friendly hotels/motels now. Don't worry about getting a place to stay. There are several databases online which can lead you to pet friendly lodging. To name a couple: PetTravel.com, TakeYourPet.com

West Paw is a great company which makes fabulous dog toys- dog balls,dog stuffed animals,dog treats. The toys are built for stout and have great squeekers in them.Here are just a few.