Nothing is prettier than autumn in New England. This time of year, Max and I love to go on roadtrips in the country to enjoy the fall foliage. Of course, I always think of his comfort and safety when we travel. Here are some tips to make sure every road trip has a happy ending…

Dogs Who Dislike Car Rides

Although some dogs gleefully bound into the car, others seem to hate car rides. If you have a dog who seems afraid, anxious or uncomfortable during car trips, you’ll need to help him get over his fear or discomfort long before you take a road trip. If your dog is fearful of car rides, you’ll have to do some exercises to change the way he feels. The key is to start small. Feed at least one meal a day in the car. At first, keep the car turned off for the whole meal. Over a period of a few weeks, work up to short rides. If the rides end at a fun destination, like a hiking trail or dog park, your dog may get over his fear quickly!

Dealing With Car Sickness

Many dogs suffer from carsickness. Even if he doesn’t vomit in the car, your dog might still feel nauseated. Watch for drooling, trembling or a hunched posture. Open a window for some fresh air, and pull over for a short break if you can. You may also want to adjust your dog’s feeding schedule on travel days. A vet can tell you about medications that may remedy this problem.

Car Safety

Just as people should wear a seatbelt when driving to prevent or minimize injury in case of an accident, you should ensure your pet is secure when in the car as well. Consider crating your pet when traveling, using a barrier between the backseat and front seat or a pet-safe seatbelt.

If you choose to leave your pet loose in the back seat, make sure they can’t open the window. Use the child-protection lock whenever possible.

Temporary IDs

What could be worse than being lost in a strange place? If you and your dog get separated, it may come down to someone else finding them, and just as important, that they can find you! Make sure you attach a tag with your cell phone number to your dog’s collar. Of course temporary IDs are useless if your dog slips out of his collar. For a more permanent solution, ask your vet about implanted ID chips.

The Comforts of Home

Some dogs find travel exciting, others overwhelming. The familiarity of a favorite toy or their own bedding can go a long way to soothe your pet’s nerves after a long journey.

Remember after a long day in the car your dog is going to need some exercise. A brisk walk is the key to a peaceful dog.