·  Don’t take your dog on a long trip without knowing whether she can handle travel or not. Start out on small day trips in the car, and see how she does. If she adapts and likes it, then go from there.

·  Keep your pooch restrained in the car. While it’s not mandatory in any state, dog restraint systems will go a long way toward helping your dog survive an auto accident. There are a number of seatbelt or harness systems on the market today that will allow your dog the freedom of some movement, but still keep her in one general area of the car. Or better yet, keep her in a sturdy crate while the car is moving.

·  Help alleviate car sickness. Dogs can get car sick just like people. The symptoms you might notice are excessive drooling, retching, or even vomiting. You can help avoid this by not feeding your pup right before taking off on the trip. If your dog is prone to car sickness, you can also ask your vet for some medication that might help.

·  Don’t let your dog ride with her head out the window. Even though it’s cute, and she seems to love it, the constant rushing air can exacerbate or even cause inner ear problems, and too many dogs are killed each year by flying debris on the highways.

·  Make frequent stops for food, water, and potty time. Think of your pooch as a small child, and stop more often than you feel the need to. Sometimes just a quick run around the parking lot can go a long way toward making your pooch’s ride more comfortable in the long run.