While planning your road trip this summer, don’t forget to spend some time thinking about your family pet. If you are going to be taking your dog(s) along for the ride, follow these simple rules from dogfriendly.com. This way, your dog will have as much fun on the road as the rest of the family.

The most important thing to get, if you haven’t already, is a pet identification tag. Consider replacing the home number with your cell or the hotel number where you are staying. You wouldn’t want Fido to go sightseeing without you, but it is always best to have a local number where you can be reached just in case he stops to smell the roses.

Pack a doggy first-aid kit so that you can be prepared for all situations. Be sure visit your veterinarian to check that your dog is up-to-date on all vaccination, flea, tick, and heartworm medications before you go!

Before you leave, make sure you’ve packed enough food for the whole trip. Create a checklist: food, water, dishes, leashes, toys, and medication. Don’t forget towels to clean dirty paws, and bags for cleaning up doggy messes.

Once on the road, it is all fun and games. Just remember to keep your dog’s comfort in mind. Frequent bathroom and water breaks are a must. And keeping a consistent, cool temperature will make the road a lot more enjoyable for the whole family.

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