Road trip with Rover

The weather is warming up in Central Oregon and you're anxious to get on the road again to visit friends up north in Washington or family in Idaho. And it wouldn't be the same without your furry friend in the car with you.

Most dogs love a car ride. The feel of the wind through their fur, new smells blowing around the inside of the car, and the chance to bark at all the other dogs at the rest stops, are all part of the appeal.

Keeping Rover entertained on a road trip isn't difficult once he is used to riding for longer periods of time. When you bring along his favorite toys, treats and chew bones, he'll probably settle down, relax and enjoy the long ride -well, as long as there are adquate potty breaks!

So if you're bringing your furry family member along on this year's vacation, you can follow these canine car-tripping tips:

If it's been a while since Rover's last check-up, now's the time to take him in. Make sure he's up-to-date on vaccinations, and ask if additional vaccinations are required for the trip since he may encounter different threats in other areas, like Lyme disease.

Make sure your dog has current ID tags on at all times.

When packing for your dog, make sure you have his everyday items with you. Pack enough of his pet food, because you may not be able to find it at your destination. Pack any pet medications, his leash, bed, water and food dishes, along with a collapsible water bowl for the car ride. Remember to bring a pet-gate and crate (it can help in a hotel room or friend's home).

And don't forget pet first-aid and poop bags!

Keep Rover safe by having him properly restrained when you drive. This is now mandatory in some states. One option for securing your dog in the car is a crate. So many things can go wrong if your furry friend is loose, such as interfering with the driver.

For your dog's physical comfort, make frequent stops for water and bathroom breaks. You might feel fine and want to drive through a long stretch of highway, but don't underestimate how quickly your furry friend can become dehydrated or how quickly his bladder can fill up. So stop every few hours to let Rover out to relieve himself and get a drink of water. Giving him about 15 minutes to walk around for exercise is a good rule of thumb.

Temperature control can be an issue on drives, especially when it's hot. You need to make sure enough cool air makes it to the backseat to keep Rover safe from overheating. Check every so often to make sure that there's plenty of air circulation and that your dog is comfortable.

NEVER leave your furry friend alone in a car in warm temperatures! Either travel with somebody who can stay in an air-conditioned car with your pet while you run into a store, or don't make any stops where he can't get out. In the summer, the temperature can skyrocket quickly, even in the shade, even with windows rolled down. Don't take the chance of tragedy with your furry friend.

When you get to your final destination and are done traveling, get Rover into his normal routine as quickly as possible. Set up a section of your pet-friendly hotel room, or the home you arrive at, just for your furry friend. Put his bed/carrier, food and water, and his special toy or blanket in his special area and feed and walk him at your normal times to avoid throwing your pet's schedule off too much.

It's not possible to do everything exactly as you would at home, but the more you remain consistent, the better. You can increase Rover's walk-time to help rid him of any extra excitement and anxiety of the trip.

Remember, your dog's main happiness comes from being with you, no matter where you are. You've taken the time to prepare, so now just kick back, have fun, and enjoy the time together!