If the clandestine nature of road trips and romanticisation of hitchhiking aren’t enough for you, picture this: Going on a road trip with your furry best friend, your dog of course! Just you and your buddy riding off into the sunset.

But a trip with pets isn't going to look anything like that rosy picture you just saw unless you prepare first. For instance, did you know that dogs too suffer from motion sickness and that you shouldn't feed them before they sit in the car?  
 
Swati Tondon, an expert at whatspup.in, a website providing pet supplies, services and accessories, shares some tips and tricks to keep in mind while travelling with your four-legged friends. 

Motion sickness: Like humans, dogs too feel sick in the stomach in a moving car. Half an hour before taking him in the car, you should give him a medicine for motion sickness. Consult the vet about what medicine to give. The vet will prescribe the medicine depending on the size and the weight of your dog.

Vet alert: Our dogs mostly stay at home and don't travel a lot. The only time they get into the car is to go to the vet and start associating cars with vet visits. Make them believe that they are not going to the vet and occasionally take them out for drives or to parks.

Food: Do not feed the dog right before it sits in the car. Feed him at least an hour before travelling. Always remember to keep the portion small. The same rule applies for water. Do not give him too much water right before the drive.

Walks: Before you make him sit in the car, take him for a good walk so that he gets tired and fall asleep in the car.

Travel bags: Make a travel bag for the pet. The bag should contain a first aid kit, water, treats, bowl, wet and dry tissues, potty scooper, lint roller and a seat protector for the car.

Drive: Do not drive too fast and be careful with the bumps and speed breakers.

Windows up: Even if your pet enjoys with the windows down, do not let him hang out as it is dangerous. The pet might get excited and can try to jump out.

Pet breaks: If you are travelling for a long distance take a break in every half an hour, take your dog out of the car and make him/her walk a little.

(with IANS inputs)

Also read: This man’s dog was diagnosed with terminal cancer, so he took her on a road trip for a sendoff