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    5 Tips for Traveling with Your Dog This Summer

    By | Pets – Thu, Jun 14, 2012 11:15 AM EDT

    Tips for summer travel with your dogTips for summer travel with your dogSummer road trips can be a lot of fun and give us some of the best family memories. For the many of us that don't like to leave our pups when we go on vacation, having them hitch a ride with us is often preferable.

    Many dogs enjoy riding in the car and with a little planning, our dogs can have just as good time as we do on vacation. But there are some important considerations to remember before jumping in the backseat.

    Here are 5 tips for traveling with your dog this summer:

    1. ID is Vital
    It's imperative that your dog wears a collar with your name, address and phone number engraved on it. Remember that if your dog ever does get lost, you won't be at home to answer the phone so it's best to engrave the ID collar with your cell phone number instead. Keep your dog on a leash and consider micro-chipping your dog before you go.

    Related: 19 ridiculous photos of pets in swimsuits

    2. Potty Breaks
    Stop every two hours to let them walk and have a bathroom break. Teach doggie command to use potty.

    3. Dinnertime is Dinnertime
    Just because you're on the road doesn't mean that feeding schedules should change. It might be a little inconvenient, but your dog will stay regular and feel better if you stick to their normal feeding times.

    4. On the Road
    Remember that it is your best interest and your pet's to keep him/her restrained while driving. Small dogs can stay in a crate if they are more comfortable there (which most are). Larger dogs can wear a seatbelt-type restrainer. Some states are stricter than others when it comes to ticketing drivers with unrestrained animals.

    Related: 14 hilarious pictures of pets caught sunbathing

    5. Hot Dog
    And the biggest rule of all? Never, ever leave your dog in a car in the hot weather. It can be life-threatening and fatal, even if you think you're just running in a restaurant for a quick bite.


    - By Danielle Sullivan
    Follow Danielle on Babble

    For the 10 most popular dog breeds of 2012, visit Babble!

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