| So you have packed your things, checked your | | | | overheating and/or dehydration. Direct sun might |
| Pathfinder's Nissan Pathfinder parts, and have bid | | | | adversely affect dark-colored dogs, particularly in |
| your office a temporary goodbye - this is the | | | | the summer, even when the car is moving and |
| moment you've been waiting for, the roadtrip, the | | | | the air is cooler. You may need to install |
| vacation you've been long dreaming about. | | | | sunshades on the side windows. |
| You are ready, and so is your dog Buddy - who's | | | | • Don't leave the dog in the car if you |
| going with you on the trip. | | | | will be away from it for a while. Cars can heat up |
| But is your car ready for Buddy? | | | | fast when left in the sun. If you're going to an |
| Whether it's going to be just an hour's drive or a | | | | amusement park, zoo, or other place where your |
| two-day trip, you'll need to prepare for your furry | | | | dog is unwelcome, try to find a nearby kennel to |
| travel companion. Make sure there's food and | | | | board the dog while you're occupied. Always have |
| water of course. There are an assortment of | | | | the dog's rabies and other vaccination records |
| collapsible and disposable bowls designed for the | | | | with you so that you can show them to the |
| travel enthusiast, and even bottles of water with | | | | kennel staff. Plan ahead, though, because many |
| built-in bowls that can be found in local pet stores. | | | | kennels are booked in advance for the summer. |
| Also, dogs can get restless in the trip. Make sure | | | | And if you plan to spend many days where the |
| he'll have something to pass up the time, like an | | | | dog can't visit, consider leaving the dog in a kennel |
| appropriate chew toy to keep him from chewing | | | | closer to home. |
| your car's upsholstery. There is a number of | | | | • When you're traveling put a piece of |
| hollow rubber or plastic toys available that are | | | | tape on the dog's tags with a local phone number |
| perfect for stuffing with treats to keep your dog | | | | or cell-phone number in case the dog gets loose. |
| entertained. | | | | Your home number won't be much help to |
| Here are more tips from ConsumerReports.Org | | | | someone who finds the dog while you're traveling. |
| for pet car travel: | | | | • If shopping for a new vehicle, inquire |
| • Although a dog may love to have the | | | | about available pet travel aids. Some carmakers |
| wind in his face, an animal can suffer eye damage | | | | might offer customized accessories for owners |
| and even vision loss from road debris and insects. | | | | who travel with their pets. |
| • Be aware of the temperature where | | | | Now both you and Buddy can get to enjoy the |
| the animal is positioned. If necessary, open a | | | | trip. |
| window or adjust the air conditioning to prevent | | | | |