If you’re a dog lover, you’ve probably taken your four-legged friend on many a road trip or quick cruise to the vet.

Are you looking for ways to make these trips—short and long—a little more enjoyable? We’ve got you covered with some helpful tips in today’s blog—just take a look below!

Get Fido used to the car

One of the best things you can do to improve your pup’s time in the car, is to get him used to the space of the car itself—especially before taking him on a longer trip. Have him enjoy a snack or two in the car itself, and toss in his favorite toy, to make the space feel more inviting and familiar to him.

Of course, some dogs will happily hop into the car and stick their head out of the window the whole trip through—but whether your dog is a happy-go-lucky sort, or a little more particular about his surroundings, a bit of pre-trip time in the car can’t hurt!

Know your limitations

As we’ve just mentioned, not every dog is the same. Some will peacefully assume a spot in the passenger seat, while others may frantically roam the car in an attempt to calm down—once you know your dog’s travel style, know what works and what doesn’t. If your dog is especially hyper, for example, you might consider having him ride in his crate so as to keep you both safe. Of course, there is another option…

Travel with a human friend

Energetic dogs can be calmed down and kept safe when you travel with a friend! Having a human companion in your passenger seat helping with your dog will allow you to focus on the road without having to worry about a nervous Fido roaming around your car. This is also a big benefit for your dog, since he will be able to see and experience the trip from the lap of a trusted friend, and it might even calm his nerves a little!

Make regular stops for food, water, fresh air, and bathroom

Traveling with a four-legged friend means making stops every now and then for food, water, fresh air, bathroom breaks and more. You might need to make a few of these stops, depending on the length of your trip and how your dog is handling the adventure. You can make food and water storage easy with pet-specific travel bowls, or simply use containers from home—just be sure to pack enough food and water (you can double up using your own water bottles), and a little more, so that you’re prepared regardless of delays on the road.

Fido may not be able to help you read maps or make crucial navigation calls, but he can serve as your trusty companion no matter where the road takes you. We hope that these tips help turn your next trip into an even better experience for you both!