It took me about 2,000 miles of a 6,000 mile road trip to understand the finer points of my dog Frankie's travel needs. My wonderful mutt was a great road warrior but making him truly comfortable was my constant challenge. Crossing and crisscrossing the United States, I put together a few tips for fun and comfortable journies.

Frequent Stops

I stopped every three hours. Several times each driving day I took the time to get off the interstate and find a nice lake for a dip or field for a run. In Wyoming, Frankie was in heaven because every stop offered a pristine lake for him to swim in. Remember, the books on tape just don't cut if for the hound and he gets bored. He wants to run, fetch, swim and get attention. And the scenery goes by too fast for him to get much out of it. Interstate rest stops always have a dog run, watch the traffic.

When stopping for food at those enormous truck stops, it can be hard to find shade to park in. But I found there was usually shrubbery planted around the restaurant. My human travel partner would go inside and demand a window table with a shrubbery view while I secured Frankie in the shade under the bushes with water and a biscuit. Once inside, I'd let him know I could see him and he'd feel safer. Never, never leave the dog in the car in the sun. If you can't find shade, get carryout! Don't let hot concrete burn his pads, or sharp gravel cut them.

Environment Control

Don't blast that stereo in you dog's ears or let the sun or wind bake him through the windows. Don't freeze him with the air conditioning or roast him with the heater. Windshield wipers and hail or hard rain can be scary, as can eighteen wheelers bound for glory. Resassure him every time something spooky happens. Gas pump smells can overpower her as can exhaust fumes. If windows are open, watch for insects and debris flying in. Also, obviously, don't open windows far enough for him to fall out.

I found Frankie rode better when the seat was leveled out by putting cargo in the stepwell and making him a platform to lie or sit on. A quilted packing blanket was great for him to lie on. Otherwise, he was hopping up and down from stepwell to seat all day trying to get comfortable. Sometimes, I'd put an ice pack under his blanket for desert driving.

Food and Liquids

Instead of water that slops around, I kept fresh ice for him to lick and in the desert, I would caress his paws and forehead with them as well. I fed only late at night when we were bedding down. During the day, I fed biscuits and if his stomach was off, a little bread and watered down chicken broth in a sort of a soup. The frequent stops alleviated much stomach upset. I also carried chewable antacids.

Toys

Things to chew, something that smells like home and something to chase at rest stops and, a brand new surprise every thousand miles or so.

Regardless of how you travel, your dog should be wearing a collar with complete ID, your name, address, and telephone number (at home and destination).

If traveling by plane, book the most direct flight possible and inform your ticket agent that you will be traveling with your dog. If a layover is unavoidable, choose a flight with the fewest and shortest stops, and have a flight attendant check to make sure baggage handlers are removing your dog for the duration of the stop. The best times to travel are less busy times, such as mid-week, or late at night. When baggage handlers are less burdened, the more likely they'll be to pay proper attention to your pet. Also, don't travel in extreme temperatures (under 40 or over 75 degrees).

Make sure the dog's carrier is comfortable and safe. In the right carrier, he can properly breathe, stand up, lie down and turn around easily. Outfit it with his special blanket, toys and water. Most airlines will require a health certificate, so make sure you get copies of all immunization records.

Some dogs are not good candidates for travel and should stay at home. If you have a young puppy, an older or hyperactive dog, one who is pregnant, or is recovering from surgery, make arrangements with friends or family, a dog sitter or a boarding place. It's better to have a healthy dog waiting expectantly for you when you come home, than a sick dog with you on your vacation. So, take precautions, look after your canine pal, and have fun.