So you're planning a road trip, and you want to bring your faithful companion along. Even if your dog's an easygoing sort, you can't just dump your pet in the front seat and put the pedal to the metal. Take these precautions before you and your sidekick hit the road.

Slow and Steady

Before you set out on an extended trip, get your dog accustomed to riding in the car. Why? If your pet isn't used to the feel of a moving car, she might suffer from motion sickness - which isn't fun for either of you.

If you can, start your dog's car training when she's a puppy. The first step: Let her explore the car while it's still, and give her treats or feed her in the backseat so she starts to associate the car with good things.

When she seems comfortable, drive her around the block occasionally or take her on short trips around town. Continue to praise and reward her when she's a calm passenger. Gradually work up to longer rides.

Clean and Calm

Avoid a permanent reminder of your car trip with your pet by dog-proofing your car. Placing a plastic tablecloth on the backseat can save your upholstery, but the best method is to use a crate.

If your dog is crate-trained, she should be content to sit in her crate for the duration of the ride. Again, movement can be unsettling, so try short trips with the crate before you attempt an all-day drive.

Safe and Secure

You don't want your dog roaming around the car during a trip. It's distracting - you might pay too much attention to her and too little to the road. A crate will keep her in one place and help protect her during sudden stops or, heaven forbid, an accident.

Another option is to install a bar or barrier to keep her in the backseat. Put her favorite toys and a blanket back there, too, so she feels at home. This approach keeps your dog from moving around the car, but it may not protect her in an accident.

Looking for more protection? Get your dog her own seat belt.

In addition, don't allow your dog to hang any part of her body out the window when you're driving. Many owners don't realize the dangers of this. The particles in the air can damage, dry, and irritate her eyes. She could also be seriously hurt if you have to brake suddenly. So no matter how much she whines, keep the windows up.

Break It Up

When you're on the road, take breaks at least every four to six hours so your dog can get out, relieve herself, and drink some water. While you're stopped, keep her on a leash so she can't wander off and get lost. Also, try to keep your dog on her regular feeding schedule, but provide less food because she won't be as active.

No Solitary Confinement

The world's biggest chew toy may seem like a neat roadside attraction, but if your dog can't accompany you, skip it. You should never leave her unattended in the car on hot or cold days. She could end up with heatstroke or hypothermia.

In mild weather, you can leave your dog for very short periods if there's no way around it. Park in a shady area, and leave the windows down partway - a gap that lets her get fresh air but won't let her escape.

Other dangers: Some dogs become territorial in the car and may try to bite passersby. And strangers sometimes take dogs when they're left unattended. So avoid leaving your pet alone even briefly.