Working as a veterinary technician in Myrtle Beach, I have seen just about everything that can go wrong when you include your dog in your family road trip. I have compiled a list of Do’s and Don’ts to help you enjoy your vacation safely with man’s best friend.

Do: Invest in a car safety harness. Several years ago a vacationing client was in a minor fender bender with her boxer in the car. Although the dog was not hurt, the accident scared him so badly that he jumped from the open window and ran loose through traffic on a very busy street. He narrowly avoided being hit and was eventually caught, but the whole experience was made much worse for everyone because the dog was not restrained. Car harnesses have a nylon strap that the seat belt fits through. The dog can sit, stand or lie down comfortably without the risk of injury or escape during a minor accident. Having your dog go missing is scary enough, losing him in a strange city can be devastating.

Don’t: Overdo the fun in the sun. One of the most common emergencies we see in vacationing dogs is heat stroke. Two hours in the summer sun in Myrtle Beach is quite different than two hours of sun in say, Massachusetts. Running and playing on the beach can lead to extremely high body temperatures and organ damage if the dog is not closely monitored. Make sure your pet takes several breaks from vigorous play. Provide lots of drinking water, encourage him to cool off in the pool or ocean, and watch for signs of extreme fatigue or distress. Short muzzled breeds like Pugs and Boston Terriers are at an increased risk for heat stroke, so use caution when taking these dogs to warm vacation spots.

Do: Prepare for the worst. It seems to be Murphy’s Law that those dog owners who pack their vet records, order extra medications, and research local veterinarians just in case, are the ones who never have an issue on their vacation. The pet parents who think nothing could go wrong end up being the ones searching for the local Veterinary Emergency Clinic at 2 am. Do yourself and your dog a favor by familiarizing yourself with the vet clinics in the area, planning ahead for minor issues like car sickness, and carrying copies of the records from your regular vet just in case.

Don’t: Put your dog in unnecessarily dangerous situations. Remember, dogs are not people, and some of our vacation activities can be dangerous for them. I have seen dogs break their legs falling out of golf carts, suffer poisonous snake bites while hiking, and get swept away by strong ocean currents. All of these calamities could have been avoided if the dogs had been left safely at the rental condo or in the family camper.

Deciding to bring your dog along on a family vacation is not a decision you should make lightly. Consider your dog’s temperament. Is he likely to experience stress induced illness from all the changes to his routine? Can he handle the hot weather? Making arrangements for your dog, whether you decide to leave him at home, or choose to travel with him, is an important part of planning your next vacation.