Thanksgiving weekend is one of the most highly traveled holidays of the year. Many families pack up the car and plan long road trips to visit distant relatives and friends around the holidays. If you are planning to bring your dog with you this year, here are some pointers and suggested supplies to help make your holiday road trip as successful as possible.

For starters, it’s important to get your dog acquainted with car travel. Take him out, several weeks in advance, for short trips around the neighborhood. Most dogs love car travel, so this shouldn’t be a taxing experience for either one of you. Let your dog know that there’s a reward at the end of each car trip - tasty dog biscuits! Over time, your dog will associate getting in the car with receiving dog biscuits, easing any reluctance he might have about a longer road trip.

No matter when or where you are traveling, it is essential to keep your dog up-to-date on his vaccinations. This is important for his health, and it makes road travel much easier. Your dog must have his rabies vaccine at least 30 days in advance of your trip if you plan to cross any borders.

Should you need to board your dog in a kennel at any time, be sure he has his bordatella vaccines to prevent kennel cough at least 4 weeks in advance. If you’re heading toward the mountains, or anywhere else ticks are present, be sure your dog is protected against Lyme disease.

It never hurts to plan a quick vet check-up before you travel with your dog. Your vet will ensure that your dog is in proper health for traveling and can advise you further on travel safety. Make sure you reward your dog for a successful vet visit with dog biscuits and affection.

Here are some important supplies you should have on hand for any length of road travel with your dog:

Proof of identification. Your dog might become excited or frightened in an unfamiliar place, and the last thing you want him to do is run off! Consider microchipping him, or be sure his tags have current contact information so that you can be reached in case of an emergency. Keep him on a leash whenever you are outside to avoid any problems.

Veterinary records. Should your dog have some sort of medical emergency while you are traveling, it’s very important to have his records on hand if you have to rush off to an unfamiliar veterinarian. Vet records can come in handy at border checkpoints, as well.

Extra food and water. When you’re on the road, you never know if you’ll be able to stop for fresh water or get more of your dog’s favorite brand of food. Air-conditioning can make your dog quite thirsty, and it’s important to keep him well hydrated. Keep an extra bottle or two, plus a bowl, on hand for when your dog needs a drink. Don’t forget his favorite dog biscuits to keep him happy and well behaved.

Favorite blanket and toy. Road trips are filled with unfamiliar sights, smells, and experiences, so it always helps to provide your dog with something familiar from home. This can help reduce stress (which can lead to nausea and diarrhea for dogs) and create a more pleasant driving experience for everyone involved. If his stomach isn’t upset, reward calm behavior with dog biscuits and praise. If your dog was crate trained and you have room in the car, you might want to let him travel in his crate - his safe haven.

Extra leash and collar. Things get lost when you travel, so it’s a good idea to have an extra leash and collar on hand. Your dog should never be off his lead, especially in a foreign place.

First aid kit. In the event of an emergency, you should have a fully stocked first aid kit in your vehicle. Accidents happen all the time, so it never hurts to be prepared.

Remember, even if you’re traveling in cooler weather, never leave your dog unattended in a car. Even with the windows cracked, this is an incredibly unsafe practice that can end in tragedy.

With these essential supplies on hand, you’re ready for a great holiday road trip. Try to reassure your dog frequently when you’re traveling and reward him with dog biscuits. Pack up the car, buckle up, and off to Grandmother’s house you go!