But be careful: not all dogs like to ride in the car. For some four-legged friends, driving a car means fear and stress. They will react in panic, do not want to get in or bark or howl while driving. Some dogs get nauseous, which in turn makes them even more stressed the next time.

Dogs that are afraid should get used to the car slowly and carefully. First of all, the dog should learn to associate the car with something positive. You can bring the dog close to the car, and later also into the car, and reward this with treats. Under no circumstances should you force the dog to do anything. Only when the dog jumps into the car or motorhome without stress should you take short trips.

Traveling in a dog carrier must also be practiced. It is best to put some food in the open box at home in the familiar surroundings. The dog is supposed to go inside and get the reward. Repeat this a few times until the dog really likes going into the crate.

For dogs that get nauseous, you should ask the vet for advice and clarify whether travel tablets might help. In this case, dogs become more relaxed from trip to trip because they learn that they will no longer feel sick. You may then be able to omit the tablets because the dog has got used to relaxed driving. In any case, it is important not to feed the dog before driving.

Every dog ​​owner is obliged to adequately secure his dog in traffic. According to the Road Traffic Regulations, animals are considered to be "cargo" that must not impair road safety. Therefore, dogs should only be taken safely in the motorhome. Unsecured dogs can become projectiles in the event of unforeseen braking maneuvers or rear-end collisions and be thrown through the car, a considerable danger for both the animals and the people in the front seats. In addition, insurance companies can refuse to provide benefits in the event of damage if the dog was not adequately secured.

There are numerous belt systems in pet shops that can be used to fix dogs on the seat. Dog transport boxes are even safer, although it depends on where the box is placed and how it is fastened. The size of the dog crate should be chosen according to the size of the animal. The dog should sit upright, turn around and lie down relaxed. But the dog crate should not be so big that the dog is tossed back and forth when braking heavily.

Immediately before the trip you shouldn't feed your dog, but let him drink plenty of water. This is especially true for the four-legged friends, who get sick easily. Make sure that it does not get too hot in the car and plan long journeys on summer days in the early morning or late evening hours. Take regular breaks with your dog, at least every two hours, so that they can drink, do their business, and stretch their paws. Even if you know the pictures of dog snouts in the open car window: do not expose your dog to drafts! Head wind can easily cause conjunctivitis.

Baggage for a dog includes:

• correct passport
• Leash and collar or harness (with name tag, holiday and home address) and - if necessary - muzzle
• Documents of the dog owner's liability insurance and insurance number
• Poop bags
• Tweezers, tick tweezers
• Food (no change of food during the holiday, many dogs are sensitive to it and get diarrhea)
• Food and drink bowl
• Water bottle for on the go
• Basket, blanket, towel
• Toys
• First-aid kit from the vet (e.g. remedies against fleas and ticks)
• If necessary, chewing bones
• If necessary, brush, comb