Summer isn’t summer without a vacation, and there’s no better time of year to bring your dog along for the fun. As you plan the great getaway, whether it’s a weekend visit or a two-week camping extravaganza, make sure that your pets’ needs are covered and plan for ways to make the trip comfortable for them.

We’ll focus our tips on car travel, since that’s often the most popular way to travel with dogs. Keep in mind that every dog – and every trip – is unique, so use these ideas as guidelines. If you have specific concerns or questions about your pet’s health or ability to travel, a visit to a holistic vet might be in order before you hit the road.

* Plan for meals and snacks. You take the time to make dinner reservations for yourself, so it’s equally important that your pup’s meals are scheduled, too.  Bring enough food for all the days you’ll be gone, plus at least two extra servings, just as a precaution. Sojos is freeze-dried, making it light and easy to carry – a 2 lb. bag will actually give you 12 pounds of fresh food! This is the easiest way to keep up a raw dog food diet on the go – all you need to do is mix up a meal’s worth of Sojos and water in a separate container or bowl and wait about 15 minutes for the food to rehydrate. No need for a fridge or freezer. Bring along a small bag of treats as well – maybe for a mid-hike snack or reward for good behavior. Keep in mind that you should have treats and food securely stored – in a zipped bag or other closeable container – so your pup won’t break into the supplies.

* Try to curb carsickness. Like humans, some dogs don’t feel well when they’re in the car. If your pet is prone to stomach upset, there are a few things you can do to try to help him. In the weeks leading up to your vacation, take your dog on short car rides in your area. Make your destination a nearby place where he can have a positive experience, like playing fetch at the park. While that might help him overcome nervousness, other solutions can help to deal with stomach upset. Ginger (one of the ingredients in Sojos), crushed peppermint leaves and ground fennel can all help to settle his tummy. You can also find scented oil diffusers that plug into your car – add a few drops of peppermint oil and the scent could help your dog – and maybe even you – feel better.

* Check pet policies. You’ll need to find out which accommodations welcome your pet, but it’s also a good idea to check tourist sites and even stores for pet-friendliness so that you don’t have to worry about making him sit in the car.

* Pack a first-aid kit. Getting out and about is a key part of summer vacation, but bumps and scrapes can come along with the territory. Make sure you have a pre-packed first-aid kit for your dog, with items like gauze, bandages, non-adhesive pads, tweezers, scissors, wound cleaning solution, a thermometer and more. A holistic vet can provide you with advice for treating things like insect bites, hot spots or allergic reactions.

With a bit of forethought, it’s easy to bring your dog along for the ride as you enjoy your summer vacation. A well-planned trip with your pet is almost certain to be an easier trip, and one you’ll both enjoy.