I know in the summer many of us like to pile the whole family into the car and take road trips. For many of us the whole family includes a furry, four-legged child. Of course, this can be problematic because some dogs, like some humans, get car sick. As cute as the phrase “puppy puke” may sound, it’s not cute at all. Fortunately we have a remedy for road tripping with Rover – even if Rover doesn’t like the road.

Veterinarian Brent Cook says driving with your pet doesn’t have to make you or your mutt miserable. He says the cure takes nothing but a combination of time and patience.

So, here are some steps on how to help your pup.

Step One– Take your dog out in the car and sit in the car with them. Read the newspaper, do something where you’re not even moving.

Step Two– After a week of sitting in the car with your pet drive back and forth in the driveway. You will slowly be desensitizing your dog to the motion of the car.

Step Three– If step two doesn’t lead to a mess, give them treats, a Kong, or a chew so they know the car is a good place.

Step Four– Go for short trips – a mile or so – and do that for a week or two.

Step Five– If your pet likes to get in the car and go you should be able to hit the road with his head out the window and tail wagging.

One more thing: If you even think about leaving your dog in your car while you hit a rest stop, I will personally come and kick the crap out of you. According to the Humane Society, even on a mild day temperatures inside a parked car can top 120° in a matter of minutes – and that’s with your windows cracked. Pets are family members, so be sure to treat them at least as well as you’d treat your human relatives.