How much water should I give my pet during a car trip?

­Left to their own devices, cats will snack anywhere from 12 to 20 times per day [source: National Research Council]. Dogs, on the other hand, eat more in one sitting and will usually consume only one or two larger meals [source: National Research Council]. But when traveling, limit feeding to when the car is stopped. It isn't a good idea to feed a dog or cat food while your car is in motion because it promotes nausea. In a worst-case scenario with a queasy pooch, ice chips are a soothing, hydrating reliever [source: Helperin]. Over-the-counter stomach aids for pets can also help.

In the same way that people sip on water in between mealtimes, your pets like to do the same thing. During car trips, your dog or cat should have ready access to fresh water. How much should you bring along? T­here isn't a magic amount of water that's perfect for every animal. On average, dogs drink around 1 ounce (29 milliliters) of water per pounds of body weight every day [source: Covert]. Cats, on the other hand, lap up less water. To every gram of dry food, they drink only 0.06 ounces (2 milliliters) of water [source: National Research Council]. Rather than trying to calculate a precise figure, eyeball how much water your pet goes through in a normal day at home. Take that quantity -- and a little extra just in case -- to last for each day. Without adequate water, pets are more prone to becoming constipated and overheated.

When you're traveling for many days or weeks at a time, you may not wish to lug gallons of water around for your pet. However, avoid giving your pet tap water from the locations where you stop. Tap water in different places can upset their stomachs, like when you switch their food brands or formulas too suddenly. Instead, take enough water from home or bottled water to last a day or two, and gradually integrate local water into the supply. If you stick with bottled water, offer your pet the same brand throughout your trip to avoid any stomach irritation.

Just as there isn't an exact amount of water you should take for your pet, there also isn't a specific number of times you should give it water. The best idea is to carry a travel water bowl or dispenser so that the pets can drink whenever they need to. Proper hydration for your pet is particularly important if you're traveling during the hotter months. Even if the temperatures outside aren't sweat-inducing for you, they could be making your pet very uncomfortable. As a rule of thumb, if it's colder than 55 degrees Fahrenheit (12 degrees Celsius) or hotter than 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsuis), pay extra attention to your pet's comfort [source: Acker].

Traveling with a pet can give you a satisfying sense of companionship. But unlike doing so with a human friend or family member, your pet can't exactly request a pit stop or a swing through the nearest fast food joint. Plan ahead for your furry traveler's nutritional needs and pack plenty of its food and water for the journey. Build in time for walks and exercise. After all, if the journey is destination, you want it to be pleasant for everyone involved.