Keeping your pet safe on vacation.

• Position: YOUR LIFE

Each year, millions of pets accompany their families on vacation. Nationwide's Veterinary Pet Insurance Co., Columbus, Ohio, reminds pet lovers that the key to a safe vacation for our furry family members is preparation.

To spread awareness about the potential dangers pets face during a trip, VPI sorted through its database of more than 525,000 insured pets to determine the most common travel-related pet injuries and their average cost for treatment: vomiting or diarrhea from motion sickness ($226); heat stroke from pet left in car ($575); bruising or contusion from sudden car stop ($224); sprain from jumping out of car ($185); foreign object in nasal cavity from inhaling debris while head out of car window ($406); and laceration from being hit by debris while head out car window ($329).

VPI encourages people to plan ahead with these travel tips to ensure that pets are safe during summer excursions:

* if traveling by car, secure your pets with a safety harness or well ventilated carrier to restrain them in case of a sudden stop or accident.

* Never allow your pet to hang out the window. Opening it just a few inches will allow your pet to enjoy the breeze safely while lessening the risk of inhaling debris or being struck by any objects. This also will prevent any temptation your pet may have of jumping out of the car.

* Feed your pet a smaller meal before your trip to prevent an upset stomach. Also remember to carry plenty of water to stave off dehydration.

* Bring your pets' toys to accompany them during travel. The familiar smells can help comfort them and keep them occupied.

* Never leave your pet in a car unattended. Even with the windows cracked, temperatures in a car can...