11 Dog Road Trip Essentials to Keep Your Pup Healthy and Happy
Go on an adventure with your furry best friend.
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Ready to hit the road? There's nothing quite like taking a long scenic drive and ending up in a new place for a few days of adventure. Do you know what's even better? Taking your furry best friend with you! Of course, just like you have to pack your favorite travel outfits and snacks, you also have to do so for your pup. In fact, it can be argued that it's even more important to have dog road trip essentials ready to go since they rely on you for food, water, shelter at all times.
As you plan your trip, first consider where you're going to make sure each stop is dog friendly and what their rules are: hotels, parks, even restaurants. Then, consult your dog's veterinarian. Make sure all of their vaccinations are up to date and carry their records with you. Ask about motion sickness and anxiety medications if necessary, and before you go ensure their microchip info is up to date. Then you can start to pack for the road trip with your dog!
Here, you'll find travel versions of many items you may have at home like dog beds and food bowls. But these versions are more convenient to carry with you: They're either compact, collapsable, or are designed specifically for a car. There are also safety precautions like seat belt hooks and first aid kits to make sure they stay out of harm's way. Combined, these road trip essentials will help keep your dog happy and healthy, no matter where your destination leads you.
More ways to care for your dog:
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Hydration is key! Among other ways to keep your dog cool, make sure your pup has access to fresh drinking water with a portable bowl. The Highwave AutoDogMug fits into standard car cupholders and works simply by squeezing the bottom with one hand to fill up the top. It's also easy to carry on your wrist or attach to their leash when you go on adventures.
If dogs could speak, they would probably tell you that food is the most essential. If you buy a collapsible dog bowl, you don't have to worry about it clanking around and taking up space when it's not in use. This one even comes with a cover so you can fill it ahead of time if you're taking a short trip.
With all that eating comes the responsibility of picking up after your pup. Make sure you have a supply of bags on hand so they can take care of their business. This brand is biodegradable so it won't add unnecessary waste along with the er... other waste.
It's always a good idea to keep dog ID tags up to date, but especially when you're about to go somewhere unfamiliar to you or your animal. Make sure their IDs have your current contact info just in case you get separated. Bonus: These tags are made of silicone so that don't make that constant jingling sound.
Being away from home means being away from your pup's vet and possibly any animal hospitals nearby if you go off the beaten path. Keep a first aid kit designed specifically for pets in your car for emergencies with items like bandages and tick removers.
You might have podcasts and roadtrip playlists to keep you occupied, but your pup needs something to pass the time, too. Make sure to bring their favorite toy to chew and snuggle with between naps. You might want to stay away from something squeaky, unless you're so used to that sound that it doesn't bother you!
Not all dogs need a seatbelt. But if you want to be extra careful with a pet not comfortable in a car or a hyperactive pup, having a harness that buckles into a seat can be helpful. Then you can easily clip their leash to the harness when they're ready to be let out! Remember, different places have different leash laws so make sure you have one.
They'll have a lot of time for naps, so why not give them a comfy place to lay down? A travel dog bed can hook into the seats to stay put and then you can take it out for them to sleep when you reach your destination. Extra credit: It will keep your backseat clear of fur and dirt!
Dogs are bound to get dirty, but getting them groomed professionally may not be easy when traveling. Keep some hypoallergenic grooming wipes with you for their paws and another area that might get a little messy. They help control odor, too!
Who's a good doggo? Your furry companion, that's who! Make sure you bring along a treat to reward them for doing so well in the car. If they happen to be anxious, check out calming treats with active ingredients to soothe their nerves.
If your dog needs to be crated, lugging around a hard version can be a pain. Look for a soft-sided crate that's collapsible when not in use for easy storage. Then just pop it open when you need it! It comes padded for extra comfort so it's a safe space and a nice bed for them at the same time.
AnnMarie Mattila is the Senior Editor for The Pioneer Woman, covering a wide range of topics from food and cooking to home, beauty, style, and more.
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