8 Travel Essentials: Everything You Need for Car Rides With Your Dog

Whether it’s taking your new pup on a road trip home, driving across country to move into a new house, or just heading to the veterinarian, if your dog is tagging along on a car ride, you will need to bring along a few essentials to ensure the trip is as safe and stress-free as possible. This means you need to be prepared to handle messes, potential accidents, and be able provide your dog with everything they’ll need during your journey. So, when packing for your pup, we need to take into consideration three things: Safety, Comfort, and Enjoyment.

As dog parents, it is our duty to ensure the comfort and safety of our dogs in all ways possible, including car travel. On the other hand, we want to be relaxed, comfortable and enjoy the ride. For this reason, we have compiled what we believe are the 7 most important travel accessories to make car rides with your dog safe, comfortable...and fun!

1. Dog Car & SUV Divider

A dog barrier keeps pets in the cargo area of the vehicle and away from the driver, avoiding distractions and keeping everybody safe.

Does your dog constantly try to jump into the front seat? Lindsey Wolko, founder of the nonprofit Center for Pet Safety, a consumer advocacy group, sorts essential safety travel gear into two categories: distraction prevention, which keeps the dog out of the front seat, and crash protection.

2. Doggy Seatbelt + Harness

A car harness or seat belt is a safe way to restrain your dog in the car.

They fit just like regular harnesses but are made to withstand the impact of a car accident. It prevents your pet from running around in the car and distracting the driver’s attention.

Some dogs are not good seat belt candidates, however – typically puppies, young dogs, and others who might be tempted to try their teeth out on the seat belt or harness straps. (Reprimanding your dog for chewing his belt comes under the “driver distraction” risk category.) If this sounds like your pup, a different alternative might be best for you.

3. Car seat Cover

Keep your car’s interior looking new with a dog seat cover.

Muddy paws, wet dogs, drool, hair and dander can dirty and damage the upholstery of your backseat. Make sure to protect it with a water-proof backseat cover

4. Thundershirt

Sooth your anxious pup with a cozy calming jacket

For many dogs, car rides are exciting and fun... but for some it can be a scary, anxious-inducing experience. The ThunderShirt applies gentle pressure, similar to swaddling an infant, in order to help your dog feel more safe and calm. It helps to calm in over 80% of cases, and can help your anxious dog with panting, scratching, digging, shaking, hiding and many other symptoms of anxiety or fear.

5. Pet Odor Eliminator

Remove wet-puppy odors from your car

These air purifying bags effectively remove and fight odors and freshen up every corner of any space: home, car, office. You can also place them in your shoes, refrigerator and cabinets or in any furniture or wherever needed.

They are made with 100% natural bamboo charcoals so they are safe for the whole family including your furry friends. It’s fragrance-free and chemical-free.

6. Dog Paw Washer

Keep dirty paws off of your car upholstery

Muddy paws no more! The MudBuster helps clean your pet's dirty paws before they track them all over the back of your car. Just insert the muddy paw, do a twist, dab the paw dry, and repeat. They are perfect for trips to the park, walks, hikes and more..

7. Kong (Frozen Peanut Butter Inside)

(The peanut butter is essential)

The rubber toy provides mental stimulation and distraction during a car ride. Encouraging your dog to stay busy during travel by offering a delicious, long lasting treat, we are inevitable reducing the anxiety and mental stress that car rides bring to your pup.

8. Car Detailer for Pet Hair

Remove deeply embedded pet hair from your car upholstery and carpeting

Here are some non-essential items that although did not make it to the list, can still improve your dog's travel experience: -Washable blanket -Portable food and water bowls

-Calming CBD treats

-Car Booster Seat

-Interior Door Protector

-Car stairs

-Handheld vacuum

-Temperature Monitor