Essential gear for road trips with your dog
Planning a road trip with your dog? Discover the must-have gear to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for you and your furry friend.
By Jessica Palmer,
December 23, 2024
It wouldn’t be much of a road trip without your best friend by your side, right? But much like travelling with kids (okay, it’s a bit easier than travelling with kids), road trips with your dog require some preparation to keep both you and your furry friend comfortable. Here’s a list of 10 must-have items to make any road trip with your dog a smooth and safe journey.
#1. Half-cargo barrier
Designed to be installed on top of your drawer system, a half-cargo barrier keeps your dog safely confined to the back of your vehicle, preventing distractions while driving and protecting both passengers and pets in case of sudden stops.
Why it’s handy for road trips with dogs:
- Enhanced safety: restricting your dog’s movement minimises distractions, allowing you to focus on the road.
- Passenger protection: in the event of sudden braking, it prevents your dog from being thrown forward, reducing the risk of injury to both your pet and passengers.
- Seat protection: creates a barrier between your potentially muddy and/or stinky best friend and your nice car seats.
- Comfortable space: creates a designated area for your dog, helping them feel secure during the journey.
#2. Door pockets
Keep dog treats, leashes, and other essentials within easy reach with a set of universal door pockets from 4WD Interiors. These door pockets can be installed just about anywhere in your vehicle: inner doors, rear panels, you name it.
Why they’re handy for road trips with dogs:
- Organized storage: keeps all your dog’s necessities in one place, making it easy to grab items when needed.
- Maximises space: utilizes door space efficiently, freeing up other areas in the vehicle.
- Quick access: allows you to retrieve treats or toys promptly, which can be helpful for rewarding good behaviour or keeping your dog entertained.
#3. Fold-up food/water bowl, food bag and dog poo bag dispenser set
The Navigator three-piece travel buddies set includes a collapsible dog bowl with a waterproof liner (so it can also be used as a drinking bowl), a dry dog food bag that will hold up to 8kgs, and a dog poo bag dispenser. All three items can fold or roll up for easy stowing when not in use.
Why this set is handy for road trips with dogs:
- Comprehensive kit: includes containers for food and water, as well as a dispenser for waste bags, covering all basic needs.
- Portability: designed for travel, making it easy to feed your dog and manage waste on the go.
- Hygienic: keeps food and water clean and waste bags readily available, promoting cleanliness during your trip.
#4. Fold-up dog travel bed
This Navigator dog bed from Outback Equipment not only provides your dog with a comfortable place to rest and sleep but folds up into its own bag for easy storage just like your camp chair does.
Why it’s handy for road trips with dogs:
- Comfort: gives your dog a familiar and cozy spot to relax, reducing anxiety in new environments.
- Portability: easy to fold and carry, making it convenient to set up at campsites or accommodations.
- Cleanliness: keeps your dog off the ground, protecting them from dirt and insects.
#5. Dog puffer jacket
Keep your dog warm on those chilly nights with a Cape Zeus doggy puffer jacket from Anaconda. This dog jacket is made with a water-repellent material that will keep your doggo dry, cozy and warm.
Why it’s handy for road trips with dogs:
- Warmth: provides insulation against cold temperatures, ensuring your dog stays comfortable on those cold winter nights.
- Five different fits: from sizes XS to XL, it will allow a snug and comfortable fit no matter what size your dog is.
- Protection: shields your dog from wind and light rain, adding an extra layer of protection against the elements.
#6. Treat-dispensing chew toy
Keep your dog entertained during long drives or at the campsite with a treat-dispensing chew toy. The Zee Dog Wishbone from Anaconda is a durable toy for medium to large dogs. The textured surface helps to clean your dog’s teeth, and for added fun for your furry friend, it’s scented like bacon.
Why it’s handy for road trips with dogs:
- Mental stimulation: engages your dog’s mind, helping to alleviate boredom and potential bad behaviour during long stretches in the car.
- Prolonged enjoyment: dispensing treats slowly keeps your dog occupied for extended periods.
- Dental health: chewing can help clean your dog’s teeth and promote healthy gums.
#7. Folding dog ramp
Assist older or smaller dogs in getting in and out of the car or caravan with a dog ladder. The Furbulous folding dog ramp from Big Box Store is suitable for dogs up to 40kg, is lightweight and extends out to 1.5 metres in length. When not in use, it can be folded down to 43cm x 40.5 cm x 25.5 cm for easy storage.
Why it’s handy for road trips with dogs:
- Accessibility: makes it easier for dogs with mobility issues to enter and exit the vehicle without strain.
- Injury prevention: reduces the risk of injuries caused by jumping from high surfaces.
- Ease of use: foldable and lightweight, making it convenient to use and store during travel.
#8. Dog buoyancy aid
Keep your four-legged companion safe on the water with this dog buoyancy aid from Red Equipment. Ergonomically designed to keep them in a positive swimming position in the water, this doggy life jack is available in five different sizes to cover all breeds.
Why it’s handy for road trips with dogs:
- Safety: provides flotation support, keeping your dog safe during swimming or boating activities.
- Visibility: its bright red colour makes it easier to spot your dog in the water.
- Confidence: helps older dogs or dogs who are not strong swimmers feel more secure in the water.
#9. Snug Rider mat
The Snug Rider Mat from Car Mats Culture is an easy-to-clean and comfortable solution to letting your furry friend ride in the back seat. Dirty paws are no match for this mat, which can be hosed off or wiped clean with ease.
This mat is a universal design and as such, is not designed to be a perfect fit. But rather, it’ll provide plenty of coverage for your back seat to protect it from dog hair and dirty paws.
Why it’s handy for road trips with dogs:
- Seat protection: guards against scratches, fur, and dirt, keeping your car interior clean.
- Comfort: provides a comfortable surface for your dog to sit or lie on during the journey.
- Easy maintenance: made from material that is easy to clean, ensuring hassle-free upkeep.
#10. Mirror Critter air freshener
Let’s be real. It doesn’t matter how clean your dog is, he/she still smells like a dog, especially after a swim or downpour. Keep your car smelling fresh with this novelty Mirror Critter air freshener.
Why it’s handy for road trips with dogs:
- Odour elimination: helps neutralize pet odours, ensuring a more pleasant road trip for creatures of the human kind.
- Compact and convenient: Easy to hang or place in the car without taking up space.
So there we have it: ten essentials for your next road trip with your dog. In addition, make sure you bring along all of your dog’s usual medications so you don’t get caught out. And as that he/she will most likely meet other dogs on your travels, it’s best practice to keep up with your regular worming, flea treatment and vaccinations to keep them healthy on the road.
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