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Road Tripping With Your Dog: 15 Vet-Approved Essentials

Written by: Jessica Kim

Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by Nicole Cosgrove

brown long coated dog on car seat

Road Tripping With Your Dog: 15 Vet-Approved Essentials

VET APPROVED

Dr. Karyn Kanowski Photo

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Karyn Kanowski

BVSc MRCVS (Veterinarian)

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more »

When you think of road trips, you may have the image of a dog sticking their head out of a car window and enjoying the breeze. Many dogs love car rides, and dogs often make the best travel companions. They usually would love nothing more than to spend all day on the road with their favorite humans.

Road trips can be fun and memorable experiences for both dogs and humans, but they do require some extra planning when pets are involved. To make the planning process easier for you, we’ve compiled a list of essential supplies you’ll need to enjoy a safe and stress-free road trip with your dog.

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The 15 Essential Road Tripping Supplies

Food & Feeding Supplies

1. Portable Food Bowls

Dexas Popware for Pets Double Elevated Pet Feeder

Having a set of durable travel food bowls makes all the difference when road-tripping with dogs. These types of food bowls are easy to clean and are often collapsible so that they don’t take up too much space in your car.

We recommend the Dexas Popware for Pets food bowl set because it keeps your dog’s food and water bowls all in one place. The set is just 0.2 inches thick when collapsed and is dishwasher safe. So, it’s easy to clean, and you don’t have to worry about keeping track of multiple bowls while you’re traveling.


2. Dog Water Bottle

Highwave AutoDogMug Portable Dog Water Bottle

It’s important to keep your dog well-hydrated during your travels. A dog water bottle ensures your dog has easy access to water, whether you’re on the road, camping, or taking a break at a rest stop.

The Highwave AutoDogMug Portable Dog Water Bottle can hold up to 20 ounces of water. It comes with a water bowl that attaches to the top of the bottle. When you squeeze the bottle, water will gather in the bowl, and your dog can drink from it easily. This bottle also comes with a convenient strap that enables you to clip it to bags or carabiners.


3. Portable Mini Fridge

AstroAI Mini Fridge

A portable mini fridge is a must if your dog eats wet or fresh dog food. It’ll ensure that your dog’s food stays fresh while you’re on the road and significantly reduce the risk of food poisoning. Mini fridges come in several different sizes, but most should be able to hold a few days’ worth of dog food.

The AstroAI Mini Fridge is an excellent choice for road trips. It has a compact design and comes with a car adapter so that it can continue to run while you’re driving.

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Treats & Toys

4. Dog Treats

Full Moon Natural Cut Chicken Jerky

Part of the fun of road trips is snacking while you drive. So, make sure to pack your dog’s favorite treats so that they can join in on the fun. Dog treats can help turn road trips into positive experiences for your dog and can be used to keep them near you while you’re out exploring new areas.

Full Moon Natural Cuts Slicked Chicken Jerky is the perfect road trip treat for dogs. It’s made with all-natural ingredients and contains limited ingredients. Your dog won’t even give your own snacks a second glance when they’re munching on these tasty treats.


5. Plush Toy

KONG Cozie Baily the Blue Dog Toy

Road trips are often easy for dogs because they can spend up to 50% of their day sleeping and 30% of their day loafing around. It’s usually not that difficult to have dogs keep still inside your car if they’ve gotten some exercise beforehand. Many are also content with having the windows down occasionally throughout the drive.

Your dog may appreciate having a plush toy as a travel companion. They can snuggle with the toy or play with the squeaker if they’re bored. The KONG Cozie Baily the Blue Dog Toy is a great travel companion, as it’s both extremely soft and durable. It’s the best playtime and napping buddy.


6. Calming Chews

Zesty Paws Calming Chews

Some dogs may feel a little anxious on their first road trip because it’s a brand-new experience for them. Calming chews can help them stay relaxed as they get used to driving for longer distances.

Zesty Paws is a reputable brand known for making all kinds of supplements. These calming chews contain natural ingredients that have calming effects, such as ashwagandha and suntheanine. It also comes in a tasty peanut butter flavor that dogs enjoy eating.


7. Nausea Medicine

Pet OTC NausX Medication for Motion Sickness for Small Breed Dogs

Some dogs may feel motion sickness if they’re in the car for too long, so it’s helpful to bring nausea medicine with you on road trips. Just make sure to consult your veterinarian before giving your dog nausea medication, as it can interfere with other types of medication or have side effects.

NausX is one of the most common nausea medications for dogs. It has fast-acting ingredients and can help prevent nausea when taken 30 minutes before driving. It can also provide up to 6 hours of comfort and has an odor-free formula.

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Travel Safety Supplies

8. Car Seat Belt

SunGrow Cat & Dog Car Leash Elastic Seat Belt

Car seat belts are essential for long road trips. You never know what type of terrain your car will drive over, and seat belts will ensure your dog stays safe in their seat. They’ll also reduce distractions for you while you’re driving so that you can focus on the road and get to your destination safely.

We recommend the SunGrow Cat & Dog Car Leash Elastic Seat Belt & Restraint because it’s extremely durable and comfortable for dogs to wear. It has adjustable nylon straps that fit most small to medium-sized dogs. It also has an elastic bungee that absorbs shock and allows your dog to shift from sitting to lying down with ease.


9. Car Seat

HDP Car Deluxe Lookout Booster Car Seat

Car seats are beneficial for small to medium-sized dogs. They keep dogs in a safe enclosure and prevent them from falling off their seats. Dog car seats come in several different designs. Some are made with mesh, while others have more cushion and are made with softer material.

The HDP Deluxe Lookout Dog Booster Car Seat is a safe choice for most dogs because it has a see-through design that gives dogs a clear view of their surroundings. It has a sturdy metal frame and a plush mesh padding that will keep your dog both safe and comfortable. It also has a safety strap that attaches to any type of harness or collar.


10. Dog Travel Bag

Mobile Dog Gear Week Away Tote Pet Travel Bag

While dog travel bags can be expensive, they’re definitely worth the investment if you plan to travel with your dog frequently. They keep all your dog’s travel supplies in one place so that you don’t have to worry about losing any items while you’re on the road.

The Mobile Dog Gear Week Away Tote Pet Travel Bag is a great example of a high-quality dog travel bag. It has space for two food bowls and lined carriers that you can use to store food and treats. There’s also plenty of extra room for water, toys, and other pet supplies.


11. Poop Bags

The Original Poop Bags

It’s important to bring a few rolls of doggy poop bags on your road trip. Along with picking up after your dog, they can serve as last-minute storage bags or disposable bags for any trash that accumulates in your car.

Because poop bags get used up so frequently, we recommend choosing eco-friendly varieties that are made with recycled materials or are biodegradable. The Original Poop Bags Compostable Dog Poop Bags are an excellent eco-friendly choice. These large, durable bags are made with plant-based material and also have handles that make tying easy.


12. First Aid Kit

Kurgo First Aid Kit for Dogs & Cats

You know the old saying, Always Be Prepared, and that goes double when it comes to safety. You wouldn’t take a road trip without your medications and a basic first aid kit, and that should apply to your dog too. You can create your own kit, or there are numerous ready-made kits available to buy. The Kurgo First Aid Kit for Dogs & Cats is a great basic first aid kit that won’t take up a lot of room in your bag or car. If you plan to take your dog on adventurous trips and long hikes,it might be worth investing in a kit with a wider range of materials, but this one is a good starting point.

Just make sure you always have a supply of any medications your pet is on, your vet’s contact information, and the number to poison advice hotlines.

Pet Poison Helpline:

855-764-7661

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center:

888-426-4435

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Grooming & Cleaning Supplies

13. Paw Wipes

Hepper Wash Wipes

You never know what kind of mess your dog may get into during a road trip. So, it’s absolutely worth bringing a pack of paw wipes on your road trip. Having paw wipes will help your car stay clean and free of any dirt or mud that gets stuck on your dog’s feet.

We recommend the Hepper Wash Wipes because they can be used to spot-clean any part of your dog that gets dirty. They’re made with a soft and durable material that picks up dirt from your dog’s paw easily. The formula is also made with moisturizing ingredients to prevent dry skin and irritation.


14. Dry Shampoo

Hepper Waterless No Rinse Pet Shampoo for Dogs and Cats

It’s unlikely you’ll have quick access to a bathtub when you’re on the road, so it’s important to bring dry dog shampoo with you. While dry shampoo won’t deep clean your dog, it can help keep odors at bay, especially if they’ve rolled in something smelly.

The Hepper Waterless No Rinse Pet Shampoo has a powerful yet gentle formula that deodorizes and freshens up your dog’s coat without irritating it. It’s free of harsh chemicals and has a pH-balanced formula that moisturizes and nourishes the skin and coat.


15. Hairbrush

BOSHEL Dog Hair Brush

Bringing a hairbrush will prevent mats and tangles in your dog’s coat and remove any dirt and debris. Brushing your dog during a road trip will also reduce the amount of hair that gets stuck in your car seats.

When traveling, you can save space by bringing a 2-in-1 brush. The Boshel 2-in-1 brush has a pin brush on one side and a rubber surface on the other side. The rubber surface has nubs that pick up loose dog hair from car seats and clothes.

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Conclusion

Investing in high-quality dog travel supplies will make a huge difference on your road trip with your dog. They make traveling much easier, and the best kinds of dog travel supplies will help you save space while keeping your dog safe. Being as prepared as possible will help reduce stress and allow you to be in the moment to create fun memories with your dog. So, make sure you set aside time to plan ahead with gathering your essential dog road trip supplies so that you and your dog can enjoy many happy days on the road together.


Featured Image Credit: Jimmy Conover, Unsplash

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