We, dog lovers, know that there are a lot of things to take into account when it comes to owning one.
One of those things is knowing what you might need when taking your lovely pooch on a road trip or even just a relatively short drive.
Some factors that we should consider include:
- Safety. What can we do to ensure our furry friends stay safe in the car and on the road with us?
- Entertainment. How do we ensure they are occupied while keeping our eyes on the road?
- Comfort. We want our four-legged friends to be as comfortable as we are (or even possibly more!)
- Medical. We all know that accidents can happen, so it’s always best to be prepared.
There’s a lot to think about, and quite a lot that you may have not thought about initially.
For this reason, we’ve compiled a list of items that will help keep your pup as comfortable and happy as possible while spending time in or around your vehicle.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best dog accessories for cars. Ready? Let’s go!
Dog Seat Cover for the Car
The first item on our list of the best car accessories for our cunning canines is the ultimate in convenience, protection, and comfort all rolled into one.
Dog seat covers will not only protect your car’s interior from accidents but will also keep your furry friend from leaving paw-prints on the seat.
It does this by placing a barrier between your dog and the upholstery, which can be removed for washing or replaced entirely if necessary.
Some things to look out for when shopping for seat covers for your pet include whether they are:
- waterproof
- easy to clean (are they machine washable?)
- easy to install
Pet Hammock/Cargo Net
As we know, pet safety is just as important as human safety. Believe it or not, a pet hammock is a great way to provide your dog with comfort while keeping them in one place.
Most of us know what a hammock is, and this type of hammock is usually attached to the front and rear seats via a few straps.
The purpose is to keep your dog restrained but comfortable in the rear seat area of your vehicle so that you don’t have to worry about them distracting you while driving.
Dog Raincoat
Even if your dog gets excited every time they see rain clouds in the sky, you don’t want to force your pet to get drenched in the rain while doing their business.
Why not put a dog raincoat on them?
A dog raincoat is perfect for these types of weather conditions. Like a regular raincoat, it provides protection from the elements while still allowing your pooch to perform their “business” as normal.
Dog Seat Belt and Harness
Aside from the aforementioned hammock, a car harness is a great way to keep your dog secure and comfortable while you’re driving.
The right type of harness will take all the worry out of taking your pup along on a road trip! Just make sure that the harness you choose is compatible with your dog.
There are several different styles of car harnesses, so be sure to look for one that suits your pet’s needs.
Dog Food and Water Bowl
One of the best things you can do to keep your dog comfortable when you travel in the car is to bring enough food and water for the duration of your trip.
There are special bowls designed to fit snugly in either a cup holder or the floorboard of the car, but you can also use items that you already have at home – just make sure they’re clean!
Soft Dog Travel Crate
The Soft Dog Travel Crate is another great accessory to have when you’re on the go with your pup.
This type of dog crate is made of soft, lightweight material that’s easy to store and transport. It also comes with a comfortable carrying strap, making it perfect for trips by car or plane.
These soft dog crates are usually collapsible, making them easy to set up or store aways in seconds – perfect for last-minute emergencies.
Back Seat Dog Bed
The Back Seat Dog Bed is a great way to keep your furry friend comfortable while you’re driving.
These beds are made of soft, durable material that’s designed to keep your dog warm and cozy.
They can come with a built-in leash attachment, so you can keep your dog close by while you’re on the go.
Additionally, they are usually supplied with a dog seat belt that keeps the bed in place, plus they are easy to clean.
Dog Booster Seat
Another great way to keep your dog safe and happy while you’re out and about is the Dog Booster Seat.
These car booster seats keep little dogs off of floors while keeping them secure in place.
It’s made with durable, non-toxic plastic that also works as a shield between your pet and the front seats. It’s also easy to clean and comes with a storage bag for convenience.
Portable Dog Travel Bottle
These portable dog travel bottles are designed for dogs on the go.
They are usually made of durable, BPA-free plastic that’s easy to clean and refill. These are basically like human water bottles, but with extra attachments to allow your dog to access them easily.
Your Dog’s Favorite Toys
It’s important to keep your pet entertained when you’re out and about. This is especially true if you’re taking a long road trip with your furry friend.
Distractions can help make the experience easier for everyone! Keeping your dog engaged will also ensure that they don’t get bored, which could lead to negative behaviors such as digging, chewing, and scratching.
The best way to keep your pup entertained is by bringing along their favorite toys.
Just make sure that the toys you choose are safe for use in a car. Toys made of rubber and fabric are typically the best choices because they can be easily washed and won’t fall apart or break open while you’re traveling.
Dog Cooling Mat
Your dog will love dog cooling mats on hot summer days. This car accessory features a cooling gel that keeps your pet cool and comfortable while you’re both on the go.
The cooling gel is activated by movement, so the moment your dog gets themself comfy they will begin to feel the cooling effects.
It’s designed to fit perfectly in most cars, so it won’t slide around or take up too much room. The mat is also reversible for extra convenience, plus it comes with an adjustable strap for easy attachment.
Hair Remover
Hair removers are designed to help you remove any excess hair that has found its way from your pet to your car seat and floor.
Very easy to use and they come with a built-in hair remover comb that works to remove even the finest hairs so they won’t clog your vacuum cleaner when it comes to cleaning your car interior.
Dog Car Ramp/Staircases
Dog ramps and staircases for cars are an excellent way to help your pup safely enter and exit your vehicle, avoiding any injuries.
If you have a senior or disabled pet, or if your dog has difficulty climbing into your car, then investing in a dog ramp could save them from discomfort or potential accidents when entering the car.
Most ramps are designed to fit cars of all sizes, so you’ll never have trouble using them with your ride.
Pet Snacks
Treats and other snacks are a great way to keep your dog engaged and happy.
When it comes to snacks there are loads out there, but we think it’s important to try to go healthy and ensure that they are appropriate for use in the car.
Airtight food storage
A must-have for pet owners. These containers help keep your dog’s snacks fresh and prevent any messes in case anything spills.
They’re also designed to be highly durable, so they won’t break or crack with regular use.
Unscented dog wipes
Pet wipes can be a great way to keep your dog clean and fresh on the go.
The most important thing is to choose wipes that are designed for use around the face and paws – these delicate areas may be irritated by harsh chemicals or residues from other types of wipes.
In case anything spills, make sure you have plenty of these disposable cleaning cloths nearby.
There’s a wide variety of wipes on the market today, but for a quick and easy cleanup, it’s best to select simple one-step wipes that you can use anywhere without having to rinse or wash anything afterward.
Disposable gloves
We recommend including a pair of disposable gloves with your pet supplies, just in case.
As we know, dogs can bite and scratch and it’s also important to protect your skin (and your pet’s skin) from irritations and infections.
Gloves can also help you keep your dog clean if the need arises. Plus, if something does spill, they can help you safely remove the mess with your hands covered in plastic.
Disposable gloves are also an excellent addition to your car accessory kit if you’re cleaning up after your dog in a public place.
Microfibre dog towel
Keep your dog’s face and paws clean with a microfibre towel that absorbs water quickly.
These towels are also designed to dry very quickly, so you can pack them up and take them out as needed during your trip
Poop Bags
You may find that you need something to safely pick up your dog’s waste. Actually, this is very likely…
To mitigate this, make sure to get poop bags. The best ones are thicker and more durable than standard plastic bags.
Pet First Aid Kit
One of the best accessories you can have in your car, especially on long road trips.
Pet first aid kits are essential to help patch up your dog if they are unfortunate enough to have a minor accident. You won’t regret it.
The most common injuries usually involve lacerations, strains, and sprains. So be sure to include plenty of bandages, sterile gauze pads, wraps, pain relievers, ointments, tweezers for debris removal, scissors for cutting clothes and bandages, and antiseptic towelettes.
Even better if you know basic canine CPR and first aid in case your pet requires immediate help.
Sunshades
Sunshades for car windows can offer UVA and UVB protection, so you don’t have to worry about your dog’s eyes or skin if they like to sit near the window for extended periods of time.
Pet Dog barrier
If you want to keep your dog from distracting you or climbing all over the car’s interior, consider a pet barrier.
These dividers help keep pets secure and separated from drivers and passengers, so everyone can concentrate on their road trip as safely as possible.
Conclusion
By investing in these must-have car accessories, your pet will be safe and comfortable all while keeping the vehicle clean and organized. Plus, if anything goes wrong on the road, you’ll always know exactly what to do!
