Traveling with your furry friend can be an awesome experience, but it can also be challenging if you’re not well prepared. Whether it’s a long road trip or a quick drive to the vet, having the right car travel accessories in your car makes all the difference while you’re on the road together.
In this article, we’ll provide a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for car travel with your pet. We’ll cover the best car accessories for dogs and tips on how to acclimate your dog to a long road trip and how to keep them safe and comfortable. So whether you’re a seasoned road tripper or a first-time traveler, read on to learn everything you need to know about car travel with dogs!
How Do You Travel with a Dog on a Long Car Ride?
Let’s start with the essential things you need to have in your car if you’re going on a road trip with your dog. What are the must-have car accessories to take with you on a long ride? And where to buy them?
First of all, look for good shops for car accessories. We have prepared for you some tips on how to find the best car travel accessories for your pet that won’t disappoint.
When buying pet products online, make sure they are of good quality and work as advertised. To understand this, check the reviews of other customers and pay great attention to the materials. No matter how luxury car accessories look, they must be safe for your dog. So, for example, when choosing a harness or leash, choose those that are made from strong synthetic fabrics – such as nylon – and have metal hardware. Such accessories can hold a lot of weight and are safe even if your dog is trying its hardest to run away. If you see that the materials look cheap or questionable, your purchase in such a car accessories shop may really disappoint you.
Another tip is to make sure the seller is reliable. Read about the shopping experience of different clients and check the seller’s guarantees for returns and replacements. When looking for the best options on today’s car accessories online market, you are likely to come across something that doesn’t fit your pet or your vehicle. And in this case, it is essential to make sure in advance that a return won’t be a problem for you.
We also recommend paying attention to local American brands of car travel accessories. For example, check out Owleys – a brand of car accessories online in US, California. They have a separate pet travel product line, friendly customer service, and good quality, yet looking luxury car accessories. Based on our own experience, this is the best online site for car accessories among American brands.
Now let’s take a closer look at the essential products that you definitely need to look for in shops for car accessories before your next road trip with your doggie!
Travel Bowls
Consider collapsible food-grade silicone bowls. They are easy to clean and don’t take up much space on the go. Many also have carabineers for easy attachment to your backpack or bag.
Dog Harness
On the road, it is very important to use a harness, and not a regular collar. This is of great importance as harnesses evenly distribute the load on your pet’s body in the event of a sudden braking or turning, or even a car accident. It keeps your pet safe and secure to minimize injury.
Pet Seat Belt
Another essential item to search for in a car accessories shop. And we are talking about a special seat belt that attaches to your car seat buckle like a normal safety belt. Using such a pet seat belt with a harness is the safest way to transport your dog in the car.
Dog Car Seat
Travel bed, pet carrier, dog booster seat, or a backseat hammock – choose whatever works best for your dog and your car. These are must-haves you should definitely look for in shops for car accessories to keep your dog comfortable and restrained on the road, as well as to minimize messes like stains, hairs, and scratches.
Car Organizer
Of course, a backpack works too, but it’s much more convenient to have a special car travel organizer where you can store all the essentials for your pet on the road. Like food and water, vet passport, favorite toys, and so on. Plus, it will come in handy for your other trips.
What is the Best Way to Travel with a Dog in the Car?
After you shop for car accessories for your next road trip with your dog, you’re done with equipment preparation. But you should also know how to properly transport your pet in the car.
There are two most important rules in terms of safety and law:
- Keep your dog restrained
- Keep your dog away from the driver’s seat
So make sure your tailed buddy is safely secured with a harness and a seat belt, and you’re ready to hit the road!
What Should I Do with My Dog in the Car?
How should you care for your dog while on the road? There are several essential points too.
- Keep your car well-ventilated and avoid overheating – it can be dangerous for your pet’s health
- Make sure your dog has enough water and food for the whole trip
- Make stops every few hours so your pet can relieve itself and take a walk (especially if you have a large breed dog)
- If your pet suffers from car sickness, ask your vet about suitable meds and additional support. Keep a close eye on your dog’s behavior and again, make stops as often as possible
- Make sure your pet has enough space in the car to move and rest comfortably
Is It OK to Take a Dog On a Long Car Trip?
Quick answer: yes, but if your pet stays comfortable and safe. So no matter how many useful and luxury car accessories you have, you must ensure your dog is OK.
You don’t have to worry as long as you follow the safety rules we mentioned today and keep your dog comfortable, and well-fed, with enough water and fresh air. Take care of your barking passenger and your road trip will go smoothly and happily!
Like this, let us summarize our article.
We discussed how and where is better to buy car accessories to travel together with your dog. Then we listed the top five essential long-trip car accessories that are definitely worth purchasing. We also discussed the best way to transport dogs in cars to make sure they stay safe and comfortable. Hope the article was helpful for you, and now you’re ready to hit the road!
