This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. One of the biggest debates in the dog community is what food you should feed to your dog. Between raw, kibble, canned, and homemade, the variety of dog food options is endless and it can …
This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. It’s no secret that Amazon is the perfect one stop shop for everything you could ever need, and supplies for your dog are no different. Whether you’re looking for enrichment toys, tasty treats, or even …
This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own.
A couple of years ago I was on the way home from the vet with my Siberian Husky, Luna, when we got stuck in stand still traffic due to an oil spill in the road. We ended up stranded on the road, in a storm, for over 2 hours-it was traumatizing to say the least. Since that day, I’ve made it a point to always make sure I have essentials in my car for not just me, but my dog too. Whether your dog travels in your car with you frequently, or only on a rare occasion, it’s important to be well prepared should an accident happen. Today, I’m sharing 10 car essentials for your dog that you can get on Amazon.
A car seat cover is a must have for dog owners, especially those with excessively shedding pups or for adventurous outings. Nobody wants their car seats covered in dog hair or muddy paw prints! A car seat cover is an inexpensive way to keep your seats (mostly) clean after a car ride with your pup.
The hammock style is perfect for containing all of your pups hair and other mess to one place. It straps to both the back and front seats, keeping it in one place and not letting your dog get underneath it to dirty up your floor mats!
No matter how well behaved your pup is in the car, if you were to get into an accident, your dog could suffer the consequences if they are not properly restrained. Dogs can become projectiles in the vehicle and could seriously injure you or yourself should they go flying.
A seatbelt, or booster seat for little dogs, is a great way to keep your pup safe in the car. While it may limit their freedom a bit, it would be worth it should you get in a wreck.
Note: A crash tested crate is another great way to keep your dog safe in the car if you have the extra room to set one up.
One of my biggest concerns when Luna and I got stranded in traffic for 2 hours that night was that I had no way to give her any water. In most cases you’ll probably be able to go through a drive thru and get your pup some water if necessary, but in standstill traffic that isn’t a possibility. Getting water to your pup would also be a concern should your car breakdown or if you got lost in the middle of nowhere.
Now, I always make sure to have travel water bowls and an extra bottle or two of water in my car with me-just in case.
Anytime you’re traveling with your dog you should have a pet first aid kit accessible. You never know when your dog will suddenly become sick or injured and you don’t want to be trapped without the necessary supplies. You can put together a DIY dog first aid kit on your own, or buy a pre-made one online. Having a first aid kit for your pup is sure to give you peace of mind!
Having at least one extra leash that you stash in your car is great should your dog need an emergency potty break or chance to stretch their legs. Even if your dog has a reliable recall, and doesn’t typically need to be leashed, doing so in new areas is smart to prevent disasters. Even the most well trained dogs can get distracted, and it would be awful to lose your dog in an unknown environment because they got distracted while using the bathroom.
It’s also a good idea to keep an extra collar in case your pups breaks or goes missing and a slip lead for emergencies.
In the horrific event that you’re in a tragic accident with your dog, you’ll want the police and any other first responders to be able to properly care for your dog. Having an ID tag on them with their name will allow officers to gain your pets trust quicker. It’s also smart to carry vet information and emergency contacts on a card in your car.
There have been several times where I’ve taken Luna out for an adventure and she’s found a nasty puddle or stream to get wet and dirty in. Tracking that gross water, dirt, and other grime into my car would be less than ideal so I always keep a towel or two and some grooming wipes to clean her up quickly before letting her in.
These will also come in handy should that pup cup you got them go right through them…trust me, I know from personal experience…
Most people tend to keep poop bags attached to their dogs leash but I always seem to run out right when I need them most. This is why I keep extra poop bags in my car for those on the go emergencies.
Keeping a bag of treats and a couple of fun toys in the car is great for long road trips, unexpected traffic, or days when your pup is feeling more antsy than usual.
If your dog tends to be nervous in the car, having high value toys and treats that they only get in the car is a great way to get rid of that nervous energy and redirect it onto something more fun.
Everyone deserves to be cozy in the car, especially on long trips! Your dog will definitely appreciate you for keeping a cozy blanket, bed, or pillow in the car just for them.
What is your number one essential car item for your dog?