Pack 2x the waste bags you think you need
You don’t want to be that person that sees their dog poop and then doesn’t pick it up. I promise you will be glared at, and if that doesn’t motivate you well… it’s just unsanitary not to. Also, double up if (for whatever reason) the trip is extended.
Bring enough dog food for at least 3 extra days
Dog food is certainly something you don’t want to be without. I feed my pup raw food so I know I will not be able to feed her if I don’t pack enough food, but packing 3 extra days’ worth provides a nice buffer to figure out how to get more. If you are packing kibble you can buy at a chain pet shop, then 3 days may be excessive, but better safe than sorry.
Portable bowls ftw
Leave the fancy bowls at home and take the simple and collapsible bowls with you. They are easy to store in car doors for quick rest stops. This one comes with a lid so you don’t have to stop and pour the water out while hydrating your fur baby on the road!
Dog bed and blanket
If your dog has a bed and/or a comfy blanket they use then keeping that with you while you travel could help put them right to sleep. I put mine in the back seat and my pup cuddles up right on it and passes out. It also acts as a booster chair (because small) so she can see out the window!
Practice safety first
You’ll want to secure your pup properly by using a doggy seatbelt or a crate. I use a doggy seatbelt and tether it to the headrest of one of my back seats. It provides my pup enough room to roam around.
It also helps to know that she won’t fall through the window while enjoying the doggy breeze.
A crate will also work, but make sure to secure it to the seat so that your buddy won’t be tossed around in the event of an accident.
Basic water wipes and a paper towel roll
These are probably useful for more than just your dog! haha, I pack these for those quick stops where your dog needs to get out, do their business, and jump right back in the car. I first wipe her paws with wet wipes to remove/loosen up the dirt, and then I grab a piece of paper towel and finish the job. The paper towel is KEY to preventing muddy footprints from covering your back seat! Make sure the wipes don’t have any alcohol or sanitizing on them that could dry out or cause an allergic reaction for your dog. These are the ones I use.
Pack a familiar friend
Pack a toy your dog likes but that you don’t mind losing. Often on road trips we pack up the car to the BRIM and lose or damage things in the process. Avoid packing your dog’s BEST friend and just go with a familiar one so that if it goes missing, it won’t break your heart.
Road trip treats!
Road trips can feel endless sometimes, and packing good snacks always helps. If your dog doesn’t get car sick then treats could be great to help reward them for their good behavior on the trip. Plus, you’ll probably want to take them with you to your destination anyway!
For your dog’s road trip separate some treats to have them within reach during the car ride.
Leash, of course!
As you take breaks so your dog can go to the bathroom you’ll most likely need to walk them using the leash.
If your dog takes up a lot of space in your car, check out my post The Bag That Allowed Me to Nomad In a Civic! I hope this was helpful and that you have an amazing road trip with your dog!
Ana,
Of course! Thanks for stopping by!