10 Incredible Must-Have Items for Traveling with Dogs — Get Ready For A Fantastic Trip With Your Furry Friends!

If you’re the proud parent of a beloved fur-baby, we know you probably want to take your dog with you everywhere you go. (So do we!) But we also know that traveling with dogs in a car isn’t always easy, especially if you don’t have the right supplies!

That’s why we’ve compiled a master list of must-have things for a big adventure with your best, furry friend.

Before you go on a road trip with your dog, you’ll want to gather these basic items first:

The Bare Necessities

• Enough food and water for the entire trip 
• Treats (more on this later!)
• Dog poop bags
• A leash
• Your dog’s favorite toy or bone – it’ll be comforting when he’s surrounded by new sights and smells
• A current photo of your dog – in the event you get separated, you can easily show it to people

However, for the optimal Florida road trip with your dog, you’ll want to bring additional supplies to make your life easier and to keep your fur-baby happy and safe. Here are some of our favorite items to have on hand when our puppies join us on an adventure.

Hot Diggity Dog! — Doggy Sunscreen 

With their snuggly, fur coats, it’s easy to forget dogs can get sunburnt, too! Especially in the hot, Florida sun. Protect your dog’s skin, just like you protect yours. 

This doggy sunscreen is the only FDA-compliant pet sunscreen. It offers SPF 30+ protection, has a non-greasy formula that doesn’t feel oily on your dog’s fur, and it’s blended with a conditioner to keep their skin and coat moisturized and shiny while protecting them. It even has a relaxing scent, so unnecessary or unfamiliar smells won’t stress your dog out. It might even help them chill out during your journey.

Highwave Auto Dog Mug 

Sure, you can always travel with a regular bowl for watering your dog, but they can be inconvenient and spill easily. This squeeze bottle option won’t spill or tip over, and it’s easy to keep your dog’s water clean, fresh, and close at hand. It fits 20 ounces of water at a time, so you won’t have to constantly refill it. It keeps your dog’s water safe from contaminants and spills, and it’s BPA-free! Because your dog deserves water that’s free of chemicals.

The bottle fits into any standard car cup holder, so it’s always close at hand while you’re on your adventures. If your pup’s getting thirsty, just ask your co-pilot to grab the bottle and give it a squeeze where your dog can access it. Your pup can take a drink, then have your co-pilot release the squeeze so the water can return to the leak-free bottle. Easy peasy! And it’s easy to use one-handed or while you’re multitasking.

I love that it also has an adjustable hook and loop strap that can be tied around your waist, attached to your backpack, or hooked onto your belt. That makes it easy to carry around while you’re on the go, no matter where you’re headed.

Cleansing Pet Wipes 

You’re probably not planning on getting your dog dirty while you’re on your trip, but vacation has a way of never going according to plan. Protect your car’s interiors and keep your dog comfortable and clean by keeping these wipes on hand. If your pup finds a mud puddle, gets caught in the rain, or has a messy meal, just pull out a wipe to clean him off! They’re alcohol-free and use natural cleaners that won’t bother your dog’s skin.

Joyride Harness and Seat Belt Combo

This recommendation is actually two products designed to be used together: the Joyride No-Pull Dog Harness and the Joyride Harness 2-in-1 Leash with Seat Belt Combo. This set is one of our must-haves whenever we are traveling with dogs in a car!

The pet harness fits super comfortably and doesn’t pull or strain, unlike a regular collar and leash setup. And it comes in a variety of sizes and cute colors, so you can match your dog’s outfit to her personality.

The 2-in-1 leash doubles as a seat belt, so if you end up in a car accident, your dog will be safe from the impact. And it’s long enough for them to wander around the car and get comfy.

Seat Cover 

I love this seat cover because it keeps puppies comfortable and safe in the car (while also protecting the car’s upholstery from little messes and accidents). The quilted texture is soft and comfy, so your pup can lounge and relax. It also helps to keep small dogs from finding dangerous nooks and crannies (like crawling underneath the car seats or climbing into the front seat).

The convenient side pocket is an ideal place to store treats and small toys so they’re always on hand. And the mesh viewing window lets you keep a close eye on your dogs while they’re in the back seat – and lets them keep you in sight, so they know they’re safe and in good hands.

Pet Stroller 

This stroller is an absolute must-have when you’re spending a long day out on the town with a small dog in tow. We especially recommend it if you have multiple dogs and one of them is on the smaller side. It makes it way easier to manage multiple dogs at once. And when the little one tires out on long walks or adventures, you don’t have to carry her!

Play Toys that Dispense Treats

Toys are vital for traveling with dogs as you need to keep your dog entertained on long car rides. Familiar toys can also serve as a bit of a security blanket for anxious dogs who don’t love being in the car. I recommend Kongs and the West Paw Zogoflex Toppl Toy Puzzle. 

You can stuff them both with treats, toss them in the back seat, and let your beloved pup entertain himself while you focus on driving. Having more than one kind of feeder toy ensures they’ll stay entertained and won’t get bored, no matter how long you’re in the car.

Fido’s Florida: A Dog-Friendly Guide to the Sunshine State 

This handy guide is all about traveling with dogs in tow in Florida. It gives helpful info about finding dog-friendly accommodations, doggy daycares in the area, restaurants where your dogs are welcome, and more! It also has vital information about pet stores, 24-hour emergency vets, and specialty dog food suppliers (in case you need to unexpectedly refill your food stash or, god forbid, your pet gets injured and needs a vet immediately when you’re in the middle of uncharted territory).

While the internet is full of helpful travel information these days, you don’t want to have to stop your trip and turn to Google for help every time you want to make a quick stop. Having this book along with you keeps all this information at your fingertips. 

It can also be a handy guide to help you plan your trip. It’s full of dog-friendly fun like sidewalk cafes, stores, and beaches where you and your dog are both welcome.

Play it Safe!

Make sure your dog’s ID tags are up to date with your current address and contact information before you embark on your adventure. If something happens and your dog gets lost, you want it to be as easy as possible to track him down and get him back home safely.

What are your must-haves for traveling with your dogs? Let us know in the comments below!

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Photo: Unsplash

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