- One of the best things to do with our dogs is jump in the car and go for a drive.
- But whether it’s just for an hour or days on end, you should be prepared for anything that might happen while traveling with your dog.
- From a safety harness and first-aid kit to collapsible water bowl and toys, here are 19 items to stash in your doggy bag for long car rides.
For dog owners, driving around with their best friend’s tongue hanging out the window and ears flopping in the wind is a dream. But even if you’re just driving an hour to your favorite hiking spot or gearing up for a cross-country trip, it’s best to be prepared.
Dogs are a lot like babies in a sense – since they can’t tell us what’s wrong, we (bigger) humans have to figure it out. You wouldn’t leave your house without a diaper bag, so you shouldn’t leave the house without your doggy bag either (and no, I’m not talking about leftovers).
From safety gear like a seat belt and first-aid kit on hand to basic items like a water bowl and toys to keep them occupied, your doggy bag for car rides can never be too full (okay, that one might apply to your take-home container).
Here are 19 things you'll need for car rides with your dog:
A doggy bag to hold supplies
Overland Travel Dog Tote Bag, $42.99, available at Amazon
Keep everything organized in this doggy travel bag with a zippered main compartment, zippered front pocket, and side pockets for water bottles and storage. It also comes with two collapsible bowls, placement, and two 5-cup food storage containers.
A safety harness
Sleepypod Clickit Sport Dog Safety Harness, $67.99 to $83.24, available at Chewy
This safety harness can be attached to most standard car seat belts to help keep your dog safe should an accident occur. The Center for Pet Safety crash-tested this harness and gave it a 5-star rating. If your dog tends to be overly wiggly, it will also keep them in the back seat rather than behind the wheel.
A water bottle designed for dogs
Highwave LeakAutoDogMug LeakTight Mini (2 colors), $16.50, available at Amazon
If you're going on a shorter ride or taking a walk during rest stops, this portable 15-ounce water bottle will keep your dog hydrated - just squeeze water into the attached bowl and hold it while your dog drinks. When you release your grip, the water drains back into the bottle.
An interactive toy to keep them occupied
Outward Hound Interactive Puzzle Toy (3 sizes), $8.47, available at Amazon
Not only will having a toy help keep your dog occupied during long drives, but this one is actually a puzzle to keep their minds engaged as well. You can hide the squirrels (which squeak!) inside the tree trunk and let your pup try to nuzzle or paw them out.
A pack of grooming wipes to keep them and your car clean
Earthbath All Natural Grooming Wipes, $13.49, available at Walmart
These hypoallergenic wipes are a quick and easy way to freshen up your dog's paws and belly after a much-needed bathroom break during long rides.
A first-aid kit for dogs
Rayco Pet First-Aid Kit and LED Emergency Collar, $21.99, available at Amazon
This first-aid kit has all of the necessary supplies like gauze, bandages, gloves, and more. Plus, it comes with a flashing LED emergency collar should you and your pup get stranded at the side of the road.
Read more about this kit in our guide to the best pet safety products.
A cover to protect your seats
4Knines Dog Seat Cover (2 sizes, 3 colors), $59.99, available at Amazon
You want your dog to be comfortable, but you also want to keep your car seats looking and smelling fresh. This hammock allows them to roam the backseat without leaving a hairy mess behind or scratching up the leather.
A roll of waste bags
Earth Rated Dog Waste Bags, $6.99, available at Walmart
Tarō Gomi said it best in his children's book: "Everyone poops" - so does your dog. These waste bags are leak-proof, thick, and easy to use when nature calls.
A tag for your dog's information
GoTags Personalized Stainless Steel ID Tag (2 sizes), $7.95, available at Amazon
If your dog doesn't already have an ID tag, getting one is quick and inexpensive. It's important that their name and your contact information are clearly displayed should your dog accidentally get lost.
A foldable bowl for dry food
Outward Hound Port-A-Bowl Pet Bowl, $2.12, available at Chewy
This foldable, smush-able dog bowl can be stored in something as small as your pocket until it's dinner time. The nylon material makes it both food- and water-friendly.
A collapsible water bowl
Dexas Collapsible Travel Cup with Carabiner, $9.99, available at Petco
This silicone travel bowl is a compact and easy-to-clean option for long car rides. It even comes with a carabiner clip so you can attach it to your leash, doggy bag, or car.
A pet ramp so they can easily get in and out of the car
PetSafe Solvit UltraLite Bi-Fold Pet Ramp, $69.95, available at Amazon
A ramp can make it easier for your dog to get in and out of the car. This is an especially helpful item to have if your dog is in their senior years.
A relaxing treat if they're nervous travelers
Zesty Paws Stress & Anxiety Calming Bites, $29.97, available at Walmart
Some dogs aren't the best travelers and tend to get nervous on long car rides. Zesty Paws offers turkey-flavored chews with ingredients like chamomile to help calm them down. With anything that's edible, you should consult your veterinarian before use.
A stress-relieving shirt
ThunderShirt Anxiety & Calming Aid (7 sizes), from $36.50, available at Amazon
If you'd prefer not to use anything that can be ingested, a ThunderShirt may help calm your dog. Think of this as a weighted blanket for your dog.
A bag of charcoal to help eliminate odors
Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag, $17.95, available at Chewy
Having your dog in the car for long periods of time can result in their scent sticking around in the upholstery. These bags of activated charcoal can help purify the air by removing odors that may be left behind.
A pet stain remover to clean up small accidents
Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Stain & Odor Eliminator, $19.97, available at Amazon
Accidents happen, but it's good to have a stain remover on hand to quickly clean your seats or car floor. This formula also has an odor eliminator which works to remove your pet's scent to discourage another accident.
Read more about it in our guide to the best cleaning products for pet owners.
A durable harness
Hurtta Weekend Warrior Harness (5 sizes), $52.50, available at Amazon
A padded harness that wraps around your dog's body is a safer way to keep your active pup on a leash, instead of the traditional neck collar. The chest and spine are far less fragile than the neck, and a harness can help protect your dog too. This one has reflective prints and piping for safety in low light and a handle on the back in case you need to lift your pup.
Read more about the Hurtta Weekend Warrior Harness in our guide to the best dog harnesses.
A card that lists your dog's medical info
Emergency Medical Information ID Card, $9.95, available on Amazon
Should there be an emergency, it's important for first responders to know your dog's medical information. They can't speak for themselves, so keeping a card that lists allergies, previous conditions, handling likes/dislikes, and more can help immensely should an emergency arise.
A blanket to keep them remind them of home
PetFusion Premium Pet Blanket (4 sizes), $29.95, available at Petco
Keep your dog as comfortable as possible with this plush blanket. Plus, if they're nervous travelers, having familiar scents lingering on the blanket can help calm them down.