Whether you are planning a weekend full of hiking or going on a road trip to the beach, taking your dog when you travel can add to the fun. If you decide to go on a trip with your dog, there are certain travel products for dogs that you should have as they will make the whole trip experience for your dog safe, fun, and easy. In order for you and your canine companion to have a great trip, wherever the destination, here's a guide that will help you pack the dog travel essentials.
Dog Crate
When looking for a safe place for your dog to be while you both travel, you need a practical large wood dog crate. Many dogs may find riding in cars highly stressful and it may cause fear in them. It is an unfamiliar, bumpy, weird and noisy environment where they have no control. The large wood dog crate provides a feeling of safety and security for dogs, and this is what makes it a travelling essential product. So, if your dog has a crate, he will gladly ride in it in the rear of your vehicle.
Not only for the dog, but a dog crate is also beneficial for the driver as well. A loose dog in a car can be a very dangerous distraction for the driver if he is free to climb around. Plus, if there is an accident, even in relatively low-speed crashes that normally wouldn't pose much danger, a loose dog can cause real injury to the passengers and the driver as well, especially if you have a large dog breed and it slams into you from behind.
No matter your pet's life stage, containment is always useful. For instance, when you have a full house, the crate can help calm your dog's nerves by providing a space he can retreat to. By providing a crate, he learns to see it as his own special place, where he goes to get away from things for some peace and quiet, to relax and sleep in peace. Containment also comes in handy when you're not home to supervise. Wooden dog crates can be perfectly integrated into your home decor for a permanent containment solution.
Aside from travelling and using it at home, wooden dog crates are also ideal for attending shows and events, recovering from surgery, and crate training.
Seat Cover
Whether it's a simple trip to the vet or a cross-country road trip, any dog owner knows that taking your furry friend for a ride also means dealing with a potential mess afterwards - pet hair, muddy paw prints, slobber all over the car seat, etc. It certainly won't bother him, but it could bother you. Therefore, you should bring along seat covers for your car. This way you will keep him cozy, but you will also keep your car clean. A car seat cover can also help to make the bumps and turns more comfortable for your dog. This means no more falling into the floor of the back seat after a sudden brake, jumping into your lap, or potentially causing an accident.
Food and Drink Travel Accessories
It's essential that you always have a water bowl for dogs when travelling with your pet friend. He has to have clean, germ-free water that won't spill. You can either choose a regular travel bowl or a water bottle. With the first option, you will have to set up the bowl and pour water into it, while the second one is a one-handed hydration system. You just have to fill the bottle with water and then just squeeze it. The bowl on the top will be filled with water for your dog to drink, which makes this a more practical option.
Such regular bowls are also used for food. You have to have a food dog with you and just pour it into the travel bowl when it's mealtime. Also, don't forget to pack plenty of treats for rewarding your dog for good road trip behaviour.
Dog Barrier
If you noticed that your dog has a tendency to jump into the front seat from the back seat while riding, you have to consider purchasing a dog barrier. It will prevent your dog from being able to jump into the front, but it will still provide flexibility in the back seat. Choose a barrier with a mesh design that will allow air conditioning or heat to flow through.
How do you install a dog barrier in a car? This barrier attaches to the front seat headrest and either around the car seat frame or the seat belt mount.
Dog Travel Wipes