Too often, we see people traveling with their pets without the proper items. There are some important items that should be in your car if you’re a dog owner.
Do you know for certain that if you head out on the road with your pet, you won’t be in an accident? You don’t, and it’s important that you think about the safety of your dog the same as you would the safety of a child when you’re out on the road. While you won’t put a dog in a car seat, there are some things you need in your vehicle.
1. A Doggie Seatbelt is Great for Small Dogs
If your furry friend is under 25 pounds, a small dog seatbelt is perfect for your pet. Most likely, you’ll ride along with your dog’s harness on them. Many of these seatbelts are small and attach directly to the seatbelt in your car. This gives your pet the benefits of a real restraint rather than wandering all over the car. This can help keep them from distracting you and give you the peace of mind desired.
2. Some Dogs Travel Well in Crates
If you have crate-trained your dog at home, putting a crate in the rear of your vehicle for them to ride in should be pretty easy. This is a great way to keep your pet safe while you’re on the road. This could be the most important item in your car when you’re a dog owner. The size of the crate required is determined by the size of the dog. Some states require a carrier or crate in your car.
3. Bring Along a Dog Water Bottle
Your dog will get thirsty on a road trip. They don’t always know how to tell you they need a drink of water, but you should make sure they have plenty of water during the trip. A dog bowl allows your pet to slosh water around, but a dog water bottle has a small rubber bowl on top to give them a great place to drink from without creating a large mess. If your pet sits in one of the seats, you can offer them a drink while on the road.
4. Keep a Pet-Oriented First-Aid Kit in Your Car
You never know when your dog will need some care from a cut or injury while on the road. Keep a first-aid kit with items that are right for your dog in the car. This is an important item in your car when you’re a dog owner. You never know what could happen when you head out on the road. This means you should be prepared to attend to your dog’s injuries if they should happen.
5. Put up a Barrier to Keep Your Dog in the Rear
Riding in a car with a dog can be distracting to you while you’re behind the wheel. This can become a problem, and you don’t want to add to the distractions that are already in front of you. Put up a rear seat barrier that will keep your pet from jumping up to the front seat while you’re driving. Some owners will put their dogs in the cargo hold of an SUV and erect a metal grid barrier that turns the entire cargo space into a large crate for their travels.
6. Bring a Collapsible Dog Bowl Along During Your Drive
This should be easy to understand when you want the right items in your car as a dog owner. Of course, instead of carrying their home bowl, buy a collapsible bowl that holds a little food at a time so that your dog can have something to eat while on the road. Your stops along the way can be a great time to feed your furry friend and let them relax with you.
7. A Portable Dog Paw Washer Will Keep Your Car Cleaner
The pet hair on the seats might not bother you, but if you take your dog for a walk or part of your travels is to let them enjoy your hiking adventures, you need this item. A portable dog paw washer allows you to clean your dog’s paws before letting them back in the car. This is an important item for keeping your car free of the mud and gunk that gets into their paws while on the trails.
8. Rubber Floor Mats and Waterproof Seat Covers
Your car is a large investment, and you love your dog, give them both the best you can. Put down some rubberized floor mats and cover the seats with waterproof seat covers that will keep your car protected when you’re out on the road. If you’re going on some adventures, these are the best items for in the car of a dog lover. You don’t want to feel bad that you took your best furry friend out in the wilderness when you have to clean up your car. Protect it and have a lot of fun together.
9. Booster Pet Car Seats are Great For Small Dogs
Large dogs have a hard time fitting into car seats, but there are many booster seats that are great for small dogs. If you’ve got one of the smaller breeds, one of these seats could protect your pet from harm while on the road, like a baby in a car seat. Strap your pet in and let them be safe with you.
10. Ensure Your Dog Has Identification Tags
This last item isn’t something you keep in your car as a dog owner, but something your dog should have on them at all times. If you’re in an accident and your dog gets loose, you want them to be able to be returned to you if someone finds them. It’s hard enough to deal with the challenges of a car accident; you don’t need to face the loss of your pet as well.
Use these tips and keep the right items in your car as a responsible dog owner. Once you do, you’ll be ready for some fun and adventures with your dog by your side.
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