Are you planning a road trip this summer? Deciding what to bring for your dog on long summer trips can be a challenge. But don’t worry, we have created this guide that outlines essential items to bring to ensure your dog stays cool, happy and comfortable during summer travel.
Essentials to Bring:
1. Collapsible bowl for water:
These water bowls are much easier to travel with than a regular dog bowl, plus they often include a carabiner for convenient attachment to your bag. They’re also very easy to clean when traveling and dishwasher safe.
2. Stuffed Kong Treats
It’s a good idea to keep your dog busy by offering them enrichment activities during travel. Stuffed Kongs are great for this, even mixing peanut butter and kibble together can keep them busy during car trips, allowing you to focus more on the road. If you’d like some tips on how to best fill a kong treat, We have written a blog on “How to Stuff a Kong Like a Trainer”. We have also published a blog on a “Holiday Stuffed Kong Recipe”.
3. Non Squeaky Dog Toys
We have compiled a list of non squeaky dog toys to keep your dog busy during travel.
- The Kong Tire is a durable toy that satisfies an aggressive chewer.
- The bacon flavored Wishbone is a nylon chew toy that is a good substitute for having a real bone in the car.
Nylabone’s Dental Chews are a great choice for aggressive chewers, as they are designed to survive even the most enthusiastic chewing.
4. Dog seat belt
It’s important to keep your dog safe with a “Dog Seat belt” which will keep them secure during unexpected sudden breaks or sharp turns. It’s very simple to set up as it has adjustable length and a seatbelt clip.
5. Disposal bags and Potty Pads
Since not all rest stops provide poop bags, it’s a good idea to bring your own disposable ones. Consider laying down some potty pads in advance to make it easier if your dog has an accident in the car.
6. Blanket and towel
A comfortable Dog Bed or back seat extender can provide extra space and comfort during the journey. Bringing a blanket will also help your dog stay comfortable while on the road. You may consider bringing a cooling blanket for the summer weather.
7. Dog Carrier
It may be useful to bring a Dog Carrier for your journey, whether they are using it in a hotel, at a stop, or even in the car. We have previously published an article on crate training that you may find helpful before traveling.
We’re here to help
By preparing these essential travel items, you can help ensure your road trip is enjoyable for you and your dog. We have multiple blogs on our “Puppy Training Blog” offering travel and summer weather advice, including “How to Prepare Your Puppy or Small Dog for a Flight” and “Texas Summer Must-haves.” We also have a guide on general “heat safety for dogs”. If you would like help with any behavior or manners training, schedule a free consultation, and we’ll help you with your specific training goals.
