Some dogs leap with excitement at the jingle of car keys, and some quake in terror until the car ride is over. Either end of the excitement spectrum can cause stress for the driver who has enough to worry about with traffic and navigation.
Luckily, there are some items available that can improve the doggy car ride experience, reduce any messes, and make your dog feel more at ease.
Whether your dog loves or hates car rides, here are five items that can make for a safer, more comfortable, more relaxing drive for both of you!
1. A Dog Car Safety Belt
One of the top safety recommendations–and laws in many states–is for drivers and passengers to buckle their seat belts. So of course, you should do the same for your dog!
The Dogit Care Safety Dog Belt clips into your car’s seat belt buckle to secure your dog safely in the back of the car. The device is designed to clip into a dog harness, not a collar, so make sure you bring one with you for the car ride.
Also, while the device is adjustable, it works better with some car types than others. So you may want to confirm it will work with your car before ordering.
2. A Bucket Booster Pet Seat
Another option for a doggy car restraint is this booster pet seat. This neat contraption comes with loops to secure the bucket seat to your car seat, as well as straps to attach to a dog harness to keep your pet secure. Again, be sure to bring the harness with you on your car ride.
This may be a better option for dogs who need or prefer a bit more containment. The zippered cover is machine-washable, for easy upkeep, and the bucket seat is very cushy, so your dog can relax and even take a nap during the drive.
K&H Pet Products has two different sizes to choose from, based on the size of your dog.
3. A Waterproof Car Seat Cover
While we love our four-legged companions, surely all of us have had concerns about them scratching seats or instilling “Eau de Wet Dog Parfum” into a seat after a visit to a beach or muddy area.
This soft, quilted seat cover is waterproof and easy to slip onto any car seat design. It’s also machine-washable, so you can wash any mud or scent right off. BarksBar has two different sizes to accommodate different vehicles.
It can really come in handy if your dog tends to get car sick or have accidents during rides. Just take the cover off and throw it in the wash!
4. An Air Purifying Bag
If you’re worried about any odors from doggy drool, wet fur, etc., then this air purifying bag might be the simplest solution out there.
Made from bamboo charcoal, this bag from Moso Natural both purifies and dehumidifies air in a way that’s non-toxic, all-natural, and fragrance-free. The bag will last you up to two years, and you can refresh it every month by simply placing it in the sun.
5. A Portable Dog Water Bottle & Bowl
I love having water available to my dog whenever she might need it, especially when it’s hot out or we’re on a long car trip. You should always bring along fresh water for your dog on your travels to keep them hydrated.
This Highwave portable bottle with a built-in bowl makes it easy to offer your dog water at any time with no waste, as the water goes back into the bottle once you’re done squeezing it.
Does your dog like car trips? Are there any products you wouldn’t consider taking a car trip without? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Related Articles:
- Dog Seat Belts: Is It Okay For Your Dog To Ride Shotgun?
- Dog Car Sickness: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, & Prevention
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