10 Road Trip Essentials for Your Dogs

Warm weather is perfect for road trips with your canine buddy, and there’s nothing like going out with your dog every weekend. But safety comes first, and if you don't want to get sidetracked with an unexpected visit to the vet because of an emergency, you have to carry the right kind of gear in your car.

In today’s article, we’re looking at ten road trip essentials for your dog, most of which are to keep your pet safe, sound, and comfortable at all times.  

All of your dog’s veterinary records 

This is perhaps the most important thing that you have to bring along. Depending on the length of your trip or the distance you’re going to drive, you should take your dog’s full vet records with you or just some proof that he or she has been vaccinated.  

Vaccination records are necessary even when you take your pooch to a public park because you can’t know what might happen and whether or not your mate is going to want to defend you and could risk biting or scratching someone. 

If you don’t want any legal trouble, you can show that person that your dog was vaccinated against rabies, for example.  

A pet first aid kit 

This is another important addition to any road trip that you want to take with your canine buddy. You can use the usual first aid kit which you might have in your car, but a pet first aid kit usually contains extras such as a canine first aid manual or a soft muzzle.

A seat belt attachment 

If you want to make sure that your pup remains safe and comfortable throughout the ride, you simply have to use a seat belt attachment. The Rufus & Coco Seat Belt Attachment is capable of keeping your dog secure, and it’s also compatible with the majority of car models out there.

A comfortable harness 

Harnesses are much safer and more comfortable, especially when compared to collars. They don’t run the risk of pulling on your dog’s neck and potentially damaging his or her trachea. 

The Rufus & Coco Soft Mesh Harness is designed to be fashionable, breathable, as well as easy to put on, so it works perfectly for both yourself and your pooch. It’s also available in a wide range of sizes and colours, from pink to black.

The right lead 

An adjustable and comfortable lead can make all the difference if you have to take your dog out for a walk every couple of hours or so during your trip. The Rufus & Coco Mesh Multi Purpose Lead is flexible, lightweight, and secure, and its length can be conveniently adjusted, making it more efficient to use.

A highly visible collar 

Even if you tend to use a harness for walking your dog, a collar can still come in handy in certain situations. For example, our Light Up Collar is durable and water-resistant, but the best thing about it is that it comes with LED lights, so you’ll be able to see your mate even if you walk him or her at night.

Poo bags 

Your dog will eventually have to 'do its business’ even on the road and even if you make sure to stop in the middle of nowhere, it’s still common sense to pick up after your canine companion instead of leaving the mess for someone to find.

The Do Good Poo Bags + Holder is your best ally when it comes to bathroom breaks. The Poo bags are made from corn starch, so they are eco-friendly and they break down in less than a year in the landfill. They’re tough enough not to let anything escape, too. The best part is that it comes in a stylish poo bag holder that's easy to clip around the dog lead.

Cleanup essentials 

There are many things that can go wrong when you go on a road trip with your mate, so you want to make sure that you have as much cleaning gear with you as possible.  

If there’s an ‘accident’ in the car, like vomiting, peeing, or pooping, you will need our Bamboo Wipes and our award-winning Wee & Stain Away. These two products can get rid of the mess and they don’t contain any nasty ingredients whatsoever, so they’re perfectly safe for your dog.

If, at any given time during the trip, you find yourself needing to clean or groom your dog, you can try out our Water Free Wash (which is a water-free grooming powder) or the Bone Dry Chamois, which can dry your pet’s coat in case he takes a bath in a lake or river.

A dog ID tag 

While some dogs can be quite anxious when it comes to being in the car for hours on end or when they go to strange places, others can quickly adapt to new surroundings and might want to go and exploring the area immediately.

For these potential escape artists, you'll need a Dog ID Tag. Rufus & Coco's dog tag is easy to engrave in and is made of high-quality materials. It also lets you include your contact details on the back so that other people can easily get in touch with you in case they find your dog.

Your dog’s favourite treats and gear 

Good, high-quality, and safe treats can always come in handy, especially if your dog is feeling nervous about getting in the car.  

Some pets can associate the experience with going to the vet, so they aren’t going to feel particularly excited about the car ride. A favourite toy, blanket, or treat can make them feel more at ease.

Collapsible bowls

A collapsible bowl can come in handy even if you’re not taking a road trip with your dog. Water is essential in keeping your dog properly hydrated and comfortable, especially on long trips and hot weather. Most of these bowls can be collapsed so that they look like thin discs and won't take up a lot of space in your backpack.

Whether you have everything on this list or not, the most important thing of all is to enjoy your best friend's company and ensure that you make tons of happy memories!