25+ Useful Essentials You Need for an Epic Road Trip With Your Dog

Dogs are the best travel companions, especially on long road trips, but you must be adequately prepared to keep your fur baby healthy, happy, and safe.

When COVID happened, and the world stopped, the winner in our home was our dog, Razor. He had a lap to sit on, and someone to wrap him up in a fleece blanket and give him treats all day long.

The result of this life change was that we all became more attached if that was even possible. So, of course, when it came time to plan our getaway, he would be involved.

And we learned that a pupcation is the best kind of vacation.

Ready to plan? I have some crucial advice for you and 25+ useful essentials you need for an epic road trip with your dog.

Plus, a packing checklist, of course.

Affiliate Disclosure: There are affiliate links throughout this post. This means if you click on a link and purchase a product through that link, then I will receive a small commission for the referral. And that is kinda cool.

Crucial tips when planning a road trip with your pet.

#1 ~ Know your pet. Is he going to be thrilled to spend hours with you in your car, hang out in a strange room, hike trails where raccoons might be lurking? Or is he going to be terrified the entire time? If so, consider doggy daycare or staying with a friend while you explore the world.

#2 ~ If he is anxious in the car, or if he thinks every time you put him in the car, he’s going to the vet, try this. Take him for a few fun rides, reward him with a fun day in the park, the pet store for a new toy or treats, or pick up the kids from school. Then he gets used to getting in the car for something fun and doesn’t associate the ride with shots or that other stuff they do to him at the vet.

#3 ~ Know where there is a vet on your route and near where you are staying ahead of time. And bring copies of vaccines and medical records, just in case.

#4 ~ Make sure you have an ID tag and consider a microchip before you travel.

#5 ~ Go to this website, http://www.bringfido.com, for loads of updated information and customer reviews on pet-friendly lodging, restaurants, parks, and trails worldwide.

Start with these essentials for your doggie’s first road trip.

• Food for the week ~ Always pack extra (you want to keep your pup on the same diet as at home to avoid unnecessary tummy upset).
• Water ~ Again pack more than you think you need so you can keep your pup well hydrated.
• Treats ~ Lots of treats for the best boy ever.
• Bowls ~ I pack ours from home because they are familiar. But, there are plenty of smart travel bowls for food and water, including this collapsible travel bowl.
• Poop bags ~ Be responsible and clean up after your pet.
• Pee pads ~ They are in a strange environment and our routine, no matter how much you try to make it like home. Accidents will happen. Add a few pee pads around the lodging and hope they get the message if there is an emergency. These are washable.
• Familiar snuggly blanket.
• A few toys from home.
• ID tag ~ Have you pup wear his ID tag with an updated phone number and consider a microchip for your pup.
• Extra collar and leash ~ In case it’s misplaced or breaks, you will be happy you packed an extra.

Health and hygiene essentials for the road trip with your pup.

Doggy First Aid Kit

Buy a Pet First Aid Kit or DIY.

Here is what you should include in your doggy first aid kit. Pack it all in a large ziplock.

• Gauze, Coban (self- stick wrap that doesn’t use adhesive), cotton balls.
• Tweezers, especially if you plan to hike in the woods where the ticks hide.
• Routine medications.
• Antiseptic wipes.
• Instant ice pack.
• Saline Rinse.
• Penlight.
• Thermal blanket.
• Pumpkin for tummy issues.
• Sunscreen.
• Pet safe insect repellent.
• Pet emergency pocket guide.

A few other things health and hygiene essentials you need:

• Vaccine and other Medical Records.
• Brush.
• Shampoo.
• Toothbrush.
• Nail Clippers.
• Pet grooming wipes.

Safety essentials for road-tripping with your BFF.

• ID Tag.
• Bring a picture of your dog or make sure you have one on your smartphone camera roll if he decides to wander off.
• Extra collar and leash in case of loss or if it breaks.
• Crate.
• Restraining seat belt or carrier while in the car.

Adventure gear for your hiking, paddle-boarding, camping, ride-or-die pup.

• Doggie Life Jacket ~ If they’re joining on the kayak, stand up paddleboard, the rapids, or the fishing boat, protect them with a bright colored life jacket.
• Pet Booties ~ Protect their tender paws from the snow, hot pavement, and the mud in these non-slip booties.
• Pup Travel Backpack ~ Comfortable, safe, and fun for hiking with a tiny dog. Not suitable for Golden Retrievers or German Shepherds. But perfect for Italian Greyhounds.

Miscellaneous, but still important essentials for keeping you and your pet healthy, safe, and happy on your road trip.

• Nature’s Miracle Stain and Odor Remover is a necessity when traveling. Pee, poop, puke, it all happens, and you need to be prepared to clean up messes on a carpet, the tile, furniture, and fabric. And in the car.
• Travel Crate ~ Many dogs feel safe and cozy in a crate, especially if it is the crate they are familiar with. If you can’t bring their crate from home, here are a few travel-friendly crates to consider from Amazon.
• If you know your pet has anxiety issues, travel with a thunder shirt or a weighted blanket.
• And try this, Zen Bites, not kidding. Pack them, you never know.
• I learned this from Razor; he barks at weird sounds. Barking dogs can be an issue if you are lodging in a hotel or resort. I played soft music or white noise, and he heard less and therefore responded less, especially at night.  
• He also loves the lavender scent in the diffuser. He told me himself.

Tips while on the road.

#1~ Plan stops along your route every 2-3 hours for a potty break and stretch your legs and get your pup some exercise.

#2 ~ Restrain the dog in the car for his safety and your own, either in a crate or with a seatbelt. Avoid a pet sitting in the driver’s lap or wandering around at the foot of the driver. And don’t let the dog roam around freely in the car.

#3 ~ Don’t let your pet ride in the truck bed unless he is in a protective crate.
A tough one, you really shouldn’t let your pup ride with his head out the window as bugs, dust, dirt, and debris can go up his nose or in his eyes, causing injury or infection.

#4 ~ DO NOT LEAVE YOUR PET IN A HOT CAR. According to this study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, a car can increase its inside temperature by 40°F after 60 minutes for ambient temperatures spanning 72 to 96°F—this is deadly. DON’T DO IT.

#5 ~ Try to maintain a close routine to home. Mealtimes, walk times, and play times should be on a similar schedule to your home. Maybe a bonus walk or two a day to get out the sillies.

Here are a couple of printables to help you start planning your road trip with your dog—he deserves the fun as much as you.

Have fun and send me pictures.