A dog is a man's best friend, and there isn't anyone that can deny this. it's a faithful companion that follows you everywhere and will never let you down. They're caring and devoted pets, plus, they're comforting, smart and loving. To try and return the favour for loving us so much, it's our duty to look after and keep them safe.
Having the proper dog bed, leash, shampoo, bowls and toys are just the essentials. If you're a traveller and like to visit new places, your dog should feel cosy in the car. By equipping it with everything you need, both you and your dog will have worry-free travels.
Car Seat Cover
If you travel with your dog a lot, you already know how fast dirt and dog hair accumulate in the car. In order to protect the seats, you should buy a comfortable and practical dog cover for car seats. This way you won’t have to vacuum out the car or clean some accidents each time your dog leaves the seat. This cover will save you time, effort and money.
There are several things to consider before buying the cover. The first one is the material the cover is made of. Your car is a big investment, and you should buy high-quality covers to protect it as best as you can. It should be durable and able to withstand scratches and deal with hair and mud. Something with water-resistant or waterproof properties is a good way to go.
This type of cover is easy to clean, which is very important because you’ll have to clean it after every use. Quilted covers are made of heavyweight materials that are very durable and strong. They're particularly good for dogs that like to chew or scratch the cover. This accessory should also be easy to install and remove. It shouldn’t be a hustle and take a lot of time.
Otherwise, there’s a chance you’ll install it incorrectly. Non-slip backing is a great addition. It'll hold the cover in place and keep your dog safe. Think about a cover that allows access to a seat belt. This way your pup will always be safe and secure. These covers come in several styles and sizes. Some are made for the front, and some for the back seat. Which one you choose depends on your dog’s size and seating preference.
The back seat is always safer, and the dog will be more comfortable because it’s more spacious. But if it’s a smaller breed, you could place it in the front seat. To make sure you get the right fit, always measure the area you want to cover and look for those dimensions at the store. And when it comes to colour, the basic one is black, but you can also find brighter tones such as blue, green, yellow and even pink.
Food and Water Bowl
The bowl is one of the must-have travel accessories, and having a good, sturdy one can make a huge difference in your adventures. Choosing the right is important because it’s something the dog will use several times a day. Bigger bowls usually mean the dog will eat slowly because the food is spread across the bottom. But if you don’t have the space, you can go with a smaller one.
The pet’s size is important as well. The cleaning and maintenance should be simple and easy because you’ll have to clean the bowl several times a day. Get a bowl made of stainless steel, ceramic or glass. All of them are easy to clean and hard to damage. the best choice is probably stainless steel because it’s rust-resistant, non-absorbent and stain-resistant.
If your dog moves around while eating, buy a bowl with a rubber bottom. This will prevent it from slipping. There’s also an elevated bowl. This one is practical for pets with certain medical conditions or tall dogs. This bowl makes swallowing easier and dogs won’t strain their neck. You can match the bowl with the dog cover for car seats and make a cute pairing your pet will enjoy.
Travel Bed
Travelling with your dog without a travelling bed is never a good idea. You should always have a proper seat for them. Somewhere they’ll feel safe and secure. It's especially important if you and your dog go on long car rides often. The bed you have at home is not always a good replacement for a travel bed because it’s not meant to sit in a backseat of a car.
You should be able to secure the travel beg tightly with belts. It should also be lightweight, easy to store and portable. Plus, cleaning it without much trouble or fuss is always a big plus. But the most important thing is for the bed to be comfortable. It should hold the dog’s body and head and adjust to its curves. Memory foam beds are one of the best choices when it comes to comfort.
Keep in mind that many pets can experience anxiety while travelling. The dog car seat covers may not be enough to keep them at ease so the bed can help you a lot. Familiarise the dog with the bed before going on the trip. This way the dog will have something familiar with it and will feel safe. The size is also important. Don't let the bed be too big, and definitely not too small.
First Aid Kit
Travelling can sometimes bring unexpected injuries not just for you, but for your pet as well. Keeping them safe is as important as keeping ourselves safe. So, just as you carry a human first aid kit, you should also carry a canine first aid kit in your car. It contains all of the essentials for a medical emergency.
Some of the items you’ll find inside are a manual. In this leaflet, you can read instructions and figure out how to use the kit. You'll also find gauzes that are lightweight and a must-have in case of an injury. Bandages and adhesive tape are also there. Cotton balls are great for cleaning wounds or applying the medicine. They're absorbent and extra soft.
Having hydrogen peroxide is always a good idea so that you can prevent infections. Some other elements of the kit are antibiotic spray, ointments, milk of magnesia, a digital thermometer, a pillbox, scissors, tweezers, magnifying glass, syringes, a towel, a flashlight etc. You can find these kits pre-packed at the pet store or create one on your own.
