If you are like many people, you like to take your dog with you when you go out. Many dogs love taking rides in the car to the supermarket, to a friend's house, to the park, and even on roadtrips. If you like to take your dog with you wherever you go, you are going to need a few essentials to make your trips easy on you and your dog.

Food, Water, and Collapsible Dishes

If you are going to be out and about with your dog for an extended period, he or she will get hungry and thirsty. Be sure to bring food and water for your pet, and that you have collapsible dishes to serve it in. You can purchase collapsible dog dishes that are small enough to fit in a backpack, in your glove compartment, or even in a purse. If you bring a Ziplock bag full of food or treats and a bottle of water with you when you leave the house, you won't need to worry about your dog getting hungry or thirsty while you are out. This is a small, cheap, responsible investment that will help keep your dog happy.

Car Mats

Dogs shed—even the “hypoallergenic” ones. It is a fact of life. If you are going to take your dog in the car often, you should consider car floor mats. Floor mats are an efficient method of dealing with pet messes in the car because, Wade Auto Floor Mats advises, “vacuuming a car is often awkward. Maneuvering around seats through doors and trunks can be surprisingly difficult. Removable floor mats are much easier to clean than the floor of your vehicle—particularly if your pet is prone to accidents.” When your dog sheds, the mats will make it easy to remove the fur and sanitise the car in case your dog has an accident. If you have leather interior, you won't need to worry as much about the fur sticking to the seats; however, if your interior is fabric, you might additionally want to consider buying a cover for the seats. Additionally, you may want to invest in a lint roller for your clothes to keep in the glove box.

Car Seat

Yes, car seats for dogs are a real thing, and yes, they really work to keep your dog safe while you travel. Best Car Seat Hub says that “Since your pet is so important, you really should take your time to choose a dog car seat just like you would any other type of car seat. After all, they are part of your family.” These specialized restraints will keep your dog in one place during the ride, making it safer for you to drive. Also, if you have to slam on the brakes or if you have to swerve to avoid hitting another car, your dog will be safe in the car seat. Without the seat, your dog can be injured in these types of situations. You can buy various types of car seats for dogs from a simple harness to a chair that you can buckle your pet into. Car seats for dogs come in all sizes. Buckle your dog’s seat by the window so he or she can enjoy the view and remain safe throughout the entire ride.  

Collar and Leash

If your dog is like most dogs who love the car, you don't need to put his leash on to get him to your vehicle. Most dogs who love to travel will run outside and jump in the car without any problems. The issues begin when you arrive at your destination. You’ll need to wrestle your dog into his or her collar and leash before leaving the car. It’s not as much for the safety of others as it is for the safety of your dog; after all, you wouldn’t want your pet jumping from the car and bolting off into the woods or a busy street.

It's also a good idea to keep your dog restrained when in public anyway — you don't want your dog to get spooked and run away, or possibly bite a stranger. If your dog tends to be protective, it's a good idea to add a humane wire basket muzzle to your list as well. Just in case you happen to leave your dog’s collar and leash at home, it would be wise to keep a spare collar and leash in the car at all times.

Many dogs love to accompany their owners everywhere they go. If you travel in your vehicle with your dog often, you should have the necessary items to protect your car and to keep your pet safe and comfortable.