7 Best Products Pet Parents Should Always Keep in Their Car

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Keeping a few things in the car makes every trip with your dog easier and safer, whether you are going to the park, the vet or on a long drive. This page covers seven items to keep in the car, based on the American Kennel Club (AKC) road-trip checklist and the MSD Veterinary Manual.

Two rules come first, because no product replaces them: never leave your dog alone in the car, and secure your dog properly while you drive. The sections below explain both.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. If your dog is unwell, hurt or struggling in the heat, contact your vet or local emergency vet straight away.

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Two Rules Before You Pack

Never Leave Your Dog Alone In The Car

The AKC says dogs should never be left alone in cars, no matter how short the time or what the weather is like. It also notes that a dog left in a car can be stolen along with the car.

PDSA, the UK veterinary charity, backs a campaign with the message that ‘not long’ is too long. Its vet lists heavy panting, excessive salivation, lethargy and appearing uncoordinated as early signs of heatstroke, and says that in that case the dog’s life may be in danger and it is best to call the emergency services (999 in the UK; use your local emergency number elsewhere).

Secure Your Dog While You Drive

The AKC says cars come with seat belts for a reason, and that you should buy equipment tested for canine safety, a carrier or a safety harness, so your dog is restrained if there is an accident. It says the back seat is better than the front because of air bags, and that dogs should not put their head out of a moving car’s window; keep rear windows closed so they cannot put any part of themselves out.

For small dogs the AKC suggests a car carrier or dog car seat; our guide to car seats for small flat-faced dogs has more. Get your dog used to the carrier or harness at home first, then on a short trip, before a long one.

7 Things To Keep In The Car

1. A Spare Leash And Collar Or Harness

The AKC suggests keeping a spare collar and leash in the glove box, so if one set gets wet, dirty or tangled you have another. Your dog should also wear a collar with up-to-date identification tags, and the AKC says to make sure the microchip is registered to you. This retractable leash is listed for dogs under about 25 kg; check the weight limit on the listing before you buy.

A spare harness is useful too. This one is listed as a no-pull harness for large dogs; it is a walking harness, not a crash-tested car harness, so see the restraint advice above.

If you want a custom-made leash, you can also look at these custom leashes.

2. Water And A Collapsible Bowl

The AKC says to carry fresh, clean water and a portable dish and to offer your dog a drink every so often, and to stop every few hours so they can go to the toilet. A collapsible silicone bowl folds flat and can be washed and dried before it goes back in the car.

For other ways to carry water, see our guides to travel water bottles for dogs and automatic water bowls.

3. Poop Bags

The AKC calls poop bags an essential that is easy to forget, and suggests a bag carrier that clips onto the leash so it never gets left behind. Keep a spare roll in the car. You can also browse our poop bag picks.

4. Treats For Rest Stops

The AKC says not to feed your dog right before a trip, because a full stomach can cause motion sickness, and to plan meals several hours before you leave. A pack of treats in the car is therefore best kept for rest stops and for rewarding calm behaviour outside the car. This listing is a long-lasting chew; offer chews only when the car is stopped and you can watch your dog.

5. A Carrier For A Small Dog

For a small dog, the AKC suggests a car carrier or car seat that is secured in the back seat. This backpack-style carrier is listed for dogs with a back length of 33–41 cm; check the maker’s information on car safety before you rely on it in a vehicle.

6. A Blanket And A Familiar Toy

The AKC says a favourite blanket or toy can comfort your dog on a long trip, because the familiar smell helps them feel calm somewhere new. A blanket can also protect your seat; our guide to calming a puppy has more ideas for an anxious dog.

7. A Pet First Aid Kit

The MSD Veterinary Manual says you can buy a pet first aid kit or assemble one, keep it in a container with a secure lid where you can reach it quickly, and learn how to use everything in it. It adds that a first aid kit is not a substitute for veterinary care: in an emergency, take your pet to the vet as soon as possible.

The MSD Veterinary Manual’s basic list for a dog or cat is:

• a muzzle
• bandaging supplies (gauze, sterile pads, stretch bandage, adhesive tape)
• duct tape or packing tape
• small blunt-ended scissors
• 3% hydrogen peroxide
• cotton balls or swabs
• saline solution
• antibiotic ointment
• splinting materials
• tweezers or forceps
• a bulb syringe
• a rectal thermometer and lubricating jelly
• disposable gloves
• a small supply of any medicine your pet takes daily

The list also includes kaolin-pectin and activated charcoal or milk of magnesia for some situations, but the MSD Veterinary Manual says to always check with your vet before giving your pet any over-the-counter medicine, and to check expiry dates at least once a year. Do not use these without a vet’s advice. This ready-made car kit is listed with a digital thermometer and a muzzle:

The AKC also suggests keeping copies of your dog’s medical records and any medicines they take in the car, so you can share their history if something goes wrong.

The Bottom Line

Keep your dog restrained, never leave them alone in the car, and pack water, a spare leash, poop bags, a comfort item and a first aid kit. Check the AKC and your vet if you are planning a long trip.