The Best Road-Trip Gear for Dogs

Keep your best friend comfortable and well fed on your next adventure

The key to road-tripping with your pooch is to have a plan, pack appropriately, and be flexible. We’ve put together of a list of the must-haves, wish-we-coulds, and why-nots for making the miles pass quickly and quietly.

Kong Classic Chew Toy ($7)

Never hit the open road without at least one of these in the car. When everything else goes bad, stuff a treat into your trusted Kong, and your traveling companion is sure to be distracted long enough to let you deal with the trouble. There are actually websites dedicated to the art of layering different treats together, but we recommend tried-and-true fillings like canned pumpkin, cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and wild game.

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Jax and Bones Memory Foam Dog Pillow ($219)

Named after the owner’s dog, Jax and Bones makes the supremely comfortable, allergen-free Quad Sunset Pillow Dog Beds. I like the splash of color, which also lets me know when a cleaning is in order. Nice touch: The pillow is 100 percent machine washable.

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OllyDog OllyBottle ($15)

The one-liter OllyBottle is perfect for staying hydrated on the road. The dishwasher-safe, BPA-free vessel has an integrated bowl so you don’t have to scrounge for a makeshift one when your dog gets thirsty.

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Hide and Drink Collapsible Travel Dog Bowl ($18)

This waterproof, waxed-canvas bowl folds into a compact shape, holds both food and water, and has proven durable enough to put up with years of abuse in the back of my trunk.

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Wildebeest Alamo Dog Treat Pouch ($30)

Treats are the key to keeping your dog happy on the road. The Wildebeest pouch has a magnetic closure to keep the biscuits secure and a nice belt clip to keep it at hand.

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Ruffwear Webmaster Harness ($60)

The Ruffwear Webmaster Harness is designed for use by avalanche rescue dogs, but it also works great for less-extreme scenarios. The fit is firm yet comfortable, and you can easily grab the handle and assist your dog as she gets in and out of a truck. The harness is hand-washable and infinitely adjustable and has reflective piping.

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Dog Patch SF Leash ($25)

Dog Patch SF collects used ropes from climbers, sailors, and arborists and reuses the scraps in leashes. The company donates 20 percent of all the leashes it makes to animal shelters from California to Ecuador.

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Seventh Generation Baby Wipes ($14)

We keep baby wipes at the front door, in the car, and in the garage to wipe paws before they track mud everywhere.

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Sporting Dog First-Aid Kit ($85)

Better safe than sorry, right? This kit includes everything from eye wash and a cold compress to forceps and a pill gun.

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