Road-tripping with your pup this summer? Try these 11 dog travel essentials, from $8

For quick drinks on the go, this doggy water bottle is a good pick. It has a 19-ounce reservoir (a little over two cups) and has a button that lets the water flow into the bowl. The button locks, so you don’t have to worry about it leaking all over your car. This water bottle also comes in a few more sizes — five total — ranging from 12 ounces to 27 ounces.

Veterinarians recommend securing your pet inside the car whenever it’s moving. “Check for a vehicle harness that’s suited both for your pets and your vehicle,” Dr. Anthony Cordray, veterinarian at VCA Spring Mountain Animal Hospital, explains. “Don’t forget to review the crash-test ratings, and it’s preferred to have a harness that keeps your pet sitting upright as opposed to lying down.”

While it’s pricey, the Sleepypod is the only car harness that’s approved by the Center for Pet Safety. It comes in four sizes and multiple colors, all of which have been crash-tested. You can attach a leash and use it like a regular harness when you’re not in the car. Otherwise, it attaches to the seatbelt to keep your dog safely in their seat.

If you want to give your small dog a comfy spot to rest, this car seat is padded with memory foam and has long straps that attach to the seats to keep it in place. It also has a built-in leash to clip to a harness. (My dog especially likes that it’s elevated, so he can see out the window a little better.)

If you have a larger dog, you can protect your upholstery and your pet with this oversized foam bed. It attaches to the seats to minimize movement and gives your dog a comfy spot to lie. It has a built-in strap to attach to a harness for added safety, and the internal cushion is removable and machine-washable.  

If you like to keep a clean car (who doesn’t?), wipe your dog’s paws with these thick disposable wipes after they get a break and romp around outside. You can also use ’em to clean your pup all over if they’ve spent a lot of time playing. They’re gentle enough for the face, eye area and backside, and they’re formulated with sensitive-skin-friendly aloe. The light, fresh scent isn’t overpowering.

This on-the-go bowl is actually two bowls in one. They nest together to save you some space when your pup’s not using them. The outer stainless steel bowl holds up to 7 cups of food, while the plastic bowl insert holds up to 3 cups. You can use one for food and one for water whenever you take a break.

Dogs get bored too! Give your pup something to do and bring along a puzzle toy. You can hide kibble and treats inside the folds of this snuffle ball so they can sniff and snack on the go. 

Dr. Andrea Y. Tu, chief of veterinary behavior services at the Heart of Chelsea Veterinary Group in New York City, shared that puzzle toys offer dogs a chance to explore and forage for food, similar to how they would outdoors. And giving pups an activity can help keep them occupied, make them feel less anxious and discourage them from acting out.

Here’s another puzzle toy that’s totally mess-free. The Woof Pupsicle is made of BPA-free, dog-safe rubber, and it unscrews to reveal a treat receptacle on the inside. Put the lid back on and let your dog go to town. Woof sells refill treats, or you can make your own.

Accidents can happen anywhere. Be prepared with your pup’s own first aid kit. This one includes wound care items, a bandage for sprains, tweezers for tick removal and hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting (if they eat something they shouldn’t have). 

If you’re going somewhere warm, consider toting along a cooling mat for your dog. (I’ve tried this one and it really works!) You don’t need any water, and you don’t need to put it in the fridge or freezer. Just applying pressure to the gel-filled mat releases a cooling sensation for up to three hours. It automatically recharges after 15 to 20 minutes of non-use too. The product description advises against using it in direct sunlight, so make sure your pup finds a nice resting spot in the shade. 

Pro tip: You could also get your dog a cooling bandana. Just soak it in water and let it get chilly before tying it around your dog’s neck.

While they may not be the most glamorous thing to add to your cart, poop bags are an essential for on-the-go pup parents. Pick up after them with these guaranteed-leakproof bags. They’re also lavender-scented, which is a nice bonus.