Accessories You Need for Your Car if You Have a Dog!

More than half of the UK owns a pet, which means there’s every chance that you’ve got a pooch who joins you on car journeys every now and then. Therefore, if you want a stress-free road trip with your four-legged friend, you’ll need to make your car dog friendly. 

But just how do you go about ensuring that little Rex and Rover enjoy the drive as much as you do? Why, you use the dog accessories we've listed in this handy guide, that's how. So read on and discover the best bits of kit for cars if you have a dog. 

Want to get the latest tips AND see a super cute doggy in a car? Why not watch the video too 👇

The dog accessories you need

All the blankets 🐾

Your BMW 2 Series convertible might be your pride and joy, but little Daisy cares not for the leather seats with the highlight corner cloth. That’s why you need to put down plenty of blankets when they’re in the car. You’ll avoid scratch marks on the seats from their little paws and can also use the blankets if they get muddy on a walk. Just make sure you’ve got a few so you don’t run out. 

Water and bowl 💧💧💧

You don’t want your pup going thirsty if you’re going on a longer trip, so make sure you keep water and bowl in the car. Then, when you make a pit stop, get the bowl out and top it up with some good ol’ H2o. It’s especially important that you have water to hand for your dog during the summer, so they don't get dehydrated in the car. 

Treats 🥨

Don’t forget the doggie treats! They will help keep your dog filled up until you get home for dinner. Plus, you can use treats to bribe them so they like the new people you’re going to visit. Because when all else fails, there’s nothing like a bit of bribery to ensure a well-behaved pet.

Extendable lead 🐕‍🦺

An extendable lead is especially helpful for the naughty pups, as they can still run around and play in large open spaces without getting lost or running off. And even if your canine behaves impeccably, extendable leads can be helpful when you would rather keep them close. However - we would never advise using an extendable lead whilst you're walking on busy roads. They can be unpredictable, and boy does it hurt if you try to grab it whilst it's retracting!

Toys 🧸

A good ol’ squeaky toy or something similar can help keep your dog preoccupied during the longer trips. They’re also great if you’re visiting friends, as they’ll spend most of their time chewing the toy instead of trying to take chunks out of somewhere else’s sofa. That’s a win-win if you ask us. 

Poop bags 💩

Spare poop bags 💩💩

Even more spare poop bags 💩💩💩

Wet wipes 🧽

Dogs are a lot like little children, and even if they’re well-trained, there might be the odd accident. That’s where wet wipes come into play, as they’re the ideal accessory if you need to clean up any mess made by your furry friend. 

Dog car seat cover 💺

If you don’t want to cover your seats with loose blankets (though we still recommend them for cleaning your dog after muddy walks), you can get a dog seat car cover. Some of them even cover the entire back seat of your car, giving little Max and Charlie plenty of space to get comfy. They can also be super helpful in preventing your pup jump into the front seat. 

Dog carrier for small dogs 🧺

Having a dog carrier can help you and your pup get into places without people knowing you’ve got a dog in your bag. Get a dark-coloured carrier to keep your dog calm and out of sight – it’s ideal for many restaurants and can make everyone’s life that little bit easier. Trust us when we say... we've been in some TOP restaurants with our pup in a bag. No one will ever know!

Dog rules when you’re driving

The rules for carrying a pet in your car aren’t particularly stringent, but there are some practices you need to adhere to. Rule 57 of the highway code states: “When in a vehicle, make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they cannot distract you while you are driving or injure you, or themselves if you stop quickly. A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.”

There are no legal requirements set out in the legislation, and there’s no direct penalty for breaking the highway code. However, you could still find yourself pulled over by the police for driving without due care and attention if you’re not responsible with your dog in the car.

You could also receive anything from three to nine points on your licence. Any pet found to have caused or contributed to an accident could see your car insurance become invalid, and you may even face a fine of up to £5,000 if you’re taken to court. 

Therefore, you should always be responsible with your dog in the car, and having the right accessories can help avoid many potential problems. 

Accessorising with your dog

Having pet accessories can make both your and your dog’s life easier when you’re travelling around in the car. That means a smoother journey for all involved and a happy pooch ready to reach your next destination.