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Taking your dog on holiday sounds like a dream. In reality? It can be a bit of a logistical puzzle. But honestly, once you’ve got the right gear sorted, travelling with your dog becomes a whole lot easier and way more fun.
If you’re planning a dog-friendly break, here are some genuinely useful travel essentials that make life simpler, safer and a lot less stressful, for both of you.
1. A Portable Dog Bowl
Let’s start with the basics. Water is essential, but not everywhere you go has a dog-friendly tap or bowl.
A portable dog bowl is one of those things that makes a big difference. Ruffwear’s collapsible bowls are particularly handy. They fold flat, don’t leak all over your bag, and can go straight in the washing machine when you get home. Bonus: if feeding time comes around while you’re out, you’re covered.
2. Travel Water Bottle
If you’re heading somewhere more off the grid, it also helps to bring your own water source.
The LumoLeaf Travel Water Bottle unfolds into a small bowl so your dog can drink easily wherever you are. It’s light, easy to clean, and way less awkward than trying to pour from a standard bottle into your hand.
3. First Aid Kit
Nobody wants to think about injuries on holiday, but adventurous dogs do adventurous things.
A compact dog first aid kit, like the Mountain Paws Dog First Aid Kit, gives you peace of mind on long hikes or remote beach walks and includes things like paw sleeves, bandages, and even a thermal blanket. It’s all small enough to throw in your bag but could be invaluable.
Hopefully you won’t need it. But you’ll be glad you packed it.
4. A GPS Tracker
Even the best-trained dogs can get distracted somewhere unfamiliar. Holidays are full of new smells, new sounds, new excitement.
That’s why so many pet owners now travel with tools like the Tractive GPS tracker attached to their dog’s collar. The Tractive pet tracker lets you see your dog’s real-time location through an app on your phone, set virtual fences, receive alerts if they wander further than expected, and even monitor their vitals, activity, and sleep.
It’s lightweight, waterproof which comes in handy for spontaneous swims, and works across multiple countries. You might never need to actively track them but knowing you can is a huge comfort.
5. LED Dog Collars
Holiday walks don’t always happen in bright sunshine.
An LED collar makes your pup visible in low light or foggy weather. Something like the Shine for Dogs’ Ultimate LED Dog Collar shines bright and will make your dog hard to miss.
6. A Reliable Lead
New places mean new distractions.
A sturdy, shock-absorbing lead like the GOMA Dog Lead gives you better control when your dog spots something unexpected or exciting. It’s one of those items you don’t think about until you really, really need it.
7. Biodegradable Poop Bags
Nothing ruins a beautiful trail like litter. If you want beaches and parks to stay open to dogs, picking up after them matters quite a lot.
Pogis Poop Bags are durable, biodegradable and roomy. They break down much quicker than regular plastic but remember biodegradable doesn’t mean you can leave it anywhere. Always dispose of them properly in a bin.
8. A Quality Drying Towel
Beach holiday? Lake house? Your dog is sure to get wet.
A super-absorbent towel like the Soggy Doggy Super Shammy makes drying off quick and surprisingly mess-free. It holds a lot of water, doesn’t drip everywhere, dries in no time, and has handy pockets so you can really rub them down properly.
No dripping car seats, no soaked blankets, just faster drying and fewer smells.
9. A Good Brush
Holiday adventures mean tangles, shedding and stuff stuck in fur.
Regular brushing with something like a Furminator helps reduce loose hair and keeps your dog looking and feeling fresh. It’s especially useful if you’re staying in a rental property. Fewer stray hairs means fewer awkward conversations.
10. Travel Dog Beds
Dogs are creatures of comfort, especially when it comes to sleeping.
A travel bed like the ones from Joules gives them something familiar in a new environment. It folds easily, looks great, and helps your dog settle quicker in holiday accommodation.
Last tip: let them use it at home before you go so it smells familiar.
