What We Always Pack When Travelling with Our Dog in Summer
At WagFriendly, our adventures exploring with our dogs have taught us a thing or two. There's truly nothing better than having your canine companion by your side — whether you're tackling coastal hikes, settling into forest campsites, or enjoying weekend breaks in new surroundings. But as any seasoned dog owner knows, summer travel with a canine companion brings unique considerations.
To help you get the most out of your dog-friendly holidays, we've put together a practical list of 10 essential products. These aren't just basics you'll find anywhere; these are the items we've genuinely found useful for dog travel. They're the kind of things you don't always realize you need until they make a journey smoother, safer, and much more comfortable for both you and your dog.
Your WagFriendly Summer Travel Essentials:
1. Paw Balm
One thing many dog owners, even experienced ones, often forget to pack in summer is paw balm. Hot tarmac in a town centre, rugged coastal paths, or rocky trails in mountain regions can be incredibly tough on your dog’s delicate feet. A protective balm or wax helps guard against burns, cracking, and irritation.
It’s easy to apply and lightweight to carry, yet it can make a substantial difference to your dog's comfort and well-being when you're exploring with your dog. Think of it as sunscreen for their feet!
2. Dog-Friendly First Aid Kit
Most of us meticulously pack a first aid kit for ourselves, but often forget to include items specifically for our dogs. A comprehensive dog-friendly first aid kit should cover the basics: bandages, antiseptic, a tick remover, and saline solution.
If you're planning serious hikes in remote areas or spending extended time in nature, it’s worth including tweezers and a styptic pencil for minor cuts. These small additions can save valuable time, money, and unnecessary worry when travelling with your dog and far from veterinary assistance. It’s always better to be over-prepared.
WagFriendly's Top Tip: Always include a spare clean sock (an old human one works great!) in your dog's first aid kit along with a hair band. It's perfect for holding a bandage in place on a paw in a pinch until you can properly secure it.
3. Collapsible Travel Bowls
Collapsible silicone bowls are a staple for any dog-friendly trip. The key is finding ones that are sturdy enough for daily use and simple to clean. They’re lightweight, take up barely any space in your gear, and can often clip to bags or leads for ultimate convenience on those long hikes or casual strolls.
Some even have lids, making them handy for meal prep or storing leftovers – a lifesaver when you're camping with your dog or on multi-day excursions away from home.
WagFriendly's Top Tip: For extra-cool water on hot days, pre-freeze one of your collapsible travel bowls filled with water overnight. The solid ice block will slowly melt throughout the day, providing a continuously cold drink for hours.
4. Non-Slip Travel Blanket or Hammock
It's about more than just keeping your car seats pristine after a muddy woodland walk. A padded, non-slip blanket or car hammock gives your dog a defined, comfortable, and secure space in the car. This can significantly reduce restlessness, contain mess, and lower stress levels for everyone during drives making it essential for any road trip with your dog.
Waterproof options are, in our experience, the best. They can easily handle everything from wet fur after a dip in a lake to muddy paws from a countryside ramble. It’s far simpler to remove and shake out a blanket than to deep-clean your car’s upholstery after an adventure with your travelling dog.
5. Portable Dog Water Bottle
When summer temperatures climb, staying hydrated is crucial for your dog. A good portable water bottle for dogs means you can easily offer a refreshing drink during walks, quick rest stops on a long drive, or a day out at a sandy beach without needing to carry a separate bowl.
We particularly like the MalsiPree Dog Water Bottle. Its clever design lets you dispense just the right amount of water and then return any unused water back into the bottle, cutting down on waste and mess. It’s leakproof, simple to carry, and ideal for any longer dog journeys or day trips.
6. Microfiber Dog Towel
A standard bath towel might do the job at home, but not for long on the road. Once it’s wet, it stays wet and quickly develops that unpleasant damp smell. A microfiber dog towel, on the other hand, is super quick-drying, incredibly lightweight, and far less likely to hold onto odours – a true dog travel accessory game-changer.
It’s perfect for drying off after a swim in the sea or a lake, wiping down sandy paws after a beach adventure, or managing unexpected summer showers (because, let's face it, summer weather can be unpredictable!). Some even feature built-in pockets or loops for easier handling.
7. LED Collar or Clip-On Light
Long summer evenings mean more time for walks, camping under the stars, or evenings on the beach. But when the sun eventually dips, visibility becomes a safety concern, especially if you're near roads, in unfamiliar places, or letting your dog off-lead in open fields.
An LED collar or a small clip-on light helps you keep track of your dog and ensures others can see them too. Many models are USB rechargeable and offer hours of illumination, making them a smart, low-fuss addition to any dog-friendly holiday kit.
8. Dog Cooling Mat
While cooling vests can sometimes lose effectiveness quickly under the summer sun, a self-cooling mat offers a more consistent, low-maintenance way to help your dog stay cool. These ingenious mats typically use a pressure-activated gel that stays cool without needing refrigeration or electricity – perfect for off-grid dog travel in a campervan.
They’re especially valuable in warm cars after a walk, inside tents, or in campervans, helping to prevent overheating during long breaks or lazy afternoons in a sunny campsite. Look for foldable designs that are easy to pack for your dog-friendly holidays wherever you roam.
9. Dog Sunscreen or Pop-Up Shade Tent
Dogs can get sunburned just like humans, particularly those with light fur, pink noses, or exposed skin. A dog-safe sunscreen helps protect sensitive areas like ears, noses, and bellies from harmful UV rays, especially important during a summer heatwave.
If you’re spending time on a dog-friendly beach or in open fields, a lightweight pop-up shade tent gives your dog a cool, sheltered spot to rest out of direct sun. It also doubles as a handy wind or rain shelter for unpredictable summer weather, making it invaluable for any dog-friendly places you explore.
10. Calming Travel Aids
If your dog tends to get nervous in the car or unsettled in new places, a few natural calming products can help. Our favourites include Adaptil Travel Spray, which mimics comforting dog pheromones, and Bach Rescue Remedy for Pets — a gentle herbal formula.
They’re useful for long drives with your dog, overnight stays in unfamiliar surroundings, or any new environment that may cause stress. A calm dog makes for a much happier dog holiday.
WagFriendly's Top Tip: New environments, unfamiliar smells, and different routines can be unsettling. Always pack a small comfort item from home – a favourite blanket, a well-loved toy, or even your old t-shirt. The familiar scent and texture can provide immense comfort and security for your travelling companion, helping them settle more easily in a new hotel room or campsite.
Important Reminders for Travelling with Your Dog
- Never leave your dog in a parked car — even with windows cracked, interior temperatures can become dangerously high in minutes, especially on a warm summer day.
- Remove toxic or harmful items from your car or camper: chocolate, coffee, medication, grapes, and batteries are common hazards.
- Keep the space well ventilated while driving, and always take regular breaks for water, toilet stops, and fresh air for your travelling companion.
Plan Your Next Dog-Friendly Adventure with WagFriendly!
WagFriendly is your ultimate guide for dog-friendly travel across the UK and Europe. From breathtaking coastal walks and serene countryside campsites to welcoming cafés, pubs, and places to stay with your dog, we've built this platform to make it simpler for dog owners to explore without compromise.
For more expert dog travel tips and essential product recommendations, dive into our comprehensive Dog Travel Essentials Guide. We also love hearing from you! Share your own must-have items or favourite dog travel tips on our socials. Start planning your next unforgettable dog holiday!